Edmunds: The pros and cons of software running your car
Auto manufacturers are applying more computer and software-based features to their vehicles Software was a big theme for automakers attending CES 2023 in January. BMW, Stellantis, Volkswagen and a joint venture between Honda and Sony showed off upcoming or concept vehicles that are significantly reliant on computers and code. The takeaway was clear: More and more vehicles will be run top to bottom by software , not hardware. In some cases, the future is already here. What will it be like for shoppers when vehicles are dominated by bits and bytes instead of gears and gaskets? Edmunds’ experts break down what’s in store. SOFTWARE DEFINED VEHICLES The phrase “ software -defined vehicle” is an industry term used to clarify the difference between a traditional car that is enhanced by Technology and one that is run by Technology . While cars of the past 20 years have gained touchscreens and have plenty of engine- and safety-related computing power, those software features are largely stuck ...