Intel’s new software-defined vehicle (SDV) platform could revolutionize how EVs are built and operated — promising significant gains in efficiency while dramatically reducing complexity. The system, unveiled at CES 2024, aims to consolidate more than 50 electronic control units (ECUs) found in typical modern EVs down to just a handful of processors.
The technology claims to boost EV range by 3-5% through smarter power management, while enabling faster charging and more responsive driving dynamics. It’s not just another over-the-air update system — Intel’s approach fundamentally reimagines vehicle architecture.
Karma Automotive will be the first to implement this technology in its upcoming 1,000-hp Kaveya electric coupe, scheduled for 2026. The all-wheel-drive vehicle, promising 0-60 mph times under 3.0 seconds, will serve as a real-world test bed for Intel’s architecture.
“We think that we have the opportunity to be the very first manufacturer to deploy a full ground-up true software-defined vehicle architecture,” said Marques McCammon during Intel Automotive’s CES presentation.
At the heart of the system is Intel’s Adaptive Control Unit (ACU). This central processor manages vehicle domains, applications, and safety-critical functions — a significant departure from today’s distributed or zonal approaches using dozens of separate controllers.
The platform’s efficiency gains come from intelligent power management. Jack Weast, Intel’s VP of Automotive, explained how the system can adapt to different scenarios: Tesla’s Sentry mode, which typically draws 40-50 watts continuously, could run on just a few watts until an intruder is detected.
Modern vehicles often contain more than 100 separate ECUs, creating a complex web of electronics that’s difficult to service and upgrade. Intel’s solution promises an 80% reduction in ECUs and a 60% shorter wiring harness.
The timing is significant. In November, Volkswagen invested up to $5.8 billion in a joint venture with Rivian, recognizing the importance of software-defined architectures. Rivian already made headlines by reducing its ECU count from 17 to seven in its 2025 models.
Karma’s role extends beyond being just an early adopter. The company has developed a proprietary silicon carbide inverter that’s central to Intel’s whole-vehicle solution. The unit will likely be manufactured in Michigan, though it carries both companies’ branding.
This partnership traces back to McCammon’s history with Intel’s Weast at Wind River systems. “We had a vision then of what a software-enabled, or software-defined vehicle was going to be,” McCammon told Green Car Reports. “But when we thought this up, we always needed someone to go first.”
Intel claims the system can recover up to 40% of typical powertrain energy losses. Combined with shorter wiring and optimized components, this could allow for smaller motors and battery packs — potentially reducing overall vehicle costs.
The transformation to software-defined vehicles appears inevitable. Ford CEO Jim Farley has already committed to “radically simplified” next-generation EVs with fully updatable architectures. Intel’s comprehensive approach, however, might accelerate this transition faster than many expected.
