Nissan, Honda team up to standardise ECUs, software for next-gen vehicles

Nissan Motor Corporation and Honda Motor Co have announced a joint development agreement to standardise multiple electronic control units (ECUs) and software for their next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs), aiming to reduce development costs and improve R&D efficiency. Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly establish common specifications for multiple core ECUs within the electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture of next-generation SDVs, along with the in-vehicle operating system, key parts of the middleware and vehicle control software that runs on these ECUs.

1. Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) identified as a priority for collaboration
2. Collaboration aims to mitigate development costs and enhance R&D efficiency

Common E/E architecture to underpin upcoming Honda and Nissan cars

The ECUs covered include high-performance main ECUs (High Performance Computers) that use system-on-chips (SoCs), as well as zone ECUs that oversee individual areas of the vehicle. The resulting E/E architecture is planned for application in both companies’ next-generation SDVs starting in fiscal year 2029.

The agreement follows extensive joint studies by Nissan and Honda into potential collaboration in the software domain, conducted as part of their broader strategic partnership. The companies identified the SDV software domain as a priority area for collaboration, citing the pace of technological change and the need to strengthen competitiveness through faster R&D and more efficient investment.

By standardising these foundational technologies, Nissan and Honda said they aim to combine their engineering expertise and development resources to accelerate innovation and achieve economies of scale. The two automakers said they will continue to build on their respective strengths and explore further collaboration opportunities, including efforts related to carbon neutrality and vehicle safety.

With inputs from Shruti Shiraguppi