Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Market Forecasts to 2032 – Global Analysis By Architecture (Centralized High-Performance Compute, Zonal Compute Architecture, Domain Controller Architecture, Edge-to-Cloud Integration, Open Software Ecosystems (APIs) and Veh

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Market is accounted for $134.7 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $717.9 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 27% during the forecast period. A Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) is a modern automobile whose primary functions and user experience are determined by its software architecture rather than its purely mechanical hardware. Key features, performance characteristics, and new capabilities are delivered, updated, and managed through over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The SDV’s purpose is to allow automakers to rapidly introduce new features, personalize the driving experience, enhance safety and performance post-purchase, and generate new service-based revenue streams throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

According to municipal case studies, this model provides cities with connected LED lighting and embedded sensors for a subscription fee, creating a data-generating network for public infrastructure.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising demand for over-the-air software updates

The growing adoption of connected and intelligent streetlighting systems is driving demand for over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Municipalities are increasingly adopting automated, remotely managed platforms to update lighting firmware, enhance network functionality, and improve energy efficiency without manual intervention. OTA updates enable faster bug fixes, improved cybersecurity, and feature enhancements, reducing downtime and operational costs. This capability fosters real-time optimization and extends system life, making it a key growth driver in Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) deployments.

Restraint:

Complexity in integrating legacy

Integrating modern smart streetlight solutions with existing legacy lighting systems remains a significant restraint. Most cities operate on outdated electrical and control infrastructure, requiring complex retrofitting for network compatibility. Adapting these systems to decentralized cloud management platforms and IoT-based communication adds to technical and financial burdens. The need for interoperability across multiple hardware and vendor ecosystems further complicates implementation, slowing the pace of digital transformation in urban lighting modernization projects.

Opportunity:

Advancement in cloud-native platforms

Rapid advancement in cloud-native platforms offers major opportunities for scaling Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) offerings. Cloud integration enables centralized monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time analytics across lighting networks, improving energy use and operational efficiency. The introduction of microservices architecture and edge computing strengthens resilience and flexibility in system design. These technologies allow more municipalities to adopt subscription-based lighting management models, accelerating the deployment of intelligent, connected, and data-driven urban lighting infrastructures globally.

Threat:

Increased exposure to software bugs & cyberattacks

The growing reliance on connected and automated lighting networks increases vulnerability to software bugs and cyber threats. Compromised systems can lead to widespread operational outages or unauthorized access to municipal data. Weak encryption or insufficient firmware protection poses additional risks. Maintaining system integrity demands continuous software testing, robust encryption protocols, and incident response frameworks. As urban lighting systems become more interconnected, cybersecurity breaches remain a critical concern for service providers and public authorities.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic initially disrupted smart infrastructure projects due to financial uncertainty and delayed municipal budgets. However, it also accelerated awareness of the need for automated and digitally monitored streetlighting systems supporting remote management. The crisis emphasized operational continuity, energy efficiency, and reduced field maintenance requirements. Post-pandemic recovery initiatives and renewed investments in smart city infrastructure have boosted adoption of connected lighting-as-a-service models, fostering sustainable and resilient urban modernization.

The centralized high-performance compute segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The centralized high-performance compute segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, resulting from its critical role in managing vast data from connected lighting nodes. These computing units enable advanced analytics, real-time fault detection, and seamless coordination across large lighting networks. Municipalities prefer centralized architectures for easier control and lower latency. As smart city platforms expand, demand for scalable, high-compute processing capabilities continues to grow significantly.

The embedded operating systems segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the embedded operating systems segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, propelled by increasing deployment of intelligent lighting controllers supporting real-time decision-making and OTA updates. These systems facilitate adaptive lighting responses to motion, traffic, and weather conditions while maintaining high-level security and interoperability. The growing shift to edge-based computing in streetlight hardware further amplifies the role of embedded operating systems in enhancing local autonomy and functional reliability.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, attributed to rapid urban expansion, government-led energy efficiency initiatives, and smart city investments in China, Japan, and India. Strong public-private partnerships and supportive funding for smart infrastructure are enabling large-scale deployment. The presence of major lighting OEMs and IoT companies provides favorable market conditions, driving enhanced adoption of integrated and service-based streetlight modernization solutions.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR associated with strong digital infrastructure, extensive adoption of cloud-based monitoring platforms, and municipal focus on sustainable city lighting. The United States and Canada are leading in deploying Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) projects under urban modernization programs. Increasing public awareness of energy efficiency, combined with robust investment in 5G-enabled IoT networks, positions North America as a rapidly advancing regional market.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Market include Bosch, Continental, Aptiv, Nvidia Corporation, Qualcomm, NXP Semiconductors, Renesas Electronics, BlackBerry, Wind River, TTTech Auto, Magna International, Robert Bosch, Denso Corporation, Elektrobit, Elektrobit Automotive, and Rongwen.

Key Developments:

In March 2025, Continental expanded its Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) infrastructure solutions to include smart streetlight nodes capable of real-time traffic and environmental data exchange. This move supports urban mobility optimization and enhances safety in connected city environments.

In March 2025, Aptiv partnered with a European smart city initiative to deploy edge-computing-enabled streetlight controllers. These units integrate with Aptiv’s mobility data platform to support adaptive lighting and traffic flow analytics

In February 2025, Qualcomm launched its Snapdragon Smart City Edge 7250, a chipset designed for intelligent infrastructure including smart streetlights. The platform supports AI-based lighting control, environmental sensing, and V2X communication for urban deployments.

Architectures Covered:
• Centralized High-Performance Compute
• Zonal Compute Architecture
• Domain Controller Architecture
• Edge-to-Cloud Integration
• Open Software Ecosystems (APIs)
• Vehicle Digital Twins

Softwares Covered:
• Embedded Operating Systems
• Middleware & Orchestration
• Application & Services Layer
• Over-The-Air (OTA) Platforms
• Data Management & Telemetry
• Cybersecurity & Secure Boot

Business Models Covered:
• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
• Licensing & IP Models
• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
• Revenue-Sharing with OEMs
• Subscription Features & Paywalls
• Managed Update & Support Services

Vehicle Types Covered:
• Passenger Cars
• Light Commercial Vehicles
• Heavy Commercial Vehicles
• Electric Vehicles (EVs)
• Autonomous Shuttles & Robotaxis
• Specialty & Industrial Vehicles

End Users Covered:
• OEMs & Vehicle Manufacturers
• Tier-1 Suppliers
• Fleet Operators & Mobility Providers
• Software Vendors & Integrators
• Cloud & Telemetry Providers
• Regulatory & Test Labs

Regions Covered:
• North AmericaUSCanadaMexico
• EuropeGermanyUKItalyFranceSpainRest of Europe
• Asia PacificJapan China India Australia New ZealandSouth KoreaRest of Asia Pacific
• South AmericaArgentinaBrazilChileRest of South America
• Middle East & Africa Saudi ArabiaUAEQatarSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements Show more