The way commercial vehicles are designed and managed is changing rapidly. At the centre of this shift is the software-defined vehicle (SDV) – a lorry, van or car in which software, rather than hardware, defines most of the vehicle’s functions and performance.
Unlike traditional vehicles, where features are largely fixed once they leave the factory, SDVs can evolve through over-the-air (OTA) updates. This means everything from route optimisation tools and driver assistance systems to energy management features can be added or upgraded remotely, without the need for a garage visit.
Tesla Semi. Image: Tesla
How Do They Differ from Traditional Vehicles?
Conventional commercial vehicles are built with a hardware-first approach. If operators need new features or fixes, they usually require retrofitting or even vehicle replacement. In contrast, SDVs are designed with a centralised electronic architecture that separates hardware from software.
This allows manufacturers to update or unlock new capabilities in real time, similar to how smartphones receive regular software upgrades. For fleet operators, this translates into less downtime, lower maintenance costs and a vehicle that becomes smarter and more capable as it ages.
Examples in Today’s Market
A good example is the Farizon SV, a purpose-built electric van designed from the ground up as a software-defined platform. Already tested in real-world conditions across Europe, the SV can receive software updates to improve energy efficiency, adapt safety systems, and optimise fleet management tools.
Another example is the Tesla Semi, which has been designed with a software-centric architecture to deliver ongoing performance upgrades and advanced driver-assist features via OTA updates. Similarly, manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Volvo are rolling out new trucks that rely heavily on software integration, allowing operators to continually enhance vehicle capability without costly hardware changes.
Advantages for Fleets
- Maximised Uptime – OTA fixes and updates mean less time off the road, improving fleet productivity.
- Cost Savings – Software-led maintenance reduces workshop visits and extends the useful life of vehicles.
- Improved Safety – Immediate deployment of security patches and advanced driver assistance improvements helps protect drivers and cargo.
- Operational Flexibility – Fleet managers can customise or scale features across their vehicles, tailoring them to business needs.
- Sustainability – Extending vehicle life and improving efficiency reduces resource consumption and supports environmental goals.
The Road Ahead
For UK fleets, the advantages of adopting software-defined vehicles are increasingly clear. Whether it is electric vans like the Farizon SV or new-generation trucks from global OEMs, the ability to update, personalise and optimise vehicles over time will soon become the norm.
In a competitive and fast-changing logistics environment, vehicles that can grow smarter with age offer operators a powerful tool for efficiency and long-term resilience. The future of fleet transport is not just electric – it is software-defined.
Author: Mark Salisbury, Fleetpoint
