How Software-Defined Vehicles and Ethernet Architectures Are Transforming Automotive Wiring and Connectors

Automotive wiring and connectors might sound ordinary, but they’re undergoing a dramatic transformation thanks to Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and new Ethernet-based architectures. This report details how these changes reduce wiring complexity, improve reliability, and enhance vehicle connectivity—making cars lighter, more cost-effective, and easier to update with new software. With leading automakers already adopting these simplified…

In this report, you’ll learn how the move toward SDVs and zonal electrical architectures is revolutionizing automotive wiring and connectors:

Industry Evolution:
- Automakers are shifting from traditional distributed wiring setups to zonal architectures that centralize computing power, dramatically simplifying vehicle wiring.
Impact on Suppliers:
- Leading wiring and connector companies (Yazaki, TE Connectivity, Aptiv, Molex) must adapt quickly, offering advanced Ethernet and high-voltage connectors to meet new vehicle requirements.
Technological Advancements and Challenges:
- Automotive Ethernet, including high-speed variants like 1000BASE-T1 and new technologies such as 10BASE-T1S, requires more advanced, robust connectors to handle data reliably.
Case Studies from Major Automakers:
- Tesla’s simplified 48V wiring approach cuts complexity by 68%.
- GM and Stellantis use Ethernet and high-speed networking to handle vast data flows in zonal designs.
- German automakers BMW and VW adopt Ethernet-based connectivity extensively, preparing for even higher levels of automation.
Future Market Trends:
- By 2030, expect fewer wires but more sophisticated connectors designed for high-speed data and power, with significant growth expected in automotive Ethernet connectors.