Qualcomm Expands into Automotive with Snapdragon Digital Chassis

Qualcomm Deepens Automotive Tech Commitment at CES

At this year’s CES, technology leader Qualcomm demonstrated a significant dedication to expanding its presence within the automotive industry. This was evidenced by the announcement of new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partnerships and the establishment of a new engineering software facility in Berlin.

The Berlin office will specifically serve Qualcomm’s European automotive clients, providing support with the latest Snapdragon Digital Chassis technologies. According to Enrico Salvatori, senior vice president and president of Europe/MEA and Qualcomm Europe, this opening underscores the company’s resolve to deliver innovative technologies to the automotive sector.

Understanding the Snapdragon Digital Chassis

The Snapdragon Digital Chassis is a comprehensive collection of cloud-connected platforms. Automakers have the flexibility to implement these platforms entirely, or select individual components as needed.

Key elements of the chassis include the Snapdragon Ride Platform, designed for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving capabilities. It also features the Auto Connectivity Platform, supporting LTE, 5G, cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and precise positioning.

Furthermore, the chassis incorporates the next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit, a sophisticated digital cockpit and infotainment system.

Significant Order Pipeline and Car-to-Cloud Evolution

Qualcomm reports a current order pipeline exceeding $13 billion for its integrated automotive platforms, including the Digital Chassis. The foundation for today’s Snapdragon capabilities was laid with the introduction of Qualcomm’s car-to-cloud service at CES 2020.

This initial offering aimed to maintain continuous vehicle connectivity, enabling faster over-the-air updates and the collection of valuable vehicle and usage data. This data facilitates the creation of new revenue opportunities for both Qualcomm and its automotive partners.

Automaker Collaboration and Platform Flexibility

Nakul Duggal, senior vice president and general manager of automotive at Qualcomm, emphasized the company’s understanding of automakers’ desires for unique differentiation. He highlighted the potential to fundamentally reshape the automotive and transportation business model.

The Snapdragon Digital Chassis allows for continuous updates with new features post-purchase, empowering automakers to develop innovative services and enhance customer engagement through services-based business models.

New OEM Integrations

Volvo has emerged as a key automotive partner, integrating Snapdragon into its vehicles. The upcoming fully electric SUV from Volvo, along with the Polestar 3 SUV from Volvo’s EV brand Polestar, will both utilize Qualcomm’s digital cockpit, powered by Google’s Android OS, alongside a suite of wireless technologies.

Honda has also announced plans to incorporate Qualcomm’s digital cockpit into future models, with commercial availability expected in the U.S. during the latter half of 2022 and globally in 2023.

Renault Group, having previously announced plans to integrate the digital cockpit into its Mégane E-Tech electric vehicle, has now expanded its collaboration to encompass the entire suite of Digital Chassis platforms, including connectivity and the Snapdragon Ride Platform.

Expanding Customer Base Following Veoneer Acquisition

Volvo, Honda, and Renault are joining a growing list of Snapdragon customers. This expansion has accelerated since Qualcomm’s acquisition of automotive tech company Veoneer in October.

Since the acquisition, Qualcomm has secured agreements with approximately 40 OEMs, including prominent names like BMW, GM, Hyundai, JiDu, Xpeng, NIO, and WM, to integrate various Snapdragon platforms into their vehicles.

Innovations in Automotive Infotainment

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon technology is also fostering innovation among companies developing automotive infotainment systems. A partnership with Alps Alpine was revealed at CES, focused on creating a “Digital Cabin” powered by the Snapdragon Cockpit.

This cabin features technologies like an e-mirror to reduce blind spots, a large ceiling display, and sound zones that deliver individualized audio to each passenger.

Focus on the Snapdragon Ride Platform

While many clients are focused on enhancing cockpits and infotainment, Qualcomm appears particularly optimistic about its Ride platform. This system-on-a-chip (SoC) provides substantial processing power for a wide range of ADAS and automated driving functions.

The integration of Veoneer’s Arriver self-driving software unit has further strengthened the Ride platform, enabling it to compete directly with Nvidia’s Drive Orin SoC, which is currently utilized by companies such as Cruise, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Zoox, and TuSimple.