Software-Defined Vehicles in 2025: SOA and Middleware Industry Research Report

Research on automotive SOA and middleware: Development towards global SOA, cross-domain communication middleware, AI middleware, etc.

With the implementation of centrally integrated EEAs, OEM software architectures are evolving towards global SOAs

In the context of software-defined vehicles, automotive architectures are evolving towards centralized EEAs, and SOA design has become the best choice for the next generation of automotive software architectures. Many OEMs continue to strengthen their layout in SOAs and their core middleware.

At the same time, automotive SOAs are spreading from domain controllers to centrally integrated vehicles. Global SOAs allow any application to call any service anywhere, achieving complete vertical and horizontal decoupling of systems.

The operating system layer of Changan SDA is based on SOA. On the integrated and high-real-time EEA with hardware and software, Changan SDA's middleware and application layers decouple software and hardware, and have implemented more than 3,000 vehicle-defined service buses, including more than 1,000 I/O abstract standardized software and hardware interfaces, more than 500 atomic services, more than 200 enhanced services, and more than 200 scenario services. It has also established a replicable and portable standard system, improving the efficiency of new function development by more than 30%.

In 2024, NIO released its full-stack self-developed SkyOS. Its self-developed SOA framework can best provide fast service discovery, reliable remote calls, high-bandwidth communication, precise access control and flexible deployment. SkyOS uses the self-developed SOA framework to abstract more than 1,600 atomic capabilities of the vehicle and call them in the form of APIs for different applications in different domains.

when designing the SOA framework, NIO defines a high-performance cross-domain communication protocol named TOX, which means Talks Over X, that is, it can be applied to all types of networks and all communication terminals.

Under the trend of cross-domain integration, the focus is on the deployment of unified middleware for the vehicle

As EEAs continue to develop towards central integration and cross-domain integration, automotive software can no longer effectively satisfy novel automotive architectures. Driven by the demand of OEMs, major suppliers have launched unified communications middleware that meets SOA requirements to enable cockpit-driving integrated product layout.

In order to deploy cross-domain integration better, Xpeng has built a unified communication middleware for the vehicle, including system security middleware, data security middleware, functional safety, vehicle OTA, vehicle SOA, middleware, etc. With such vehicle communication middleware, cockpit applications and autonomous driving applications are immune to differences or changes in hardware platforms, thus greatly improving research and development efficiency and speed. After the middleware is unified, the service-oriented or atomized capabilities will be further enhanced.

In February 2025, STEP released a cross-platform and cross-domain vehicle service communication framework dubbed VFB, which features unified multi-domain software technology, efficient cross-domain service collaboration, and rapid response to changing demand. Through centralized service governance, VFB achieves efficient collaboration and unified management between different functional domains (such as central gateway, intelligent driving, cockpit system, etc.), ensuring the consistency and efficiency of services, greatly improving system integration efficiency, reducing cross-domain communication friction, simplifying the construction of a vehicle SOA-based system, and greatly improving development efficiency. VFB can efficiently adapt to multiple models and multiple EEAs, facilitating the quick realization of the vehicle SOA platform.

In December 2024, Vector launched System Gateway, a system routing system adapted to third-party protocol stacks, to help customers apply different middleware products to cross-domain integration platforms. It enables communication between IP and ROS/DDS, between SOME/IP and Android, etc..

From the perspective of Vector's system design, there are many ecosystems and software on top of the SoC, and cross-ecosystem communication is done through ""IPC"" which can cross processes, chips or containers, depending on the specific project scenario. MICROSAR Adaptive is a general, automotive-grade solution that can be applied to most microprocessors. For third-party ecosystems, Vector achieves integration through System Gateway, which is in blue in the figure below.

The integration trend of AI foundation models and automotive middleware

With their application and penetration in the automotive industry, AI foundation models have improved the capabilities to automotive software systems and put forward new requirements for vehicle software systems. In 2025, automotive software is expected to see the integration of AI foundation models and middleware.

For vehicle software architectures, the software system middleware layer of AI ​​foundation models has been fully upgraded. At the public library level, AI-related content such as security, RAG (retrieval-augmented generation ), vector databases, and reasoning engines have been added to build a unified reasoning framework, SDK (software development kit) and interface. The framework layer also incorporates many AI elements. For example, multimodal foundation model service knowledge bases, intelligent agent services, model management, edge-cloud collaborative services, distributed AI services, etc., provide all-round support for the development and operation of AI applications.

In October 2024, AUTOSEMO released the latest ""China Automotive Basic Software Development Report 5.0"", which proposed that with the help of AI foundation models, automotive basic software platforms will evolve to the open software architectures, which mainly consist of ASF middleware and standard middleware, of AI foundation models. In addition to cross-domain SOA middleware, ASF middleware also integrates middleware products such as AI foundation models/application frameworks to help in-depth development of AI models on vehicles.

In 2024, Changan Automobile added an AI service framework to the SDA software and actively integrated other architecture layers, including a new AI service layer, AI data services, AI scheduling, AI interface adaptation, and local model reasoning. The AI ​​perception layer and AI actuation layer are integrated into the hardware layer to support computing and offer data collection and output services. The AI ​​application layer is integrated into the vehicle function layer to provide AI application services. The hardware, data, framework, and algorithm layers are integrated into the cloud big data layer to offer massive AI data resources and train AI models.

In January 2025, Geely released the ""Global Smart Car AI"" technology system, which revolves around AI OS. Downward is the model layer and basic layer content contained in AI OS, and upward is terminal devices. For example, it is used for smart cars on the C-end, and serves R&D, production and other machine and enterprise management software on the B-end. It can be understood that AI ​​OS is a platform that can flexibly adapt to various terminals, ensuring system security and user privacy while achieving efficient resource management and task scheduling.

At the same time, the AI ​​OS scheduling engine enables the seamless cross-terminal flow of foundation model functions and services. In the entire product ecosystem, a unified all-causal intention understanding framework can integrate the needs and perception data of multiple devices such as vehicles, mobile phones, tablet PCs, wearable devices, smart homes, and other forms of embodied agents.


1 Definition and Evolution of Automotive SOA
1.1 Definition
Definition
Main Features
Main Technical Features
Main Components
Main Functional Modules
Main Advantages
1.2 Differences between SOA and Signal-oriented Architecture
Comparison
Design Differences (1)
Design Differences (2)
Cockpit Software
Examples of Differences
1.3 SOA and Middleware Evolution 1
……
1.4 SOA and Middleware Evolution 2
……
1.5 SOA and Middleware Evolution 3
……
1.6 SOA and Middleware Evolution 4
……
1.7 SOA and Middleware Evolution 5
……
1.8 SOA and Middleware Evolution 6
……
1.9 SOA and Middleware Evolution 7
……
1.10 SOA and Middleware Evolution 8
……
1.11 SOA and Middleware Evolution 9
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1.12 SOA and Middleware Evolution 10
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1.13 SOA and Middleware Evolution 11
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2 OEM SOA and Middleware Supply Chain
2.1 Relationship between SOA and Middleware Supply Chain of Major OEMs
Xpeng
……
2.2 SOA and Middleware Software Supply Models
Suggestions on Industrial Division of Labor for SOA
OEM SOA and Middleware Software Layout Methods
Classification of Automotive Middleware Suppliers
Main Automotive Middleware Business Models
OEM Middleware Layout Methods
Model 1:
Model 2:
3 SOA and Middleware Layout of Major Suppliers
3.1 Evolution of SOA Software Layout
Huawei
Neusoft Reach
……
3.2 SOA Communication Middleware Layout
Definition of Automotive SOA Middleware
Classification of Automotive SOA Middleware
Automotive SOA Communication Middleware
Automotive Communication Middleware Protocol: SOME/IP&DDS
Automotive Communication Middleware Protocol: MQTT
Automotive Communication Middleware Protocol: Unified Communication Middleware
Automotive SOA Communication Middleware
Automotive Communication Middleware: DDS
Automotive Communication Middleware: SOME/IP
Automotive Middleware: MCAL
……
3.3 Automotive SOA Framework Middleware Layout
Automotive SOA Framework Middleware
……
3.4 Automotive AI Foundation Model Middleware Layout
Automotive AI Foundation Model Middleware
……
3.5 SOA-based Intelligent Driving Middleware
Automotive Middleware: Autonomous Driving Middleware
……
3.6 SOA-based Vehicle Control and Other Functional Middleware Layout
Vehicle Control Middleware
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3.7 Automotive Basic Standard Middleware Layout
AUTOSAR
……
3.8 Automotive Underlying Kernel Operating System Layout
Automotive SOA Software Platform - Underlying Operating System Kernel (1)
……
4 Automotive SOA and Middleware Application Scenarios
4.1 SOA Development and Design Process
Main Steps for OEMs to Implement SOA
Main Capabilities That OEMs Need to Implement Automotive SOA
Automotive SOA Development Methods
SOA Development and Toolchain Based on CP AUTOSAR
SOA Development and Toolchain Based on AP AUTOSAR
Automotive Service-based Function Development Process
Automotive Service-based Function Development Process
Model-based SOA Development Methods
Automotive SOA Connected Security Design
Case (1)-(6)
4.2 Central Computing Platform Scenarios Based on SOA Design
SOA-based Automotive Heterogeneous Central Computing Platform Software Design Solution (1)
SOA-based Automotive Heterogeneous Central Computing Platform Software Design Solution (2)
SOA-based Automotive Heterogeneous Central Computing Platform Software Design Solution (3)
Case (1)-(6)
4.3 Intelligent Driving Scenarios Based on SOA Design
Intelligent Driving System Solutions Based on SOA
Cases......
4.4 Intelligent Cockpit Scenarios Based on SOA Design
Cases......
4.5 Intelligent Vehicle Control Scenarios Based on SOA Design
Cases......
4.6 Other Scenarios Based on SOA Design
Geely Zeekr's SOA-based OTA Solution
ABUP's Service-oriented OTA Solution
Automotive Functional Safety Development Based on SOA
SOA Communication Process
5 SOA and Middleware Application of Major OEMs
5.1 Xpeng
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
Vehicle-cloud SOA Middleware Platform
Cross-domain Fusion Deployment of Vehicle Unified Middleware
SOA Communication Middleware
Hardware Sharing Cases under SOA
SOA and SaaS
SOA Application Software Development
Left/Right ZCU SOA Evolution
Left/Right ZCU SOA
5.2 NIO
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
SkyOS: A Global Operating System Based on SOA
SkyOS Middleware
Self-developed SOA Framework
TOX Communication Protocol
Software Development Toolchain
Cockpit Subsystem Digital Architecture: SOA
SkyOS-C atomization framework for cockpit subsystem
Zone control software SOA
SOA software for the latest EE architecture of NIO
5.3 Li Auto
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
5.4 Leapmotor
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
SOA
Vehicle OS
Latest integrated EEA software architecture
5.5 Dongfeng Voyah
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
“Tianyuan” centralized architecture design: SOA software architecture
Vehicle OS
“Tianyuan” centralized architecture design: SOA software architecture
Created a developer platform
Intelligent driving system based on SOA
ICA service layering
5.6 Xiaomi Automobile
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
SOA Technology
Automotive Central Computing Platform Based on SOA
Communication Methods under Vehicle Control SOA
SOA Technology
Composition of HyperOS
5.7 SAIC
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
Supply Chain of Z-One ""Galaxy"" Cockpit-driving Integrated SOA Full-Stack Software and Hardware Solution
Z-One ""Galaxy"" Cloud-link-edge Integrated SOA Software Platform
Features of Cloud-link-edge Integrated SOA Software Platform of Z-One ""Galaxy"" Full-stack 3.0
Z-One Cloud-link-edge Integrated SOA Software Platform
Composition of Z-One Cloud-link-edge Integrated SOA Software Platform: Basic Middleware
Composition of Z-One Cloud-link-edge Integrated SOA Software Platform: Functional Middleware
Composition of Z-One Cloud-link-edge Integrated SOA Software Platform: Developer Platform
Z-One ""Galaxy"" Cloud-link-edge Integrated SOA Software Platform
Z-One ""Galaxy"" Intelligent Operating System: ZOS
Z-One AI OS
Z-One Explores Smart Cockpits Scenario Applications Based on Integration of SOA+LLM
5.8 GAC
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
Psi OS Based on SOA Cross-domain Service Engine
Development Model of Psi OS
SOA Software Platform of “X-Soul”
5.9 BYD
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
5.10 FAW
Hongqi's SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of Hongqi's SOA and Middleware Layout
SOA of HIS Based on Central Computing Platform
Software Architecture of FAW.OS
Hongqi Intelligent HIS Architecture Developer Platform
SOA-based Cockpit Platform
Vehicle SOA Platform Construction
5.11 Chery
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
EEA based on SOA Software Layered Design
CHERY-OS Architecture
Autonomous Driving Domain Controller SOA
SOA Design Case
5.12 Great Wall Motor
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
EEA SOA Layout
SOA of GEEP 4.0
100% SOA of GEEP 5.0
Central Computing SOA
Cockpit System Architecture
5.13 Changan Automobile
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
SDA Based on SOA
Service-oriented Software Platform
Service-oriented Intelligent Driving System
Cockpit-driving Integration of SOA Services
Service-oriented Communication (SOMEIP&DDS) Design
Vehicle Control Software Development Practice Based on SOA
5.14 Geely
SOA and Middleware Layout
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
SOA-based OS - GeelyOS
Full-domain AI OS
Service Library Construction of SOA Ecosystem
Full-stack Self-developed Basic Software Platform: GOS
The Basic Software Platform Uses SOA to Decouple Software Services
Communication Management Module Mechanism of GOS
GOS - Multi-protocol Multi-OS Compatibility
GOS - Developer Platform and Toolchain
5.15 ZEEKR
Evolution of SOA and Middleware Layout
Ark Operating System
Ark Operating System Middleware
Automotive Platform Shared by Multiple Models
OTA Solution Based on SOA
5.16 BMW
SOA Solution Design in the Next-generation EEA
Zonal Controller Design in the Next-generation EEA
Next-generation Software Architecture Based on the Latest EEA
5.17 Mercedes-Benz
MB.OS
STAR3 Service-oriented Communication Method
5.18 Volkswagen
Key Technologies of SOA
SOA Design
Automotive Application Service Architecture of MEB Platform
SOA Communication Method
ICAS3 Intelligent Cockpit Domain, System Architecture
Software Platform Development Plan
China's Latest CEA Layout
5.19 Volvo
SPA2 Introduces SOA (1)
SPA2 Introduces SOA (2)
SPA2 Introduces SOA (3)
5.20 Stellantis
STLA Brain: Quasi-central EEA and Software Architecture
6 Chinese Automotive SOA Design and Middleware Suppliers
6.1 Huawei
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
SOA-based Product: iDVP Intelligent Digital Base Software Framework
SOA-based Product: Qiankun iDVP2.0 Intelligent Digital Base Software Framework
iDVP Intelligent Digital Base Toolchain Products
iDVP Intelligent Digital Base Supply Model
Vehicle-level Basic SOA
SOA: Core Concept Service-oriented Layered Decoupling
Core Composition of SOA
Development Model Features of SOA
Intelligent Driving SOA and SaaS
SOA Development Practice: Challenges
SOA Development Practice: Solutions
6.2 Neusoft Reach
Automotive SOA and Middleware Layout
Iteration of NeuSAR
SOA Solution
NeuSAR OS
NeuSAR Service Famework Middleware
NeuSAR VMB
NeuSAR AI Framework Middleware
Basic Software Product: cCore
Basic Software Product: aCore
Lightweight Basic Software: NeuSAR CP-Lite
openVOC Open Technology Framework
Python+WebService Development Framework
6.3 Jingwei Hirain
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
Vehicle OS
Vehicle OS Toolchain
Automotive SOA Technology Layout
SOA Solution
SOA Practice Based on AUTOSAR Technology
Autonomous Vehicle Architecture Based on SOA
MCAL Products
AUTOSAR DDS
6.4 Thundersoft
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
AquaDrive OS
Ecological Cooperation of AquaDrive OS
Cockpit-driving integration Design of AquaDrive OS
Cross-domain Integration Promotes the Evolution of Automotive Operating System
Software-defined Vehicle Business Layout
Main Software Tools and Services for Software-defined Vehicle Business
SOA Middleware
6.5 E-Planet Technologies (EPT)
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
SOA Performance and Stability Automated Testing System
SOA End-to-end Engineering Model
SOA End-to-end Engineering Model Service Type
SOA Design and Communication Solution
SOA Software Solution
Vehicle Control and Vehicle Equipment Middleware Solution
SOME/IP Protocol Stack
6.6 UAES
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
Evolution of USP
USP 2.0
USP Cores
USP Tools
Development Kit Based on MATLAB/Simulink
USP Developer Verification Bench
Vehicle-cloud Integrated Centralized Architecture Solution
Automotive DDS Solution
6.7 EnjoyMove Technology
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
Development and Evolution of EMOS
EMOS
XCG Gen 1
TSN protocol stack
6.8 ArcherMind Technology
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
Fusion OS
Central Control Domain Software Platform: FusionWise3.0
FusionWise Middleware
SOA Framework Products
AUTOSAR Product
Fusion 3.0
Intelligent Driving Domain Software Platform: FusionDrive2.0
6.9 Kotei
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
Global Full-stack Solution for Automotive Software System
Cross-domain SOA Middleware
AI Enhanced Toolchain
Distributed Communication Middleware
Deep Cooperation with Customers
Software R&D Model Evolution
SDW 2.0
6.10 Megatronix
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
Automotive Distributed Intelligent Operating System
Business Model
7 Foreign Automotive SOA Design and Middleware Suppliers
7.1 Bosch ETAS
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
End-to-end Vehicle Solution
End-to-end Vehicle OS Solution
ETAS Deterministic Middleware Solution (EDMS)
TTS Deterministic Scheduling Middleware
Edge Middleware
End-to-end Vehicle OS Solution
7.2 Continental Elektrobit
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
Automotive Basic Software Products
SOA Middleware Solution
Automotive Basic Software Products
EB corbos Link
EB zoneo
EB zoneo GatewayCore
Automotive HPC Software Architecture
Software Platform for Next-generation Automotive Electronics Architecture: EB xelor
""Software Functions and Products"" for Body Domain and Actuators
7.3 Vector
Automotive Operating System
APP Cross-domain Fusion Deployment Tools
Cross-domain Fusion Third-party Communication Middleware Fusion Solution
System Routing Application Case
SOA Design Based on PREEvision
7.4 Aptiv
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
Automotive Software Technology
Cloud Native Middleware and Development Products
Middleware Composition
Evolution of Intelligent Driving System Architecture Layout
Evolution of Intelligent Driving System Architecture Layout
Intelligent Driving System Software Middleware
Trends of Scalable and Modular Intelligent Driving System Software
Sixth-generation ADAS Platform Architecture
SOA-based Zonal Controller Software Architecture
7.5 TTTech AUTO
Evolution of Automotive Software (such as SOA and Middleware) Layout
Motionwise Middleware Function Comparison
SOA Software Solution
MotionWise Schedule
Main Components of MotionWise Schedule
Development Process of MotionWise Schedule
Zetta Auto
Technology Framework of Zetta Auto
Solution Framework of Zetta Auto
Dynamics
7.6 GUARDKNOX
Automotive SOA Products

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