https://openinverter.org/ https://youtube.com/@evbmw https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43898280
Come up with few general hardware modules, enough to replace the head unit, body controllers, ECU, climate control, and ideally driving automation, and software to run them. Everything minus safety modules like the airbag controllers, and then license them under Fair/non-discriminatory terms.
Then, a variety of automakers get access to core functionality and cheaper hardware to run it. That means that the cars themselves can have higher quality software, cheaper hardware (from cutting out companies like Bosch that charge exorbitantly for things like a windshield wiper controller), and thus deliver more value to customers.
Is this not just Android Automotive? A lot of Volvos use it, it’s a lower-level OS type thing that sits below Android Auto or CarPlay.
Tier 1 suppliers have enough resources in both know-how and manpower that I have been wondering if they could do a platform car. Provide a basic frame that passes crash, provide a basic engine that passes emissions, provide basic safety, etcetera.
Then invite other parties to upgrade components. Package lots of air between components to simplify compatibility.
I suppose the only way to get this going in the real world is a big military contract, but I am wondering if it wouldn't be smart play for everyone involved. It would be deadly for a bunch of traditional automakers, but they can't do anything preventing it.
And past HN discussion https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32447650