The automotive industry is now witnessing one of the most disruptive phases thanks to the megatrend of CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric). Then for a country like India, there is the aspirational pull from the customers of wanting the best of all worlds, but at an affordable price. This means automakers have to bring newer products faster to market. This is where simulation is helping the industry meet their needs.

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In an interaction with Financial Express Rafiq Somani, Area VP, India and South Asia Pacific, Ansys, says “Modern automotive development demands rapid innovation. Ansys and similar technologies have become linchpins in shortening development cycles and fostering creativity. Unlike the past, where extensive physical testing and real-world trials could stretch development times, today’s automotive landscape necessitates swifter solutions. Virtual simulations offered by Ansys have redefined the process. They handle diverse scenarios, from crash tests to battery performance evaluations in electric vehicles, mitigating potential issues like battery failures or thermal runaway.”

Somani states that while it is difficult to exactly “quantify the impact of virtual simulation on development time and costs in the automotive industry”, as the specific percentage figures can vary depending on a company’s level of technology adoption.

“However, based on our interactions with customers, it’s clear that virtual simulation has made a substantial difference. In many cases, product development timelines that previously spanned 3-5 years have seen a remarkable reduction, with companies managing to cut at least 50% of their development time using simulation technologies.”

India trends

The automotive segment especially the two-wheeler and four-wheeler segment are seeing some very interesting trend, especially on the topic of electrification. Consumers in this segment are looking at making conscious decisions varying from carbon footprint, recyclability to the tech-features. This means that automakers have to constantly evolve their product offerings not only to meet current trends but also to be able to capitalise on future tech.

“The convergence of various technologies, including 5G connectivity, software innovations, cybersecurity, edge computing, cloud computing, battery safety, alternative energy sources like hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing methods like 3D printing and robotics, is reshaping the automotive sector. This transformative period is not only reshaping the way cars are designed and manufactured but also emphasising the need for innovation and adaptation, critical for success in both the Indian and global automotive markets,” shares Somani.

This means automakers are relying more and more on simulation tools to validate and bring vehicles faster to market. He believes that the role of simulation technology in the automotive industry has “advanced to a point where it can significantly reduce the reliance on physical prototyping. While it may not completely eliminate the need for prototypes, it has the potential to streamline the process.”

Somani further elaborates that some companies have reached a level of confidence in the fidelity and accuracy of simulation data that they “only create a single final prototype for regulatory and compliance certification.”

He states that the industry is increasingly focused on achieving “first-time right” product development, which suggests that simulation technology has indeed become highly reliable in bridging the gap between design and production.

Impact on start-ups

Globally, start-ups are fundamentally changing the perception of reality. The famous instance in this case if one looks at the number of leading electric vehicle manufacturers, the name Tesla is amongst the few trendsetters that come to mind.

Unlike, traditional automakers Tesla did not have the baggage of IC-vehicles, but that also meant that whatever it was working on, was the first-of-its-kind. Today, the company is said to be heavily using simulation to train its AI model to attain higher levels of autonomy.

In India too, start-ups across segments are relying on simulation tools to advance their products and services.

“Startups in automotive, electrification, aerospace, defence, and drones have harnessed technical expertise, often sourced from qualified engineers, including returnees from North America. These startups, marked by innovation and constrained by limited resources, heavily rely on simulation technology. Ansys supports them through the Ansys Startup Bundle, ensuring cost-effective access for rapid product development.”

“On the other hand, established players like OEMs adopt a more cautious approach, engaging in pilot projects and extensive software evaluations. Nevertheless, they too recognise the significance of technology adoption and indigenous innovation, particularly in emerging areas like electrification, aiming to lead in these sectors and promote homegrown research and development. Both startup and established segments exhibit distinct dynamics: startups are agile and innovation-focused, while established players follow a gradual, locally oriented approach in response to evolving market trends,” he concludes.