Green E/E architectures
Elmehdi CHOKRI
Architecture Project Chief | Focused on domain / centralized & zonal architectures , SDVs & EV plateforms
As vehicles become more technologically advanced, the automotive industry faces a growing challenge: reducing the environmental impact of increasingly complex Electrical and Electronic (E/E) architectures.
These architectures power everything from vehicle control to infotainment but contribute significantly to electronic waste (e-waste) at the end of a vehicle’s life. Today, leading automakers are adopting sustainable practices in E/E architecture, focusing on centralized and zonal designs, modular components, and recyclable materials.
The E-Waste problem in traditional E/E systems:
Traditional vehicle architectures rely on a decentralized approach where each function—braking, climate control, infotainment—has its own dedicated Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This results in hundreds of ECUs, each requiring wiring, housings, and connectors, which add up to a complex network. The weight and inefficiency of this approach contribute to both increased energy consumption and significant e-waste when vehicles are retired.
Centralized and Zonal architectures: efficiency and reduced waste:
In a move towards greener design, automakers are adopting centralized and zonal architectures. Centralized systems replace numerous ECUs with a few powerful central controllers that manage multiple functions, while zonal systems group components by physical areas within the vehicle. This reduces the wiring needed, making production less resource-intensive and creating fewer components to dispose of. By centralizing processing power, manufacturers streamline E/E designs, lowering material usage, and simplifying end-of-life recycling.
Modular design and the circular economy in E/E components:
The principles of modular design and the circular economy are shaping a new approach to E/E architecture. Modular design allows individual ECUs and other components to be upgraded or replaced independently, extending their lifecycle and reducing waste. This contrasts with traditional hardwired systems, where components are specific to one function and less adaptable.
Additionally, the circular economy concept encourages selecting materials that can be easily recycled. Metals like aluminum and copper, used for wiring and connectors, are favored for their recyclability. Companies are also exploring bioplastics and sustainable composites for parts that must degrade quickly, aligning with global efforts to reduce long-term waste.
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Eco-Friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing:
Automakers are increasingly turning to advanced materials like bioplastics and recyclable composites. Bioplastics, derived from renewable sources, are used as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, providing better degradation rates without sacrificing functionality. Meanwhile, recyclable composites provide the necessary durability and resistance for automotive applications while allowing simpler recycling processes. These sustainable material choices reduce environmental impact at every stage of a vehicle’s lifecycle, from production through disposal.
Industry examples: pioneers in sustainable E/E architecture:
Several automakers are leading the way in green E/E design:
The shift towards sustainable E/E architectures is reshaping the automotive industry’s approach to vehicle design. With centralized and zonal layouts, modular designs, and eco-friendly materials, manufacturers are reducing resource use and e-waste, aligning with global sustainability goals. As these green practices become mainstream, the automotive industry is set to lead in environmentally responsible engineering.