Beyond the screen: 6 ways software controls car movement
When thinking of software in cars, the association tends to be with infotainment and navigation systems and voice assistants. In today's Volkswagen Group vehicles, however, software plays a much larger and more fundamental role: it defines the way cars move and relate to their surroundings.
Together with Volkswagen Group brands, CARIAD is developing a scalable software platform that manages vehicle functions: acceleration and braking, steering, shock absorber control and energy management. It is the “brain” that transforms pure mechanical power into intelligent adaptive movement.
But how does software redefine driving?
1. From input to movement - The driver interface
Basically, driving is a matter of input and response: you press the accelerator, turn the steering wheel, press the brake and the car reacts. In modern vehicles, this interaction is software-driven.
The so-called Driver Interface is responsible for translating the driver's commands into digital control signals. It processes inputs from the steering wheel, pedals and buttons, ensuring that each action is performed precisely, efficiently and above all safely.
This means that driving inputs are interpreted, refined and executed by the software, ensuring a seamless connection between the driver and the vehicle.
2. Precision control for electric motors - Power electronics
At the heart of the Volkswagen Group's electric vehicles is the power electronics software, which ensures that the inverter and electric motor work in perfect harmony.
They regulate the flow of power from the battery to the motor, balancing performance and efficiency, and can dynamically adjust motor behaviour according to demand and conditions in real time. These systems enable instantaneous torque delivery while managing thermal efficiency, harmonising power and longevity.
3. Intelligent and efficient acceleration - Propulsion control
Power delivery is no longer just about pressing the accelerator, but about transmitting torque intelligently and ensuring that every joule of energy is optimised.
A dedicated control system optimises the way energy is applied in the Volkswagen Group's battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs).
The result? More control, smoother acceleration and optimised range - all thanks to software.
4. Intelligent control for each drive - Longitudinal control
In the past, braking simply meant stopping a car. Now, however, it is an opportunity to recover energy, improve safety and enhance comfort. The longitudinal control system manages everything from all-wheel drive and energy recovery to component protection on all Volkswagen Group vehicles.
The real-time braking algorithm makes every slowdown an opportunity to put energy back into the battery, extending the range without the driver noticing. At the same time, the all-wheel-drive software turns every acceleration into efficient acceleration, while the all-wheel-drive controller manages optimal distribution for dynamic driving.
5. Adaptive steering and suspension for every road surface - Vertical and lateral control
Most drivers don't think about suspension software until they experience it.
The vertical and lateral control system manages the steering, damping and torque vectoring, ensuring that every bend and bump is handled intelligently.
6. The power of predictive data
Il Software not only improves the way a car moves, but also predicts what lies ahead, supported by cloud-based road data, swarm intelligence and predictive maintenance.
From avoiding a pothole before hitting it to knowing when brakes need maintenance, predictive data turns Volkswagen Group cars into proactive and intelligent driving companions.
Software is movement
The experience is not just about mechanics and power. It is about software that optimises every moment of movement.
The cars of the Volkswagen Group do not simply adapt to the road: they anticipate, learn and improve in real time.