Accelerating Vehicle Development: Overcoming Verification and Validation Hurdles through Virtual Validation & Simulation

The fast-paced evolution of automotive development demands shorter time-to-market, higher software reliability, and cost-efficient validation processes. As software-defined vehicles (SDVs) become more complex, traditional verification and validation (V&V) methods often struggle to keep up, causing delays, increased costs, and integration challenges. To address these issues, OEMs must explore virtual validation and simulation, which can transform their development lifecycle and enhance product reliability.

Challenges OEMs Face in SDV Programs

• Shorter SOP Cycles: OEMs need to compress development timelines to 2–2.5 years while ensuring robust validation.
• High Validation Costs: Increasing test scenarios and variant management make V&V processes financially demanding.
• Integration Complexity: Undervalued integration efforts result in unexpected defects and SOP delays.
• Limited Hardware Availability: Physical testing constraints slow down defect detection and iterative improvements.

Traditional V&V Limitations

1. Integration Complexity: A fragmented network, platform, and hardware ecosystem creates uncontrollable defects.
2. Delayed Defect Discovery: Late-stage defect detection leads to long feedback loops and cost overruns.
3. Limited Test Coverage: Traditional methods miss critical validation aspects, forcing last-minute fixes.
4. Dependency on Physical Hardware: Limited test environments cause bottlenecks and slow down debugging.

Real-World Impact: A Case Study

• By mid-August 2023, a project (BL5) had 70% feature implementation completed.
• Due to insufficient validation, the SOP target shifted by seven months (April 2024 → December 2024).
• Many defects carried forward due to the lack of mature V&V environments.

A structured virtual validation strategy could have prevented these delays.

How Virtual Validation & Simulation Help OEMs

• Early Defect Detection: Identifies issues earlier by shifting validation left.
• Comprehensive Test Coverage: Supports both functional and non-functional
• Reduces Hardware Dependency: Allows testing in simulated environments, minimizing prototype reliance.
• Optimized Cost & Time: Speeds up validation cycles while reducing expenses.

Best Practices for Implementing Virtual Validation

1. EE Network Performance Validation

Ensuring robust network interactions (Ethernet-CAN communication) through simulations.

2. Platform & Peripheral Function Performance Validation

Assessing software stability across multiple ECUs in virtual environments.

3. Multi-Domain Validation

Conducting integrated simulations across diverse vehicle functions.

4. Infrastructure Readiness for Scalable Validation

Standardizing HIL setups, common instrumentation, and automation frameworks.

5. Real-World Data Integration

Leveraging test fleets and mule vehicles for accurate validation insights.

Shaping the Future of Automotive Validation

As OEMs strive for faster, cost-effective, and reliable SDV development, virtual validation and simulation are critical to achieving these goals. By investing in structured virtual V&V frameworks, OEMs can enhance quality, minimize defects, and meet aggressive SOP targets without compromising on safety or performance.

Now is the time for OEMs to integrate virtual validation into their development strategy and drive the future of software-defined mobility.