Zeekr, a premium electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer based in China, has adopted Model-Based Design (MBD) to enhance its software-defined vehicle (SDV) engineering processes. This approach addresses the increasing functional complexity in modern vehicles and the growing consumer demand for advanced smart car features. By decoupling software and hardware development, Zeekr enables rapid software iterations and efficient delivery of upgrades to consumers.
Figure 1. Zeekr is developing and deploying new features for SDVs
In collaboration with MathWorks, Zeekr has developed a custom vehicle operating system (OS) environment utilizing Simulink® for modeling service-oriented architecture (SOA)-based software and generating C++ code with Embedded Coder®. Additionally, Zeekr created SOMOC, a software architecture tool built with System Composer™, MATLAB®, and App Designer, to maintain and manage their SOA-based systems.
Figure 2. SOMOC, Zeekr’s custom SOA maintenance tool
To ensure the reliability and safety of their software, Zeekr has integrated automated unit testing and service verification tools into their development pipeline. The generated code undergoes rigorous verification to confirm its dependability. Moreover, Zeekr incorporates model development and verification within their DevOps system, allowing functional development engineers to upload models into a code repository, streamlining collaboration and continuous integration.
Figure 3. Zeekr’s integrated model-based development tool chain, developed in collaboration with Mathworks
By combining agile development methodologies with the traditional V-model, Zeekr achieves a balance between development efficiency and quality. This integrated approach enables the rapid adaptation to changing requirements, reduces development time and costs, and ensures the delivery of reliable, high-quality software for their vehicles.
Figure 4. Zeekr is using MATLAB and Simulink to develop virtual vehicles
Figure 5. Zeekr’s DevOps system allows engineers to upload models to a respository
Figure 6. Zeekr is combining the traditional V-model software development approach with agile practices