Researchers from the automotive and cybersecurity sectors are increasingly focusing on the intersection of cybersecurity and functional safety, particularly in the realm of smart electric vehicles (SEVs). Siddhesh Pimpale, a researcher in this field, has recently published a paper that delves into the integrated development of these two critical aspects for SEVs. The research was published in the IEEE Xplore Digital Library, a reputable source for scientific and technical research.
The integration of advanced computer and communication technologies into electric vehicles has given rise to smart electric vehicles, which offer high performance, environmental friendliness, and user-friendly features. However, this increased complexity also brings new challenges in cybersecurity and functional safety. Cybersecurity is crucial to prevent threats such as hacking, data breaches, and unauthorized access to vehicle systems. Functional safety, on the other hand, ensures that critical vehicle functions like braking, steering, and battery control continue to operate even if some part of the system fails.
Pimpale’s research emphasizes the need for the parallel development of cybersecurity and functional safety as interdependent components, rather than treating them separately. The convergence of these two domains is becoming increasingly important, as a security incident can lead to a failure in a functional safety system, and vice versa. The paper highlights the current state of cybersecurity and functional safety standards for SEVs, pointing out challenges such as the weaknesses of communication networks, the potential security threats of over-the-air updates, and the demand for real-time responsive systems for failure detection and mitigation.
For the energy sector, particularly those involved in the development and deployment of electric vehicles, this research underscores the importance of integrating robust cybersecurity measures with functional safety protocols. As electric vehicles become more connected and autonomous, ensuring the safety and reliability of these systems will be paramount. This includes protecting the vehicles from cyber threats that could compromise their operation and ensuring that critical functions continue to work even in the event of a failure. By addressing these challenges proactively, the energy industry can help ensure the safe and reliable operation of smart electric vehicles, contributing to the broader adoption of sustainable transportation solutions.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.