Ampere, a prominent player in the European electric vehicle market, has officially unveiled its new Software Research and Development Centre at the Sophia Antipolis technology park, located near Nice, France. This initiative signifies a significant investment aimed at enhancing the company’s capabilities in developing Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and advancing their research in intelligent automotive software.
The new facility spans over 4,600 square metres, incorporating 800 square metres dedicated to software research laboratories alongside 2,200 square metres of office space. The centre is designed to accommodate up to 340 personnel and is expected to bolster Ampere’s existing team of nearly 200 specialised engineers who focus on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), connectivity, Over The Air functionalities, driving aids, cybersecurity, software architecture, validation, and integration.
In a move to foster collaborative innovation, the Software Centre is positioned to engage with a wider tech ecosystem, drawing on partnerships with distinguished tech companies including Google and Qualcomm, as well as collaborations with various research institutes, startups, and universities. This collaborative approach aims to keep Ampere at the forefront of technological advancements in the automotive software landscape.
The facility has been meticulously crafted to cater to the unique demands of software development. It includes diverse spaces that promote operational excellence and enhance working conditions for employees. Noteworthy features include 214 modern offices equipped with advanced technology, 70 laboratory test benches, and a fully equipped automotive test laboratory. The open-plan workspaces are intended to foster synergy and collaborative efforts, while 38 contemporary meeting rooms are available for group gatherings or private discussions.
Central to the new centre is the Atrium, which serves as a communal area for employees to engage socially and informally. Additionally, the Workcafé spaces are designed to encourage daily interactions among team members, aligning with the company’s goal of fostering a connected and dynamic workplace environment.
Ampere has strategically prioritised software development, anticipating that software-related costs will comprise 40% of a vehicle's total cost by 2030. The company currently boasts a workforce of 1,800 software engineers, a figure bolstered by the acquisition of Intel teams in 2017, representing half of Ampere's total engineering division. This robust expertise positions Ampere to roll out Europe’s first Software Defined Vehicle by 2026, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of intelligent electric vehicles.
Source: Noah Wire Services