Nissan Scalable Open Software Platform
As of June, 2026
Nissan's proprietary SDV platform underpins the AI-defined vehicle (AIDV) enabling timely feature updates and the seamless addition of new capabilities
The Nissan Scalable Open Software Platform, Nissan's proprietary SDV*1 platform, is designed to allow the car to continuously evolve its capabilities through software. The platform is built on an in-vehicle system, including the vehicle OS*2, along with a development environment that is built on a cloud-based data foundation. This enables timely feature updates and the addition of new capabilities. The data foundation also supports efficient data collection to accelerate the evolution of AI. Furthermore, by applying AI to software development itself, Nissan aims to further speed up development.
- SDV (software-defined vehicle): A vehicle architecture in which software controls, updates and extends a wide range of vehicle functions.
- OS (operating system): The foundational software that manages and controls vehicle functions and applications.
Platform architecture
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Nissan Scalable Open OS
An in-vehicle system through which software controls the entire vehicle in an integrated and sophisticated manner. -
Nissan Scalable Open Data
A cloud-based data foundation that aggregates vehicle data and uses it to advance AI capabilities. -
Nissan Scalable Open SDK*3
A cloud development environment that enables rapid and efficient software development.
- SDK (software development kit): A set of tools and environment used to develop software.
How the technology works
1. Nissan Scalable Open OS (in-vehicle system)
A vehicle OS standardized across model lines allows applications to be developed and deployed without concern for differences in underlying hardware. A vehicle API*4 provides standardized access to vehicle functions, while Linux, designed for frequent updates, RTOS, optimized for fast startup, and AUTOSAR, the industry-standard platform are each used where they perform best. This approach achieves both fast feature updates and reliability. In addition, consolidating vehicle control functions within a central ECU*5 enables integrated control that links each function seamlessly.
- API (application programming interface): A set of rules or protocols that enable software and applications to communicate and work together.
- ECU (electronic control unit): A device that controls the various systems within a vehicle.
2. Nissan Scalable Open Data (data foundation)
Data collected by vehicle sensors is collected on cloud and used to make systems smarter. The results of this training are fed back into improvements in perception accuracy, personalized suggestions based on user preferences and enhancements to software functionality.
3. Nissan Scalable Open SDK (development environment)
The SDK brings together development tools, including design, build and test tools, and a virtual ECU that replicates an environment equivalent to a real vehicle. This enables software development from anywhere in a consistent and unified environment. Software designed with the design tool is converted into executable form by the build tool while the quality is verified by the test tool. These processes are automated, significantly improving development efficiency. Furthermore, pre-validating vehicle behavior on the virtual ECU ensures quality while enabling efficient development.
Related Technology
AI-defined vehicle
AIDV is a concept in which AI enables the car to perceive and interpret conditions both inside and outside the vehicle, achieving optimal behavior across driving and user experience
AI-Drive technology delivers door-to-door autonomous driving, including in complex urban environments
