The Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) is a concept in automotive technology that emphasizes the use of software to enhance the functionality and performance of vehicles, rather than relying solely on traditional hardware improvements. This concept has increasingly become an important trend in the automotive industry, especially with the development of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology.

Key Features:
1. Software-Centric: In SDVs, software plays a pivotal role. Many functions of the vehicle, including driver assistance, entertainment systems, onboard communication, and vehicle management systems, are controlled by software.
2. Remote Updates and Upgrades: Unlike traditional vehicles, SDVs can add new features or improve existing ones through remote software updates, similar to updates for smartphones or computer operating systems.
3. Personalization and Customization: SDVs allow for a higher degree of personalization. Drivers can customize various settings of the vehicle according to their preferences and needs, such as seat adjustments, music system, navigation preferences, etc.
4. Data and Connectivity: These vehicles are typically equipped with advanced sensors and connectivity technologies, enabling the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data to optimize vehicle performance, enhance safety, and even offer personalized services to the owner.
5. Electric and Autonomous Driving Technology: SDVs are often integrated with electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies. Software controls not only the electric drive systems but also enables complex autonomous driving functions.
6. Ecosystem Integration: SDVs can seamlessly integrate with other devices and services, such as smart homes and mobile apps, providing a richer and more convenient user experience.
7. Security and Privacy: As vehicles become increasingly reliant on software, security and privacy become critically important. Manufacturers must ensure the security of the software to prevent hacking and data breaches.

Impact on Vehicle Hardware:
1. Hardware Standardization and Modularization: To accommodate rapidly iterating and updating software, vehicle hardware tends towards standardization and modular design. This allows for easier upgrades or replacements of specific hardware components, rather than the entire system.
2. Restructuring of Electronic and Electrical Architecture: SDVs require more advanced electronic and electrical (E/E) architectures to support complex software applications and data processing. This may include more powerful central computing units and efficient data transmission networks.
3. Enhanced Sensors and Cameras: To support advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving functions, SDVs need to be equipped with more and more precise sensors, cameras, and radars.
4. Higher Energy Requirements: As the number of electronic systems in vehicles increases, so does the energy consumption. This places higher demands on battery technology, especially in electric vehicles.
5. Improved Network Connectivity: To support remote software updates, data collection, and connected car services, SDVs need to have stronger network connectivity capabilities, including 5G and other wireless communication technologies.
6. Security Considerations: As vehicles become more reliant on software, the security of hardware also becomes increasingly important. This includes physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to vehicle systems and hardware security technologies to protect vehicles from cyber attacks.
7. Changes in User Interface: SDVs tend to adopt more touchscreens and digital displays to provide a richer user interaction experience. This poses new demands on display technology and user interface design.