Now that the dust has settled from the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, there was tremendous conversation surrounding hydrogen fuel cells, electric vehicles (EVs), and charging stations. However, ACT Expo also highlighted an important trend: the era of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) is taking center stage in the plans of commercial vehicle OEMs and fleet operators.
As North America’s largest showcase for clean transportation technology, ACT Expo brought together innovators, commercial vehicle OEMs, fleet operators, and technology providers to share their visions for the future. Sonatus was proud to participate as an exhibitor and panel contributor. Our Chief Marketing Officer, Dr. John Heinlein represented Sonatus on the panel session titled Software-Defined Vehicles: Unlocking Unmatched Fleet Performance.
Software is Driving Commercial Vehicle Innovation
Dr. Heinlein’s panel highlighted an important message that software innovation is essential for modern commercial mobility. As vehicle architectures become more flexible and modular, the ability to provide updatable, adaptable, and data-driven services is transforming fleet operations. From enabling predictive maintenance to real-time data analysis and customized digital solutions, software-defined vehicles can revolutionize logistics and enhance the performance of commercial vehicles.
Sonatus’s contributions to this transformation were well represented with engaging demos showcasing our Collector AI and Updater products. Additionally, right next door to our booth was the first commercial heavy truck incorporating Sonatus technology. The XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck from Hyundai Motor Company demonstrates how building a flexible common platform can work across different vehicle types, ranging from passenger cars to commercial vehicles.
Key Takeaways from ACT Expo
Throughout the show floor and panel discussions, several trends were evident:
- The SDV Transition is Gradual but Inevitable
Commercial vehicle OEMs are at different stages of their SDV journey, but there is a shared understanding that leadership requires early and strategic investment. Sonatus is positioned to support this phased transition with our software-defined solutions that scale with OEM needs. - Real-Time Data is the New Gold
From predictive maintenance to performance optimization, real-time data processing at the edge has become essential. OEMs are exploring ways to build flexible, agile, and intelligent vehicle platforms capable of processing and acting on the vast amount of data generated. - Foundational Software is in Demand
Interest in Sonatus Foundation was strong, with commercial vehicle OEMs exploring ways to modernize their E/E architectures. The need for scalable, service-oriented Architecture (SOA) is moving SDV technology to the forefront as OEMs share more data and deliver more post-sales services to fleets.
Looking Ahead
Our experience at the ACT Expo highlighted a clear truth: the shift towards commercial software-defined mobility is speeding up, and Sonatus is at the forefront of this movement. We are focused on providing more flexible, adaptable, and agile solutions for commercial vehicles.