One of the biggest transformations ever in automotive is taking place. Electric cars, autoparallel: EVs, driverless cars — they are all changing the way we construct and what is inside our them. It's become apparent that a car is no longer a hunk of metal and plastic, but more of an advanced computer system that happens to have wheels. It’s exciting stuff, but there are some serious questions [about] functional safety here.
In the midst of this setting is ISO 26262, the global functional safety standard for road vehicles. Since it was published, ISO 26262 has been a systematic approach that has helped manufacturers determine hazards, evaluate risks, and put measures in place to ensure safety. With the changing automotive industry, the standard has become increasingly important.
Why ISO 26262 Matters in Today's Automotive Industry?
ISO 26262 guarantees that safety hazards in electrical and electronic (E/E) systems are dealt with in a systematic way. From airbags to steering, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and now artificial intelligence-based decision-making, safety-relevant functions must work properly—even in case of defects.
With cars more and more characterized by software updates, connected capabilities, and smart systems, the challenges change. In contrast to conventional cars, SDVs rely on continuous integration of hardware and software, with regular over-the-air (OTA) updates. This dynamic world forces manufacturers to reconsider compliance approaches and lifecycle safety management.
Top Challenges in Functional Safety for SDVs
1. Software Complexity
Cars can now have hundreds of millions of lines of code. Checking every piece of safety-critical software, making sure it works as intended, and proving it meets ISO 26262 is a major task for any team.
2. Over-the-Air Updates
OTA updates are great for innovation but bring risk. Every update needs to be evaluated for safety effects, and that means constant ISO 26262 compliance monitoring.
3. Integration with Cybersecurity
New cars are networked and therefore open to cyberattack. ISO 26262 conformity has to now co-exist with cybersecurity standards like ISO/SAE 21434.
4. Electrification
EVs create new safety hazards: battery management systems, charging systems, and power electronics all need functional safety assurance.
The Role of ISO 26262 in SDV Development
ISO 26262 establishes a stringent process for hazard analysis and risk assessment (HARA), allocating Automotive Safety Integrity Levels (ASILs) to hardware components and systems. These are ASIL A (least severe) to ASIL D (severest).
For SDVs, this would imply:
• Highly critical software systems like automated braking have to comply with ASIL D standards.
• Safety needs to be assured not only during development but throughout the lifecycle, including updates and end-of-life.
• Manufacturers need to make formal safety cases as part of proving compliance and gaining the trust of regulators and customers.
How Nemko can help you with compliance to ISO 26262
As your trusted functional safety partner, Nemko supports car manufacturers in the challenge of ISO 26262 with:
• Testing and Verification: Nemko conducts thorough testing of hardware and software according to ISO 26262.
• Services Certification: Nemko's certification provides manufacturers with documented evidence of safety and faster access to market worldwide.
• Design and Development Compliance Support: Nemko supports design and development but also continuous monitoring, auditing, and post-market requirements.
• Convergence with Cybersecurity: Nemko supports companies in harmonizing safety and security specifications, meeting both the dual requirements of ISO 26262 and ISO/SAE 21434.
Nemko as a Thought Leader in Automotive Safety
Nemko is not just a certification authority; it is a regulatory partner worldwide. With its functional safety, cybersecurity, and product compliance expertise, Nemko is best placed to take the automotive industry into the age of software-defined vehicles. Through its continued participation in cutting-edge standards and trends in regulations, Nemko offers valuable information on which manufacturers can depend.
Looking Ahead
Cars are quickly becoming software-driven, and this shift is only speeding up. The manufacturers who treat ISO 26262 as more than just a rulebook—and instead use it to build a real safety culture—will stand out. These will be the companies building cars people can genuinely trust—cars that are innovative, reliable, and above all, safe.
And they don’t have to do it alone. With Nemko's assistance, automotive teams can address compliance with assurance, ensure the safety of their customers and get future-proof vehicles to market.
And if you want to know how Nemko can support on this journey, our experts are here to accompany you step by step.