Software enthusiasts

The challenges of electrifying trucks and buses

Before joining OP’nSoft last autumn, I had spent eight years in the automotive sector and was attracted by the breadth of projects within OPmobility.

I work in the electrification sector, specifically for larger vehicles such as buses and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). In software terms, electric vehicles (EVs) require programming all along the drivetrain, from the battery through the motor and the wheels, and heavy-duty applications bring additional complexity here. Due to their size and the amount of power they require, they have packs containing several batteries. A key software challenge is making sure these batteries are reliable and that they are organized in the best possible way.

Another source of complexity is that electric drivetrains need to be closely adapted to their environment and the way they are used. So to get our software solutions right, we have to spend a lot of time defining specifications with the client: bus operators, for instance, have quite different requirements to hauliers. My role is to ensure that our team members understand the specifications and then to support them in designing appropriate solutions.

We’ll be expanding in the near future: OP’nSoft has ambitious growth plans—and Toulouse is an excellent place to pursue them. Thanks to its strong higher education sector, the city produces a constant stream of young talent and the positioning of industrial employers makes it an attractive location. As does its climate, of course: even in winter, we often go out jogging together in our lunch break!

Innovative projects and global coordination for sustainable solutions

I came to OP’nSoft with four years’ experience in automotive software development, and here, in India, it’s a great place to continue learning in this interesting, ever-evolving, industry. Currently, I am part of the selective catalytic reduction project part of C-Power Business Group. This will reduce emissions produced by diesel cars, but I have also been on hydrogen fuel cell development, and I enjoy getting an understanding of the background behind various automotive systems.

One of the real strengths of OP’nSoft is that we have both a thriving development team here in India and contact with colleagues based all over the world—and with various departments in OPmobility. Although it requires constant coordination and communication, working in international and cross-departmental structures is beneficial. It helps us to understand the markets to which we are providing products and so improves the quality of our software solutions.

Another great thing about OP’nSoft is that we are growing so fast, and I’m involved in hiring and inducting new team members. Some of the developers who come to us have various backgrounds from software experts in Automotive, Aerospace to freshers from University, we welcome and train newcomers for automotive software applications. On my day-to-day work, I am eager to having the status call in the early afternoon—it’s morning time in France and afternoon in India. It is a key moment where we update each other and agree on to-dos. My colleagues and I take lunch breaks together and sometimes, we play badminton on the weekend. Strengthening our team spirit is a crucial part in software development, as well!