Ecological Domain and Automotive Hardware Expansion Research Report, 2025

Description

ResearchInChina has released the Ecological Domain and Automotive Hardware Expansion Research Report, 2025, which delves into the application of various automotive extended hardware, supplier ecological solutions, and the implementation trends of OEMs' ecosystems. It comprehensively sorts out and looks forward to the development status and future trends of the automotive ecological domain.

In a broad sense, the automotive "ecological domain" can be understood as a comprehensive system "with the core intelligent ecosystem as the hub, scenario-based hardware as the support, and industrial resources as the backing". It includes both cross-terminal intelligent collaboration and full-link support for the implementation of service scenarios.

Core layer of the "cross-terminal intelligent collaboration ecosystem": With IVI as the core, it achieves in-depth integration with multi-terminal devices such as smartphones, smart wearables, and smart homes through underlying protocol compatibility, data interconnection, and resource sharing, building an open and collaborative software and hardware ecosystem across devices and scenarios.

Extended layer of the "automotive scenario-based accessory ecosystem": Centered on vehicles, it realizes the supplementation of physical functions through mechanical connections or basic electrical interfaces (such as USB power supply), indirectly serving the scenario-based implementation of the ecological domain.

The core layer and the extended layer complement each other, jointly constructing an automotive ecological system of "software collaboration + hardware expansion".

1. Taking Phone-Car Interconnection as the Entry Point to Further Implement the Full Ecosystem Strategy of Human-car-home

In the process of expanding the ecological domain, OEMs prioritize the interconnection between mobile phones and IVI as the entry point for ecological domain expansion. According to ResearchInChina's tracking, approximately more than 20 brands upgraded their Phone-car interconnection functions in 2025H1. The upgrade contents include expansion of the application sharing ecosystem (in addition to common applications such as navigation, audio, and photo albums, cross-terminal sharing is also supported), the enhancement of vehicle control and management functions (including mobile phone checking of vehicle status, remote APP vehicle control, and forgetting reminders), and the increase in screen projection functions.

Three Main Methods of Phone-Car Interconnection: Mobile Phone Screen Projection, APP Interconnection, and Remote Control

On the basis of phone-car interconnection, OEMs gradually expand the interconnection with multi-terminal products such as smart homes, drones, and tablets, building a more complete intelligent ecosystem. This expansion process not only provides users with richer functions and services but also enhances the competitiveness of OEMs in the field of intelligent ecosystems.

Three Technical Methods of Vehicle-Home Interconnection: Full Ecosystem In-Depth Interconnection Technology, Platform-Level Collaboration Technology, and Function-Level Connection Technology

By sorting out the current status of interconnection between IVI and smart homes, it can be clearly concluded that "full ecosystem in-depth interconnection technology" represents the future direction but relies on strong technology integration capabilities; "platform-level collaboration technology" is the current industry mainstream (OEMs do not need to build their own ecosystems, reducing costs); "function-level connection technology" is gradually being eliminated and only exists in some low-end models or the initial cooperation of brands.

2. Building a Vehicle-Centered IoT Ecosystem Based on Unified Hardware Protocols

On March 2, 2025, BYD launched the automotive industry's first IoT protocol, "Auto IoT," aiming to elevate ecosystem openness to the hardware level and achieve full automotive connectivity. Unlike the "software-enabled, ecosystem-centric" approach of "Huawei, Xiaomi, and Meizu," BYD opts for a "protocol-driven, hardware-interoperable" approach. Through the "Auto IoT" protocol, BYD connects cars, mobile phones, wearables, drones, and other devices, building a smart ecosystem centered around the car.

On July 1, 2025, BYD Denza N9 underwent an OTA upgrade. In this upgrade, the IVI system added the "Smart IoT" APP linkage capability, realizing centralized management of In-vehicle IoT devices such as Breo See7 eye massager, child safety seat, In-vehicle air mattress, and microphone, and connecting the entire link of "purchase-control-linkage". Taking the Breo eye massager as an example, the IVI terminal can switch massage modes, adjust intensity, and control temperature, and can also check the connection status and power level.

3. In-vehicle Hardware Product Matrix of Major Automotive Malls

Hardware product matrix of automotive malls intuitively presents the layout of major OEMs to extend and expand the ecological field with automobiles as the hub. The product scope of the malls has gone far beyond traditional in-vehicle accessories (such as foot pads, window films, brackets, etc.) and has been deeply integrated into various life scenarios of users, such as smart homes, games, movie watching and KTV, virtual reality, shooting, office work, camping, charging, smart travel, and sports health, building a "vehicle-connected everything" smart life blueprint for users.

According to the Consumer Survey on New Energy Vehicles during Double 11 in 2024 by Cailian Press, the consumption of In-vehicle hardware products after car purchase can be divided into two typical stages:

The first stage focuses on "foundation and protection": Hardware related to driving safety has attracted much attention, with the attention rate of "dashcams and 360 panoramic images" reaching 52.5%; followed by practical interior parts such as "seat cushions, seat covers, foot pads, etc." (47.5%), and "head and neck pillows, waist and neck cushions" (36.6%) that improve comfort.

The second stage focuses on "upgrading and enjoyment": With the continuous enrichment of car usage scenarios, consumers begin to purchase corresponding automotive products based on personalized lifestyles, such as car products for outdoor camping scenarios (such as car-side tents, in-vehicle air mattresses, etc., accounting for 27.6%), electrical appliances that improve in-vehicle convenience and comfort (such as in-vehicle refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, purifiers, accounting for 26.8%), and in-vehicle audio-visual equipment that enhances entertainment experience (such as Bluetooth speakers, accounting for 25.0%).

Hot In-vehicle Hardware Product (1): Shanhai T1 Equipped with Embedded Intelligent In-vehicle Refrigerator, Supporting Outdoor Carrying

Shanhai T1 is equipped with an optional embedded intelligent In-vehicle refrigerator with a capacity of 20L. It can be controlled through the buttons on the refrigerator surface and supports intelligent connection with the vehicle interior. The 45L sunken storage space in the trunk reserves hardware and software embedded points, including heat dissipation ports and power supplies; in addition, the trunk also has a 220V 2.2kW internal discharge function supporting three-hole sockets, which can meet the needs of more camping scenarios when combined with 6.6kW external vehicle discharge.

Hot In-vehicle Hardware Product (2): XPeng One-Bedroom-One-Living-Room Rear Tent

The rear tent launched by XPeng Motors Mall has a post-discount price of 1,592 yuan. It adopts a one-bedroom-one-living-room structure, can accommodate 4-8 people, is matched with the rear of the car, and allows opening and closing the trunk to share the in-vehicle air conditioning.

Interconnection Case of Featured In-vehicle Hardware Product (1): Xiaomi Auto Post-Installed AI Spatial Interaction Sensor

On June 26, 2025, Xiaomi Auto launched the AI Spatial Interaction Sensor along with the new car. Through the post-installed external connection method, it expands the function of air gesture control of the IVI multimedia system. The AI Spatial Interaction Sensor is priced at 199 yuan and is compatible with the Xiaomi YU7 model, while the SU7 will realize this function through OTA in the future.

The air gesture control function supports full gesture customization. Users can set personalized operations such as two-finger rotation to adjust temperature, three-finger horizontal swipe to switch songs, and five-finger opening to view the full map.

Effective recognition area: In front of the sensor, within a range of 58° in the vertical direction and 112° in the horizontal direction, and 30-80cm away from the sensor.

Installation method: Screw the top screw of the device into the screw hole behind the rearview mirror clockwise for quick installation. Connect to the USB interface for power supply to use normally. The right rear of the device is equipped with a physical on/off button for starting or shutting down at any time.

Interconnection Case of Featured In-vehicle Hardware Product (2): Great Wall Motor In-Cabin Interconnection Hardware - Intelligent Magic Tape

In January 2025, Great Wall Motor launched the in-cabin interconnection hardware - Intelligent Magic Tape. The Magic Tape is an intelligent in-vehicle device that realizes seamless connection with IVI through Bluetooth, providing users with a convenient command execution experience.

Adaptable models: WEY's new Blue Mountain Intelligent Driving Version.

Connection method of Intelligent Magic Tape: Adopts Bluetooth communication to adapt to the IVI system.

Pasting position of Intelligent Magic Tape: Firmly pasted at any suitable position in the car for easy access.

Button functions of Intelligent Magic Tape: Supports 12 convenient functions, including panoramic images, intelligent parking, driver's seat heating, passenger's seat heating, etc.; supports connecting multiple magic tapes to construct combined functions and execute multiple functions at one time; scene classification icons and magnetic surface cover design, which can be replaced and disassembled at will.

Product Code: LYX017

Chapter 1 Introduction to Automotive Ecological Domain

1.1 Development History of Automotive Products
1.2 Broad Introduction to Automotive "Ecological Domain"
1.3 Ecological Domain Interconnection Hardware: In-vehicle Hardware Product Matrix of Automotive Malls
1.4 Ecological Domain Technical Architecture
1.5 Ecological Domain System Integration Technology
1.6 Development History of Automotive Ecological Domain
1.7 Core Technology of Full Ecosystem Interconnection of Human-car-home (1): Phone-Car Interconnection Technology
1.7 Core Technology of Full Ecosystem Interconnection of Human-car-home (2): Vehicle-Home Interconnection Technology

Chapter 2 Hardware Expansion of Automotive Ecological Domain

2.1 Summary of Hardware Expansion of Automotive Ecological Domain
Summary of Hardware Interconnection in Automotive Ecological Domain: Smart Home Products
Summary of Hardware Interconnection in Automotive Ecological Domain: Entertainment Equipment
Summary of Hardware Interconnection in Automotive Ecological Domain: Office Equipment
Summary of Hardware Interconnection in Automotive Ecological Domain: Wearable Devices
Summary of Hardware Interconnection in Automotive Ecological Domain: Charging and Discharging Equipment
Summary of Hardware Interconnection in Automotive Ecological Domain: Smart Seats
Summary of Hardware Interconnection in Automotive Ecological Domain: In-vehicle Refrigerators
2.2 Hardware Expansion of Automotive Ecological Domain: Multifunctional Support/Bearing Accessories
Case (1): Geely Zeekr Magnetic Suction PAD Bracket
Case (2): Voyah Xiaoyao Suspended Folding Coffee Table
2.3 Hardware Expansion of Automotive Ecological Domain: Post-Installed Physical Buttons/Knobs
Case (1): Xiaomi Magnetic Physical Buttons, Supporting Vehicle-Home Interconnection
Case (2): Great Wall Motor Magic Tape Supporting 12 Convenient Functions, Including One-Click Activation of Panoramic Images, Etc.
Case (3): Zeekr Flexible Tape Supporting Binding of Scenario Modes
Case (4): Chery Heidou*Flexible Buttons Allowing Setting of Combined Buttons to Execute Multiple Functions at One Time
2.4 Hardware Expansion of Automotive Ecological Domain: Interconnection Between Tablets and IVI
Case (1): Lynk & Co Co Pad Realizing Cross-Terminal Supervision and Playing a Care Role
Case (2): AITO Tablet Interconnection Supporting Rear Dual-Screen Expansion and Multi-Device Linkage
Case (3): Xiaomi Tablet Interconnection Adding Anti-Loss Mode for Rear Control Screens
2.5 Hardware Expansion of Automotive Ecological Domain: Smart Watch Vehicle Control
Case (1): BYD Vehicle-Watch Interconnection, Supporting Three Operating Systems: iOS, HarmonyOS, and Android
Case (2): IM Motors Launching Apple Watch Vehicle Control Function
Case (3)
Case (4)
Case (5)
Case (6)
2.6 Hardware Expansion of Automotive Ecological Domain: Glasses-Vehicle Interconnection
Case (1): Chery iCAR V23 Enabling Linkage with VR Glasses
Case (2)
Case (3)
2.7 Hardware Expansion of Automotive Ecological Domain: Vehicle-"Machine" Interconnection
Case (1): BYD & Insta360 X4 Camera, IVI Linkage Function to Be Launched Soon
Case (2)
Case (3)
Case (4)
2.8 Hardware Expansion of Automotive Ecological Domain: In-vehicle Refrigerators
Case (1): Fang Cheng Bao 8 In-vehicle Refrigerator
Case (2)
Case (3)
Case (4)
2.9 Hardware Expansion of Automotive Ecological Domain: Camping Equipment
Summary of Cases of Rear/Vehicle-Side Tents
Summary of Cases of In-vehicle Air Mattresses
Summary of Cases of In-vehicle Projectors and Screens
Case of In-vehicle Projection Headlights: AITO M9 Smart Headlight Projection
Extended Cases of In-vehicle Projection
Cases of Rear Trunk Seat/Tray Expansion
2.10 Other Hardware Expansions of Automotive Ecological Domain
Summary of Cases of Roof Bearing Platforms
Summary of Cases of Vehicle-Side Extended Tool Platforms
Summary of Cases of Rear Bearing Platforms
Case of Automotive Hardware Modification/Addition (1): Electric Tailgate
Case of Automotive Hardware Modification/Addition (2): Instrument Screen/Center Console Screen

Chapter 3 Automotive Ecological Domain Solutions

3.1 Huawei
Core Technical Concept of HarmonyOS Ecosystem Application
Core Technical Concept of HarmonyOS Ecosystem Application (1): One-Time Development, Multi-Terminal Deployment
Core Technical Concept of HarmonyOS Ecosystem Application (2): Divisible and Combinable, Free Flow
Core Technical Concept of HarmonyOS Ecosystem Application (3): Unified Ecosystem, System Intelligence
Ecosystem Strategy: 1+8+N Full-Scenario Strategy
Internet of Everything Base: HarmonyOS
HarmonyOS NEXT Internet of Everything
HarmonyOS NEXT Upgrading HiCar
HSpace-Link Peripheral Open Protocol, Realizing Harmony Ecosystem Expansion
Phone-Car Interconnection Solution: HiCar 6.0
Human-car-home Ecosystem Layout: Harmony Smart Home
New IVI Interconnection Patent: Using Smart Watches, Smart Phones, Etc. for Fatigue Driving Warning
Harmony Connected Ecosystem Partners
Featured Hardware Products of HIMA Automotive Mall
3.2 Xiaomi
Human-Car-Home Full Ecosystem Strategy (1)
Human-Car-Home Full Ecosystem Strategy (2)
HyperConnect Cross-Terminal Intelligent Connection Framework
HyperConnect Cross-Terminal Interconnection Technology 2.0
HyperConnect 2.0 Fully Supports Interconnection with Apple Devices
Joint Apple to Upgrade Full Ecosystem Vehicle-Terminal Interconnection Experience
Practical Application of HyperOS Vehicle-Terminal Interconnection
Ecological Domain Expansion Hardware: CarIoT
Phone-Car Interconnection Solution: CarWith 3.0
"Human-Car-Home Full Ecosystem" Partners
HyperConnect IoT Platform
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall
3.3 Xingji Meizu
Ecological Strategy: All-in-AI Strategic Planning
Ecological Strategy: Launching a New Brand Matrix
All-Round Intelligent Ecosystem: Flyme AIOS 1.0 System
All-Round Intelligent Ecosystem: Flyme AIOS 2.0 System
Human-Car-Home Intelligent Connection Ecosystem (1)
Human-Car-Home Intelligent Connection Ecosystem (2)
Flyme Auto IVI System
Flyme Auto IVI System Supports Connection of Mobile Phones from Brands Such as Huawei and Apple
Meizu Phone-Car Interconnection Solution: Flyme Link
Boundaryless Intelligent Mobility Open Platform to Create a Differentiated Ecological Cooperation Model
Ecological Domain Expansion Hardware (1): StarV Air2 AR Smart Glasses Product
Ecological Domain Expansion Hardware (2)
Ecological Domain Expansion Hardware (3)
Meizu Ecosystem Cooperation Dynamics (1)
Meizu Ecosystem Cooperation Dynamics (2)
3.4 OPPO
Operating System: ColorOS 15
Linking Smart Homes Based on ColorOS System
Layout in the Field of Smart Mobility
Development Direction of Smart Mobility
Smart Vehicle Connection Solution
Phone-Car Interconnection Solution: CarLink
Vehicle-Watch Interconnection Solution
Pantanal Smart Cross-Terminal System
Intelligent Mobility Interconnection Cooperation Cases
3.5 VIVO
Operating System: OriginOS 5
Ecological Strategy: Building a "1+X+N" Multi-Device Ecosystem
Smart In-Vehicle Platform
Smart In-Vehicle: Jovi InCar 5.0
Smart Home Interconnection
Vehicle-Watch Interconnection
Open Platform to Build a Rich Ecosystem
3.6 Honor
Operating System: MagicOS 9.0
Phone-Car Interconnection Solution
Smart Home Interconnection Solution
Interconnection Cooperation Case (1): Phone-Car Interconnection
Interconnection Cooperation Case (2): Smart Home Interconnection
3.7 Baidu
Phone-Car Interconnection Solution: CarLife+
Human-Car-Home Interconnection: Xiaodu Whole-Home Intelligent Solution
Human-Car-Home Interconnection: Xiaodu Smart Home Open Platform
Upgrade of Xiaodu's Internet of Everything Capability: Launch of Smart Hardware MCP Server
Ecological Domain Expansion Hardware (1): Smart Vehicle Box
Ecological Domain Expansion Hardware (2): Xiaodu Mirror
3.8 Tencent
Ecological IoV Solution
Smart Cockpit Solution: TAI 5.0
Phone-Car Interconnection
Development Direction of Phone-Car Interconnection
Tencent Cloud Intelligent Connection of Everything Solution: AIoT 2.0 Product Solution
3.9 Alibaba
"Intelligent Interconnection" Organizational Strategy
Core of "Intelligent Interconnection" Business: Tmall Genie AliGenie System
Intelligent Interconnection System: In-Vehicle Solution
Intelligent Interconnection System: Application Scenarios of In-Vehicle Solutions
Intelligent Interconnection Cooperation Cases

Chapter 4 Application and Implementation of Automotive Ecological Domain by OEMs

4.1 BYD
Open Ecosystem Strategy 2.0 (1): Launching Auto IoT Protocol for the Automotive Industry
Open Ecosystem Strategy 2.0 (2): Launching "Smart Ecosystem"
Smart Ecosystem: Vehicle-Terminal Smart IoT
Smart Ecosystem (1): Phone-Car Interconnection
Smart Ecosystem (2)
Smart Ecosystem (3)
Smart Ecosystem (4)
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (1): Dynasty/Ocean Series
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (2): Fangchengbao Series
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (3): Denza Series
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (4): Yangwang Series
Smart Ecosystem Partners
4.2 GAC Group
Intelligent Strategy: X-Soul AI Panorama
Vehicle-Home Interconnection: "Green Intelligent Vehicle-Home" Integrated Solution
Sorting of Phone-Car Interconnection Systems
Phone-Car Interconnection: GAC Trumpchi HUAWEI HiCar Connection
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (1): Aion Series
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (2): Trumpchi Series
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (3): Aion Hyptec Series
4.3 Changan Automobile
Automotive Intelligent Strategy: Beidou Tianshu 2.0 Plan
Full Connection of "Human-Vehicle-Machine-Home-Office" Digital Intelligent Ecosystem
Vehicle Control System: Super Sensing Vehicle Control
Phone-Car Interconnection (1): HUAWEI HiCar Interconnection
Phone-Car Interconnection (2)
Phone-Car Interconnection (3)
Smart Watch Vehicle Control (1): Self-Developed Smart Vehicle Control Watch
Smart Watch Vehicle Control (2): Adding Functions Such as Car Finding, Vehicle Control, and Locking/Unlocking for Huawei/Apple Watch
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (1): Deepal Series
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (2): Nevo Series
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (3): Avatr Series
4.4 SAIC Group
Signing Agreement with [Cooperation Partner] to Deepen Ecological Strategy
MG & IM Motors Phone-Car Interconnection Strategy
IM Motors Phone-Car Interconnection: Joining the ICCOA Alliance
IM Motors Phone-Car Interconnection: Supporting Panoramic Phone-Car Interconnection Function
IM Motors Smart Watch Vehicle Control: Launching Apple Watch Vehicle Control Function
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (1): IM Motors Series
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (2): Rising Auto Series
4.5 Great Wall Motor
Ecological System: Forest Ecosystem
Coffee Intelligent Ecological Alliance
Application of Coffee Intelligent Ecosystem
Full-Stack Phone-Car Interconnection System: Coffee Link Covering the Full Ecosystem of Phone-Car Interconnection
Phone-Car Interconnection (1): In-Depth Integration of ICCOA CarLink Solution
Phone-Car Interconnection (2): Equipped with Huawei HiCar 4.0
Smart Watch Vehicle Control
Vehicle-Home Interconnection
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall:
4.6 FAW Group
Hongqi Ecological Planning Framework
Next Ecological Exploration Direction of Hongqi
Hongqi Phone-Car Interconnection: Realizing Seamless Compatibility of Mobile Phones of All Brands
Hongqi Launching Brand Mobile Phones
Hongqi Vehicle-Home Interconnection:
Hongqi Smart Watch Vehicle Control: Equipped with Self-Developed Smart Vehicle Control Watch
Featured Hardware Products in Hongqi Automotive Mall
4.7 Geely
Flexibly Adapting to Various Terminals Based on the "Intelligent Vehicle Global AI" Technology System
Phone-Car Interconnection: Supporting the "Full-Function" Interconnection System
Phone-Car Interconnection: Phone-car Integration Solution Flyme Link
In-Vehicle Interconnection Hardware Expansion (1):
In-Vehicle Interconnection Hardware Expansion (2):
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (1): Zeekr Series
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (2): Lynk & Co Series
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (3): Galaxy Series
4.8 XPeng Motors
Phone-Car Interconnection: Supporting HUAWEI HiCar, ICCOA CarLink, and Apple Siri Vehicle Control
Smart Watch Vehicle Control: Supporting Voice/Gesture Vehicle Control
Vehicle-Home Interconnection: Realized Based on Third-Party Integration Mode
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall
4.9 Li Auto
Phone-Car Interconnection Function
Smart Watch Vehicle Control Function
Vehicle-Home Interconnection (1): Realizing Vehicle-Home Interconnection Through Cooperation with Mobile Phone Manufacturers
Vehicle-Home Interconnection (2): Supporting the Use of eWelink CAST to Manage Smart Homes
In-Vehicle Interconnection Hardware Expansion (1): Rayneo Air 3 AR Glasses
In-Vehicle Interconnection Hardware Expansion (2):
In-Vehicle Interconnection Hardware Expansion (3):
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall
4.10 NIO
Panoramic Interconnection Technology: NIO Link
Phone-Car Interconnection (1): Launching Self-Developed NIO Phone
Phone-Car Interconnection (2): New Upgrade of NIO Phone Vehicle Control Function
Vehicle-Home Interconnection: Adding eWelink CAST to Realize Smart Home Control
In-Vehicle Interconnection Hardware Expansion: NIO Air AR Glasses
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (1): NIO Series
Featured Hardware Products in Automotive Mall (2): ONVO Series

Chapter 5 Summary and Trends of Automotive Ecological Domain

5.1 Trend 1: Further Functional Integration of Phone-Car Interconnection
5.2 Trend 2: Mobile Phone AI + Vehicle-Terminal AI = AI Intelligent Entity Integration
5.3 Trend 3:
5.4 Trend 4:
5.5 Trend 5:
5.6 Trend 6:
5.7 Trend 7: