In the latest automotive architecture, the Zonal Control Unit (ZCU) is a key element. These ECUs act as hubs for Smart Power Distribution or as local gateways for communication between other domains. Designing cars with the zonalization concept enables savings by reducing wire harness length, decreasing weight, lowering costs, and reducing CO 2 emissions. The evolution from traditional distributed topologies to zonal ones is fundamental to vehicle digitalization and the transition to Software Defined Vehicles (SDV). This concept supports both traditional 12V and new 48V power distribution systems.