A connected car is one that has its own connection to the internet, usually via a wireless local area network (WLAN) that allows the car to share internet access and data with other devices inside and outside the car.

Connected cars are part of the ‘internet of things’, a phrase that refers to everyday items being connected to the internet with the intention of making life easier. [2]

Figure 1. Technologies of Connected Car

Figure 1 shows Connected vehicles connect to a network to enable bi-directional communications between vehicles (cars, trucks, buses and trains) and other vehicles, mobile devices and infrastructure for the pupose of triggering important communications and events. In the case of city traffic and intersection safety, for example, those communications can enable vehicles outfitted with connected vehicle technology to continuously communicate their locations and to receive near real-time information that triggers an automated response. [3]

In a world where people are connected 24/7 through their devices, the isolation of cars seems obsolete. Connected cars make for more satisfied customers. They also provide carmakers with new ways to save money and enable new business opportunities. When done right, the connected car is also a safer car.

Consumers are connected everywhere and all the time through their mobile devices. They rely on that connectivity to get the latest information. Yet, the vehicle still mostly stays unchanged once the customer drives it off the lot. [4]

5G and Connected Cars:

Self-driving cars or autonomous cars might be the future of mobility, but for now, it’s the connected vehicles which are breaking the barrier of conventional systems. Below are the main highlights of 5G connectivity:

• Currently, in India, all connected cars make use of the 4G (4th-Gen) LTE connectivity which offers faster internet speeds and makes for smooth user experience. But the future of IoT is 5G, which is the 5th-Gen of LTE.
• Even though the 5G networks are still in the development phase, they will have a huge impact on the automotive industry.
• 5G connected cars will be the new norm in the coming years. With more and more connected vehicles hitting the road, the amount of data to be processed will also increase. That’s when 5G connectivity will shine with even faster internet speeds and better coverage. [5]

Future of Connected Car Technology:

The connected car technology will not be limited to conventional cars. The self-driving vehicles will also make use of this technology to communicate with the road infrastructure and cloud system. But at present, the connected cars are disrupting the automobile industry. With more and more smart vehicles being launched, buyers are leaning towards the connected cars. In the coming years, connected technology will be the new norm, and it will also enhance safety and reduce accidents. The next-gen 5G connectivity will improve the technology, and connected vehicles will be even smarter and smoother to use. [1]

References:

1. https://www.acko.com/car-guide/connected-cars-features-benefits/
2. https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-a-connected-car-and-what-are-its-benefits/n18929
3. https://www.digi.com/blog/post/what-is-connected-vehicle-technology-and-use-cases
4. https://www.elektrobit.com/trends/connected-car/
5. https://www.acko.com/car-guide/connected-cars-features-benefits/

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2021) Technologies of Connected Car, AnaTechmaz, pp. 46