The internet has changed the way we communicate, almost indefinitely. With practically everything “connected” to the internet, there is no reason why our cars should not be too. This connection between a car and the internet is called Connected Car Technology. It is the new, shiny, up-and-coming thing in the automotive industry. In this blog, we will cover what connected cars are, how they work, how they improve driving experience, and what the future holds for this technology.
Let’s dive in by understanding what connected cars are:
What is a connected car system?
In the simplest sense, a connected car system is one where cars are connected to a wireless network which allows the car to share real-time data outside the vehicle and even control some functions remotely. Considering these features, a connected car system is ideal in case of accidents or other emergencies.
Practically any car that is capable of connecting to the internet can be termed as a connected car. Presently, with the technology that is available, connected cars are created using 2 types of systems. These are:
- Embedded Systems
- Tethered Systems
In an embedded system, the vehicle has a chip and antenna fixed in the car, which allows for internet connectivity. In contrast, a tethered system has a port that is to be connected to the driver’s smartphone to support an internet connection.
Now that we know what a connected car system is and how it works, we will now see why one should invest in it for an enriched driving experience.
How connected car technology works in enhancing the driving experience?
Automotive connectivity car features affect not only the driving experience but also make owning and maintaining a vehicle safer and much more efficient. Let’s now see why connected car technology is worth investing in:
- Remote Accessibility:
Most connected cars support connectivity with mobile applications. Using this app for vehicle connection, you can remotely control functions such as air conditioning, locking/unlocking the vehicle, headlights, sunroof, and more.
- Parking Assistance:
Although this is a premium feature, some connected cars allow you to remotely park your vehicle as well. Using a mobile application connected to your car, you can navigate your way around your desired parking spot.
- Entertainment:
A wifi-enabled vehicle offers a plethora of entertainment options as well. You can stream movies, and music, as well as listen to the internet radio.
- Traffic Management:
A very useful feature in connected cars is GPS connectivity. You can be aware of real-time traffic conditions and avoid congestion by taking alternate routes.
- AI-Enabled Route Planning
By leveraging GPS connectivity, and geofencing, your connected car will be able to suggest the best possible route for your journey.
Advantages of Connected Automobiles for Vehicle Mobility
Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s find out some exciting advantages and real-life use cases of connected cars:
- With your connected vehicle, you can access your voice assistant and interact with your Siri or Google.
- The most lucrative feature of connected vehicles is that they are at the top of their game when it comes to passenger safety. Connected cars can anticipate dangers you may encounter based on location data and road conditions. It will also provide information on the vehicle’s response to such events.
- Going one step further than basic navigation, connected cars come equipped with more insightful navigation features. Your vehicle can alert you when you have low fuel levels and subsequently locate the nearest fuel pumps and set out a route for the same.
- You can allow your connected car system to access your calendar. This will allow your car to prompt you about your upcoming events or flights. A connected car doesn’t stop there. It can suggest the shortest route for you to reach the destination of the event based on live traffic and weather conditions.
- By equipping your car with internet connectivity, your car will be able to anticipate road infrastructure, and traffic lights to slow down your car, thus improving your fuel efficiency. And needless to say, improved fuel efficiency, is money in your pocket.
How is AI integrating different types of connectivity?
Integrating AI with cars allows for connectivity of various types, which are:
- V2C: also known as Vehicle to Cloud connectivity, this setup allows the user to extract, download, and upload vehicle diagnostic data and other insights onto a user-enabled cloud.
- V2V: also known as Vehicle to Vehicle connectivity, enables real-time communication of information between 2 vehicles.
- V2I: also known as Vehicle to Infrastructure connectivity, is mainly used to contribute to vehicle safety. In this connection, the car communicates with the road infrastructure (speed limit, road conditions, traffic signals, etc.) to provide a seamless driving experience.
- V2P: also known as Vehicle to Pedestrian connectivity, alerts the drivers of any pedestrians nearby and also provides collision alerts if need be.
- V2X: also known as Vehicle to Everything connectivity, is the culmination of all the types of connections enlisted above.
What does the future hold for connected cars?
As we discussed earlier, connected cars are the new, shiny, up-and-coming thing in the automobile industry. With improving technology, more brands are manufacturing and launching connected cars. Considering that the tech and production are at a steady pace, road infrastructure will also be forced to improve to ensure that connected cars can be used up to their full potential. It is fair to assume that going forward, connected car technology will be the norm.
FAQ
What is the difference between a connected vehicle and an automated vehicle?
The core difference between the 2 is the level of human intervention required. A connected vehicle will assist you in driving with helpful prompts about parking, traffic, and weather. On the contrary, an automated vehicle is basically a driverless car where the car takes all the decisions of driving.
How many sensors are in a connected car?
Depending on the manufacturer and the type of connectivity it offers, a connected car can have anywhere from 60 to 100 sensors.
What is connected vehicle data?
Connected vehicle data is data extracted from a connected car regarding fuel levels, driving conditions, onboard diagnostics, road infrastructure, and more that can provide valuable insights to improve both driving experience and safety.