The internet has revolutionized the way individuals communicate or carry out their daily chores, and technology is developing quickly. In other words, the globe is “connected,” and the internet has practically everything. Why can’t cars connect to the internet while everything else does? The new technology is known as connected car technology, yes. We should anticipate connected cars to continue to improve now that they are the new standard in the automotive business. Continue reading to learn more about linked cars, connected car features, and connected car technology’s future.
1. A Connected Car is what?
Any car or vehicle that has internet connectivity is referred to as a connected car in layman’s terms. Such vehicles typically use WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) to connect to the internet. A connected vehicle can simultaneously share data with any external device or service as well as the internet with devices both inside and outside the vehicle. When required by the user, connected automobiles can always access the internet to carry out tasks and obtain data.
2. How Does the Technology in Connected Cars Work?
Any car that has internet access is considered to be a connected car. Embedded and tethered systems are the two types of connected car systems now used by automakers. A chipset and integrated antenna will be present in an embedded car, whereas hardware that links to the driver’s smartphone will be present in a tethered system. A connected vehicle can send and receive data, download software patches and updates, connect to the Internet of Things (IoT) and offer WiFi internet access to its occupants. Through connected technology, one may also access connected car telematics, which is quite beneficial for electric vehicles.
Functions of Linked Vehicles:
A linked vehicle has several intelligent and practical functions. The improved security features of connected automobile technology add a safety net while also enhancing the overall driving and ownership experience. The following are some of a connected vehicle’s smart features:
Internet Access in Automobiles:
A connected car may access the internet as long as there is reliable wireless network coverage since it is constantly connected to the internet via an inbuilt chipset or SIM card. Additionally, connected vehicles can offer onboard WiFi, download manufacturer-released over-the-air updates, and use other internet apps and services.
Car-App Connectivity:
These days, automakers offer a special smartphone app that communicates with the vehicle over a wireless network. The software enables users to remotely handle a car’s features like door locks and unlocks, sunroof openings, engine starts and stops, climate control, headlight on/off, and horn blares. Using the onboard GPS, the app will also assist in finding the vehicle.
Young Driver Protection Through “Curfews”:
Geo-fencing is a crucial security component included with linked automobiles. In layman’s terms, it draws a boundary around a location on a map and notifies the owner if the car crosses it. If you are concerned about young or inexperienced drivers driving the car, the geo-fencing feature, which can be configured using the smartphone app, will be quite helpful.
Automobile to Automobile Communications:
Technology for vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity enables communication between connected automobiles. Sharing of important data, including traffic flow, road conditions, speed limits, and many other things, is made possible via the V-2-V. Autonomous vehicles, which are seen as the form of transportation of the future, will be a vital component of V-2-V technology.
Entertainment:
You can connect to a variety of entertainment services and apps that are already pre-loaded in a linked vehicle. When the car is parked, you can browse films, listen to music, or even listen to internet radio. Additionally, you can use apps to remotely control the audio and video by connecting your smartphone to the car’s infotainment system.
Distant Parking:
Some high-end linked cars even let you remotely park the car, as the feature’s name suggests. You may get out of your car and move the car to park in the appropriate position using the smartphone app or the smart key fob, yes. This function will be useful in confined parking places and when you are unsure about leaving the car parked in a busy area.
Safety-Related Functions:
It includes real-time location sharing and tracking, emergency SOS calls in the event of an accident, roadside help in the event of a car breakdown, and more are included in security-connected automobiles. In addition to the onboard safety equipment, these clever safety elements are helpful in tense circumstances.
3. Connected Cars and 5G:
Although autonomous or self-driving vehicles may be the wave of the future in terms of mobility, linked vehicles are currently pushing the envelope of established technologies. The following are the key benefits of 5G connectivity:
All connected cars in India at the moment employ 4G (4th-Gen) LTE connectivity, which provides quicker internet speeds and a more streamlined user experience. But 5G, which is the 5th generation of LTE, is the IoT’s future.
The automobile industry will be greatly impacted by 5G networks, even though they are still in the research stage.
In the upcoming years, 5 G-linked cars will become the new standard. The volume of data to be handled has increased as more and more connected vehicles are being used on the road.
The 5G connectivity will enhance car-to-car communication and assist in better dissemination of information regarding traffic/road conditions, any on-road accidents, speed limits, and much more. The benefits of 5G will be utilized by impending electric vehicles as well, so if self-driving cars are not available in the future, you will be driving a 5 G-linked vehicle.
Connectivity Types:
Different communication technologies are used by linked vehicles, which is where the automotive and information technology industries converge. The various categories of connectivity technologies are listed below:
V2I: Vehicle to Infrastructure The primary purpose of this kind of communication is to increase vehicle safety. The car exchanges information with the road infrastructure, including traffic, road, and weather conditions, speed limits, accidents, etc.
Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V): The communication system between vehicles enables the real-time transmission of data. V2V is also utilized to improve vehicle safety.
Vehicle to Cloud (V2C): The cellular LTE network is used to establish the V2C connection, which transmits data to the cloud. The major purpose of car-to-cloud connectivity is to download vehicle software over the air (OTA).
Vehicle to Pedestrian (V2P): The V2P system is one of the newest systems utilized in linked automobiles, and it also serves safety functions. Pedestrians are identified by sensors in vehicles, which provides collision warnings.
Vehicle to Everything (V2X): V2X connectivity is the culmination of all the aforementioned connecting kinds.
4. India Has Connected Cars On Sale:
In the Indian market, connected car technology is still in its infancy. Only a few linked cars are now available for purchase in the nation. These are the connected vehicles that are offered in India:
Hector, MG MG Hector is an SUV that was introduced in India in 2019. It has i-Smart technology and comes in petrol, diesel, and petrol-hybrid models.
Kia Seltos: In 2019, Kia introduced the Seltos SUV in India. The SUV has connected UVO technology. The SUV is offered with both petrol and diesel engine choices.
Nissan Kicks: Another SUV with NissanConnect smart features is the Kicks. Only a petrol engine is offered for the Nissan Kicks.
Hyundai Location: The Hyundai Venue, which debuted in 2019, is the country’s first connected SUV. The SUV is available with both petrol and diesel engine options, and it is outfitted with Hyundai’s BlueLink-linked technology.
5. Consumer Advantages of Connected Cars:
On-the-go access to a variety of infotainment and entertainment options.
1. A cutting-edge navigation system using external apps.
2. Cutting-edge safety measures to lower the risk of an accident.
The No Claim Bonus (NCB) coverage will lower your insurance price due to the decreased likelihood of an accident.
You can monitor the whereabouts of your car even when you aren’t driving thanks to enhanced security features.
6. Future of Connected Car Technology:
The technology will not be restricted to traditional vehicles. This technology will be used by self-driving cars to interface with the cloud system and road infrastructure. However, connected cars are currently upending the auto sector. Customers are gravitating towards linked automobiles as more smart vehicles are introduced. Connected technology will become standard in the upcoming years, improving safety and lowering accident rates. With the advent of 5G connectivity, technology will develop, making connected cars even smarter and more user-friendly.
