As the world moves towards sustainability, commercial vehicle based businesses are seeing increasing benefits in electrifying their fleets. EVs bring lowered operating costs, reduced maintenance and zero emissions, along with exciting new technologies that bring a world of opportunity. One of these technologies is V2X (vehicle-to-everything) that enables vehicle communication with a range of other technologies to enhance and optimise commercial operations. But what is V2X technology, and how does it benefit commercial electric vehicles?
V2X represents a multitude of systems and technologies that enhance the capabilities of electric vehicles. It stands for ‘vehicle-to-everything,’ and as the name implies, provides EV connectivity to a range of services, information and technology; this includes vehicle-to-grid (V2G), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies.
The initial introduction of V2X utilised WLAN (wireless local access network) technology that creates self-sufficient networks between vehicles. WLANs allow vehicles to communicate with technologies on the same peer-to-peer network, which is vital when cars are travelling at different speeds and at varied ranges from devices. For example, intelligent transport systems will send a signal when there are roadworks or traffic congestion in an area. This signal is then spread across the network for other vehicles outside of the initial signal range to optimise their route via diversion.
Toyota was the first to introduce V2X technology in 2016 with a focus on V2I and V2V capabilities utilising WLAN and DSRC (dedicated short-range communications). Since then, EV manufacturers have integrated a cellular-based technology named cellular V2X (C-V2X) that utilises 5G connectivity. C-V2X provides coverage in the absence of a network via cell towers, with Ford beginning development back in 2019.
Intelligent transportation systems seek to enhance the driving experience in a multitude of ways using wireless communications (V2X, V2I, V2V). They help improve safety by informing drivers of critical information in real-time, such as traffic collisions or changes to speed limits. They also optimise routes by informing drivers of congestion levels in different locations, providing diversion opportunities; an additional benefit of this is a more sustainable driving infrastructure by avoiding major traffic congestion.
For commercial electric vehicles, a key benefit of ITS is optimised route planning. With real-time visibility of traffic and route variables, commercial vehicles can travel in an efficient and effective manner. Not only does this ensure commercial vehicles arrive at their location on time, but optimises costs by minimising wasted charge when stuck in traffic or behind road works.
Autonomous driving has grown in interest dramatically in the last few decades. The implications it brings in terms of road safety, traffic efficiency and driver convenience has made it a unified goal for modern designs; so much so that the society of automotive engineers (SAE) has published standards to define the levels of autonomous capability.
V2X technology has helped enhance the development of autonomous driving by providing access to a comprehensive range of information in real-time. For example, vehicle sensors have a limited perception range that can be affected by a range of external factors. V2X communications can help overcome this by providing additional information such as weather conditions, states of neighbouring vehicles, and real-time traffic flows.
In terms of commercial EVs, V2X provides cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) for fleets, otherwise known as platooning. Platooning enables EV fleets to travel autonomously together following a platoon leader. This creates a safe and efficient group of commercial EVs that can transport a greater capacity of goods. According to a report by McKinsey and Company, truck platooning also helps improve power efficiency by up to 10%.
A foundational aspect of V2X technology is its predecessor, V2G. Vehicle-to-grid is a bi-directional charging infrastructure that allows EVs to send excess power to the grid. This allows EVs that are fully charged to reverse excess power, leading to cost savings in scenarios such as overnight charging. V2X takes this a step further by being more accessible and improving efficiency.
V2X provides smart charging and balancing capabilities for commercial fleets to optimise operations. Most cars and commercial EVs are unused for 12 or more hours per day, providing ample opportunity to make use of bi-directional charging. Businesses can leave their EVs plugged in with maximum charge when needed, all the while reducing cost by sending excess energy back to the grid.
V2X technology is a promising development for commercial EVs. It brings a world of possibilities for route optimisation, autonomous fleet management, and efficiency improvements. Better yet, it acts as a foundation for more exciting EV technology to come in the near and distant future.
To stay up-to-date with the continual development of EV technology, Dalroad has all the resources and guidance you need. Get in touch with Dalroad’s in-house engineers to discuss your project in detail and keep it current with technology.
