Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is nothing new: Ever since the first models rolled off the production lines more than a hundred years ago, drivers have used indicators or the horn to signal their intent—or frustration—to other road users.
But as people and objects become increasingly connected through mobile devices and the internet of things (IoT), automotive technology is following suit. As a result, our vehicles are now more connected to the outside world and each other than ever before.
The sector is in the midst of a revolution as an emerging ecosystem of connectivity technologies looks set to make journeys safer and more efficient while placing exciting new commercial opportunities on the horizon for automakers.
But there are challenges to solve first: V2V tech is in its relative infancy, so designers and automakers must show ingenuity and innovation when designing systems and selecting components. There are also pressing regulatory and architecture standardisation questions yet to be settled.
V2V communication is the name given to the group of technologies that allow vehicles to communicate with one another—usually exchanging data about their speed, location and bearing.
The tech behind V2V communication is similar to the wireless internet networks already found in homes and businesses: Connected components and systems transmit a 360-degree signal that is picked up by other connected vehicles and processed to warn drivers about potential collisions, threats, road conditions and more.
Connectivity is an integral component of the drive towards self-driving vehicles, offering the potential for a vast network of interconnected cars acting autonomously or semi-autonomously according to received data.
Driver Assistance
V2V connectivity can make life easier for drivers on almost any part of their journeys. For example, systems could provide updates on traffic or weather conditions ahead, help drivers find parking spots or take over basic driving and manoeuvres altogether.
Collision Avoidance
Connected vehicles could spot potential accidents and warn drivers or automatically take evasive action. As a result, V2V-powered collision avoidance systems will help reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities on our roads.
Carbon Reduction
V2V-connected systems will help drivers to save miles by taking the most carbon-efficient routes. Commercial fleet operators can reduce their carbon by ‘platooning,’ in which an autonomous self-driving fleet closely follows a leading vehicle.
Traffic Reduction
When supported by vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) connectivity, enabled vehicles can reduce congestion by warning other drivers about traffic or other adverse conditions.
Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Assistance
Police can use V2V communication to issue warnings and even pull vehicles over. Other emergency services may warn vehicles of their presence and clear routes when responding to emergencies.
Telematics
In June this year, Mercedes Benz recalled over 1m vehicles due to problems with braking systems. Telematic and diagnostic data collected and shared by vehicles could help to spot such issues much earlier.
Dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) is the technology behind V2V communication.
Like WiFi, DSRC systems send and receive signals at 5.9GHz at a distance of around 300 metres. However, as data is relayed from node to node, connections could form potentially vast networks spanning many thousands of miles of roads and connected vehicles.
Automakers and regulators are yet to reach a consensus on the best way to create a connected vehicular superhighway. As is the case with many emerging technologies, such as the competing CHAdeMO Vs CCS EV charger standards, there are currently two competing systems in development.
Cellular-based 5G LTE technology is a DRSC alternative that doesn’t require dedicated roadside cell towers to support connections. Instead, 5G LTE will use the network of 5G cell towers already in development across the UK for mobile communication.
Chinese manufacturer Baidu and German automaker Volkswagen are among the automakers to adopt 5G LTE architecture to power the rollout of their autonomous vehicles. Other 5G proponents include BMW, Daimler, Ford, Huawei, and chip-makers Intel, Qualcomm, and Samsung.
Meanwhile, General Motors, Toyota, Volvo and NXP chips remain committed to wireless DRSC, leaving automakers and regulators still split between the two competing (and incompatible) architectures.
A report by McKinsey showed that 37% of drivers would switch their preferred car brand in the quest for improved connectivity. And meeting consumers’ growing connectivity demands enhances profitability across the value chain for manufacturers.
Contact Dalroad’s team of engineers today to get independent, unbiased advice on future-proof vehicle connectivity components and systems for your project.
