What is car connec­tivity?

Connec­tivity is the linking of information and commu­ni­cation technology (ICT) between people, machines, and the Internet of Things (IoT). A Connected Car does just that with other systems outside of the car system. Car connec­tivity enables the vehicle to share and receive Internet access and data with other devices.

Car connec­tivity technology allows you to control a vehicle remotely. You can start it, unlock it, check fuel, and other tasks from your mobile device.

Types of connec­tivity

Different types of car connec­tivity

Types of connec­tivity

Vehicles can be connected and communicate with their surroundings in five different ways.

1. Vehicle to infra­structure

This connec­tivity captures data generated from the vehicle and sends information about the infra­structure to the driver. The main goal is to communicate data about safety, mobility, or environ­men­t-re­lated conditions.

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2. Vehicle to vehicle

The data captured with this type of connec­tivity includes speed and position of other vehicles within the vicinity through a wireless exchange of commu­ni­cation. The main goal is to improve road safety, ease congestion, and try to reduce the environ­mental impact.

3. Vehicle to cloud

This connec­tivity exchanges information about the vehicle appli­ca­tions to a cloud system. The main goal is to share data between the cloud and vehicle to make use of IoT. A fleet manager could analyze the vehicle data to improve vehicle performance, lower fuel costs, and predict maintenance.

4. Vehicle to pedestrian

This data captures information about its surroundings and commu­ni­cates it to other connected devices, including personal smartphones. The main goal is to avoid accidents and improve mobility by commu­ni­cating with pedestrians.

5. Vehicle to everything

This type of connec­tivity can inter­connect with all kinds of ICT devices within its surrounding environment, such as other vehicles and infra­structure systems. This technology extends to highways, ships, trains, cars, and airplanes.

How does car connec­tivity technology work?

How does car connec­tivity work?

How does car connec­tivity technology work?

McKinsey's Connected Car Customer Experience (C3X)1 framework outlines the levels of technology in car connec­tivity, from basic vehicle monitoring all the way to AI, intelligent decision making, and linking seamlessly to its environment.

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Level one is the underlying hardware connec­tivity that enables drivers to track basic vehicle usage and monitor technical status. Level two is individual connec­tivity, which means the vehicle can access digital services from the driver's profile connected to external digital platforms (e.g. Alexa or Apple CarPlay).

Level three is where customization and person­al­ization preferences can happen, for example, infotainment content and person­alized controls. Level four interacts with the drivers and passengers through multimodal live dialog (i.e. voice and gesture) and can have a 'natural conver­sation' on recommended services and functions. And lastly, level five is the ultimate virtual chauffeur. AI performs complex cognitive functions and commu­ni­cation to coordinate and complete tasks, as well as anticipate needs.

Webfleet: a Connected Car

Webfleet Car Connec­tivity

Webfleet: a Connected Car

Webfleet connects vehicles of commercial fleets to drivers and businesses to help make their daily job more manageable. The connec­tivity to vehicles can help optimize fleet management performance and maximize customer satis­faction.

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EVS and commercial fleets

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