Discover several models of electric vehicles available for quick delivery!
What is a connected car?
A connected car is a vehicle that enables the exchange of data and information. Simply put, a connected vehicle is one that is directly connected to the Internet, either via a SIM card integrated into the dashboard, or via the occupants' cell phone.
The connected car is actually much more widespread than you might think. In fact, by 2020, an estimated 80% of all vehicles will be connected.
What is 5G?
The 5G network corresponds to the next generation of mobile networks, enabling much faster data exchanges between users and connected objects. The speed of this network will enable many connected objects to develop in our daily lives, including autonomous cars and autonomous vehicles, which will be increasingly present. This new network will be a major element in the world of the Internet of Things.
What is the purpose of the connected car?
The connected car will accompany you in your daily life on several points according to the degree of connectivity of this one, they are divided into three different points:
- In-vehicle connectivity in-vehicle connectivity, Bluetooth, real-time driving analysis.
For example, fuel consumption monitoring or eco-driving to display the recommended gearshift at the right moment.
- Extra-connectivity extra-connectivity: this refers to connections made with the outside world, via GPS coordinates etc., and enables an organization to receive information about the car, the number of kilometers driven, etc. This can be useful if you take out a mileage-based insurance policy, for example, to track the number of kilometers driven more easily. This can be useful if you take out mileage-based insurance, for example, to track your mileage more easily.
- Interconnectivity: the highest degree of connectivity, but be careful not to confuse connected car and autonomous car. Here, data is exchanged in both directions, to the benefit of all drivers of a connected vehicle.
Here are a few examples:
- Real-time traffic information helps you avoid traffic jams by suggesting an alternative route.
- Community GPS systems: they warn you of any dangers on the road, signalled by drivers ahead of you on the road.
- GPS anti-theft device: a GPS beacon concealed in the car enables you to locate it in the event of theft, and even disable the engine in some vehicles.
The future of the connected car: the autonomous car
Some people often confuse the two, but in reality they are very different. An autonomous vehicle, as its name suggests, can take the place of its driver, and therefore drive itself. Again, there are several degrees ofautonomy for these vehicles, but they are all at the maximum degree of connectivity. Let's take a look at the different levels.
Level 0: the driver remains in full control of the vehicle
The vehicle is connected, so it will inform the driver of weather changes, traffic jams, etc., but the vehicle is totally controlled by the driver.
Level 1: the driver is assisted by the vehicle
The vehicle will warn the driver of certain dangers. For example, if the driver crosses a lane or fails to keep a safe distance. On some models, the vehicle can briefly regain control in the event of an accident.
Level 2: partial driving automation
In this level, the vehicle is able to manage all the automated functions of level 1 and combine them. For example, to change lanes on the freeway, all you have to do is put on your blinker, and the vehicle will move by analyzing the space and other vehicles around it. Despite this, the driver must always be attentive and able to regain control of the vehicle.
Level 3: conditioned automation
Under certain conditions, such as long straight stretches of road, and weather conditions permitting, the vehicle can navigate on its own, accelerating, avoiding obstacles and maneuvering its trajectory correctly. However, at this level, the driver must always remain vigilant and be able to regain control of the vehicle if the environment no longer allows autonomous driving.
Level 4: advanced automation
À this level, the driver is free to do other things - an improvement on level 3. The vehicle is not permanently autonomous, but when it is, the driver does not need to be alert to the road ahead. Driver intervention is required only rarely, and if the driver is unable to regain control of the vehicle, it will find a safe place to park.
Level 5: Total automation
For level 5the vehicle is able to steer itself in all situations, even the most extreme. The steering wheel has disappeared from the cabin, and passengers need only enter their destination address to be driven there.
Safety on board autonomous and connected cars
Connected and autonomous vehicles collect data on our journeys, our daily routines and our habits. But will this data really be secure? Will manufacturers use it for resale? Also, in a high-level autonomous vehicle, won't a hacker be able to get into the vehicle's system to control it? Let's take a quick look at what we know, and what we don't know, about autonomous and connected vehicles, and their safety.
For several years now, manufacturers and official bodies have been working to secure these vehicles, so as not to leave any doors open to ill-intentioned people who could steal personal data or worse. Today, for example, the CNIL is working on a "Connected Vehicle Compliance Pack" to protect consumers.
The challenge for automakers and telecom operators will be to focus on cybersecurity, so that hackers can't gain access to vital vehicle functions such as engines and brakes.
What other changes will 5G bring to the road?
The arrival of connected, autonomous vehicles and 5G will revolutionize our daily lives. Your autonomous car, for example, will be able to communicate with red lights, regulating its speed so that it doesn't have to stop at a red light, and thus making traffic flow more smoothly. Other examples of changes include automating the opening of your gate and garage door when your car arrives, and communication between vehicles to adapt their speed... In short, all traffic will be smoothed by autonomous cars and the objects with which they exchange information.
In conclusion
To sum up, 5G and the democratization of autonomous and connected cars will change the whole way we drive and get around. In the near future, the road will become a safer place for pedestrians and drivers alike. The future will tell whether this technology will be as reliable as we are promised today, and whether all market players will be able to play their part in this revolution.
