The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly altering how people live and interact with technology while also reshaping several industries. This technology has also connected vehicles to the internet, making them a new rage in the automobile industry. As a result of this development, the automobile sector is continuously looking for ways to maximize the potential of IoT.

With innovative and revolutionary technology, automobiles are getting smarter, safer and more connected. Interacting with your car saves time and money along with improving the driving experience. According to research, this market is set to reach $541.73 billion by 2025.

What Are Connected Vehicles?

A connected vehicle can establish wireless connections with nearby devices. It connects to the internet with the help of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and transmits data to other devices inside and outside the vehicle.

These systems include features like GPS and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) connectivity, as well as apps that can unlock your automobile. The connected vehicle can obtain information or carry out tasks online, whenever the user wants it.

IoT advancement has been significantly supported by connected vehicles and its use cases range from internet-connected automobiles with bi-directional communication with other vehicles to mobile devices and city junctions that are connected to systems that interact with the driver’s mobile phone.

How Do Connected Vehicles Work?

Connected vehicles link to a network to permit bidirectional communications between vehicles (cars, trucks, buses and trains) and other vehicles, mobile devices and infrastructure for triggering crucial communications and events.

For instance, communications can allow vehicles equipped with linked vehicle technology to continuously communicate their whereabouts and to receive information that prompts an automated response in the case of city traffic and intersection safety.

Through wireless communication, connected vehicles can communicate with other types of infrastructure, such as traffic lights, construction zones, toll booths and school zones. Vehicles cannot be monitored because the sent vehicle information is anonymous making the system safe from outside intrusion.

The technology in the connected vehicle consists of two systems:

• The Embedded System is where it is integrated into the car with an antenna and chipset.

• The Tethered System is where the vehicles can connect to the user’s phone.

The built-in WiFi in connected vehicles allows them to download updates, send data that can be accessed remotely and link themselves to other devices nearby. It also includes remote vehicle functions and telematics data access, which are both growing in popularity.

Benefits of IoT and Connected Vehicles

Modern automakers are extensively investing in integrating operating systems and apps with IoT development efforts. Connected vehicle designs are constantly improving, becoming more ergonomic and futuristic. It has a variety of innovative and practical features that provide many benefits.

• IoT and connected vehicles provide access to numerous infotainment services, which offer entertainment and information to the users.
• It supports the navigation system through third-party apps.
• More updates with a focus on feature improvement can be added with a pay-as-you-go subscription.
• IoT-connected onboard software allows manufacturers to instantly release an update that fixes any vulnerability.
• Predictive maintenance and real-time preventive action are one of the biggest assurances that connected vehicles give.
• With the help of smart parking and mapping data, connected vehicles have the potential to make parking easier. Thus, reducing the time and money that drivers spend on parking.
• Connected vehicles and IoT are capable of predicting and reporting traffic patterns. They can communicate with other connected vehicles through Vehicle To Vehicle (V2V) connectivity systems and get inputs on signal phase, road conditions, weather and speed traps. This helps drivers anticipate traffic and additionally save fuel.
• It can help keep drivers safe by providing real-time insights into driver behavior, in-car circumstances and events. Thus, helping vehicle systems spot risky behaviors or rules being broken and take the appropriate action.
• In the event of an accident, a connected vehicle can send SOS notifications and connect to emergency agencies. In the event of a breakdown, it will immediately connect to the Roadside Assistance service.

Role of IoT and Connected Vehicles in Fleets

According to a study, it is also claimed that by 2023, about 70% of light-duty vehicles will be connected to the Internet. With the growth of IoT and connected vehicles, it is projected that the number of connected vehicles globally will reach 2 billion by 2025. Considering these statistics, one of the biggest beneficiaries of IoT and connected vehicles is fleet management. Below are a few aspects that could illustrate this.

• Vehicles have plenty of sensors and technology whether it’s a light-duty or heavy-duty vehicle. IoT is essential to maximize the usage of the top fleet management technologies, such as GPS and OBD (onboard diagnostics). Companies can easily gather data regarding routes, required maintenance and driving conditions from their fleet by utilizing these technologies in real time.

• Businesses can use IoT data, such as engine hours, diagnostics, speed, fuel and consumption to obtain insights into compliance, fleet performance and driver behavior. Managers can preserve customer satisfaction and driver safety by obtaining unbiased, factual information to support claims and handle problems.

• When IoT is effectively implemented, fleet managers will be able to use real-time resources to help them make faster and more informed decisions. Quick decision-making is essential particularly when dealing with client demands or unexpected developments.

As more smart vehicles are introduced, customers are moving towards connected vehicles. The connected technology will become widespread in the upcoming years and will improve safety and lower accident rates.

Road networks worldwide are being modified to accommodate connected vehicles and consumers are welcoming this idea. In 2019, Walmart launched specialized autonomous cargo vans, which carried groceries in Arizona.

Similar to this, Alphabet’s Waymo division which specializes in autonomous vehicles is expanding its driverless cab service from Arizona to San Francisco. Waymo is partnering with Nissan and Renault to test connected vehicle technology outside the United States, expanding its market reach.

The persistent efforts of some of the leading organizations in the passenger and commercial vehicle segment highlight the importance and appeal of connected vehicles. All these efforts point to a promising and exciting future for connected vehicles in which IoT has a central role.