Addressing connectivity uncertainty for the connected car

There are a range of factors that will be crucial for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs).

Among them is 5G connectivity, automation and electrification. They are converging to transform the automotive industry – enabling and enhancing, for example, the connected car. An introduction to a TU-Automotive webinar, which was held in February 2022, and which was sponsored by Infovista went on to add: “From self-driving prototypes on private networks in mines and ports to connected mobility applications that enhance user experiences and enable new business models, the value potential is enormous. Wireless connectivity, however, has gaps and performance variability that, if not well managed, can impact application performance and reliability.”

So, what has changed over the last 2 years – beyond the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, which also caused disruption? To answer this question and others, we spoke to Jack Palmer, senior consultant in Frost and Sullivan’s mobility practice, and Magnus Gunnarsson, Ericsson’s head of connected vehicle portfolio. Key to the discussion were the challenges of delivering connected mobility applications in 2022, including how to avoid connectivity issues impacting customer experience and critical application performance.

Acceleration of connected services

Gunnarsson says there is now a “…notable acceleration of connected services associated with the electric vehicle (EVs). We also see how the connected vehicle landscape is changing from earlier estimates, with stronger focus on over-the-air (OTA) updates and driver-facing connected services. On the flip side, adoption of new ownership models, such as car sharing, are not picking up as quickly as we anticipated five years ago”.

However, he thinks the technology is developing at speed with “an emphasis on high data volumes for the software-defined, highly automated and electric vehicle”. This is leading to an explosion of data volumes from the vehicles, which are surpassing previous forecasts.

He explains: “Several automakers have found it difficult to create sustainable as-a-service (aaS) business models for connected vehicle services. The old adage of the vehicle becoming a subscription and introducing aaS fees to access and provide different ownership models as alternatives to direct ownership or leasing has proven very difficult to navigate.  Many automakers have subsequently stopped, or divested their vehicle subscription services, as the price point, and services suite remain elusive.”

Not much has changed

Palmer adds that not much has changed in terms of the end goal of vehicle connectivity for carmakers. It largely remains much the same as it did in 2020. There is, nevertheless, a trend towards embedded connectivity as standard feature for all vehicles. He says this satisfies consumer expectations and creates and essential data for vehicle manufacturers.

To read the complete article, visit TU-Automotive.