How 5G Technology is Transforming the Future of Automotive Connectivity 

April 13th, 2023

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Technology-driven ecosystems are quickly emerging in the automotive industry.

What we expect of a vehicle is evolving – from a tool used to merely move us from point A to B, to an integrated and fully connected tech-hub! Yes, you read that right – and it’s all due to 5G.

5G is becoming an integral part of technological transformation in the automotive industry.

So, to enlighten you about what 5G technology can bring to automotive connectivity, we’ve defined what this technology is and listed some of the key benefits you’ll experience with 5G connected vehicles.

What is 5G technology?

5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology, and it’s set to transform our daily lives by virtually connecting everyone and everything together with faster latency than any previous cellular technology.

Fast-paced, reliable connectivity will allow billions of devices to use and transmit data in more places, bringing major advancements to the IoT (Internet of Things), Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and more.

How does 5G impact the vehicle industry?

When it comes to automobiles, 5G allows for vehicle-to-vehicle communication in real-time which could deliver reliable connections with lower latency. The reliable and high-volume data transfer enabled by 5G unlocks the potential for V2X (vehicle-to-everything) and V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) communication – which in turn, unlocks the potential for a variety of features that enhance road safety and convenience for the user.

4 ways 5G network coverage is redefining the driving experience

With the demand for greater connectivity set to soar, 5G-enabled connected cars will become the new norm.

Here are 4 ways 5G will enhance vehicles in the near future:

1. Improved safety

With an increasing number of road fatalities in Australia, safety applications of 5G are of great importance.

Here are some of the applications of 5G in the safety features of cars:

• Speed Control - When connected to the network via 5G, cars can be programmed to automatically adjust speeds based on road closures, congestion or accidents and prepare the driver in advance, avoiding mishaps such as collisions or pileups.
  
  
• Alerts - 5G connectivity can be used to detect obstacles by opting to assist in NLOS (non-line-of-sight) scenarios, activate emergency braking warnings, or even crash warnings to avoid accidents.
  
  
• Intersection Management - 5G in cars when connected with multiple cameras at intersections can be used to manage traffic better and increase safety.
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2. Improved driving experience

Driver demand for connectivity is increasing as people become more familiar with and reliant on the benefits of staying connected. 

According to research, around 40% of global consumers would change car brands just to gain more connectivity. Here are some of the applications of 5G in improving your driving experience:

• Navigation - With 5G entering the picture, navigation is likely to get more accurate with real-time map updates and 3D imaging.
  
  
• Media - Using the 5G network, connected cars will be able to stream rich HD media content to their infotainment systems directly – which means more entertainment, more often.
  
  

3. Efficiency

The 5G network can be used intelligently for delivering value in fleet and commercial vehicles. This can help reduce costs as well as fuel consumption through:

• Route Optimisation - Using real-time maps and traffic data, vehicles can plan faster trips by optimising their routes, therefore reducing the overall cost of travel.
  
  
• Platooning - With the help of high-speed networks that operate in real-time, commercial vehicles can drive in a coordinated fashion and maintain a fixed distance between each other, resulting in lower fuel consumption, costs and carbon emissions – all enabled by 5G.
  
  

4. Faster freight and shipping

Vehicles that transport our goods will also be getting a makeover thanks to 5G. The logistics industry expects to see faster deliveries and less revenue leakage as a result.

These are some of the projected advancements in the logistics industry:

• Virtual reality road assistance – Companies will be able to manage fleet maintenance using a remote mechanic. This will speed up roadside assistance, getting autonomous trucks back on the road faster to improve delivery times.
  
  
• Advanced location tracking – “Dead zones” may become a thing of the past thanks to 5G. With more accurate and advanced geo-location technology, travel delays in remote and rural areas will be easier to track.

The long list of exciting benefits we stand to gain from 5G-connected vehicles is why the future of the automotive industry is infinitely bright. However, the industry requires huge investments to improve network performance and to have a significant impact on the automotive ecosystem.

Ready to drive smarter on the road with a 5G-connected vehicle?

The automotive industry is experiencing changes driven by digital transformation.

So, whenever you’re ready to take the next step towards a 5G-connected car, it helps to have a vehicle expert who can guide you. If you have questions about smart cars and how you can choose the right one for you, simply reach out to us for a chat.

Find the right smart vehicle for you with Private Fleet.

Private Fleet empowers you to gain all the benefits of a fleet purchase, but as a private buyer.

Backed by decades of vehicle industry experience, fleet buying power and a network of car dealers across Australia, we are here to ensure that buying a 5G-connected car will be as straightforward as possible for you.

Buying a new car is a memorable experience – let us make it hassle-free, too.

Reach out to us today for a seamless and easy car-buying experience.