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

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.

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?

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.

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 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.