The first Cadillac CTS RV equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology has finally hit the market. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) introduced communication standards for connected vehicles based on dedicated short-range communication (DSRC). However, with the rapid advancement of 5G and other next-generation network technologies, DSRC might soon become obsolete.
According to NHTSA estimates, by 2023, all new vehicles will be equipped with some form of connected communication technology. While the agency has been developing its communication specifications for over a decade, the fast-paced evolution of connected vehicle tech may leave these standards behind. As a result, the focus of development could shift away from traditional radio-based systems, making current regulations less relevant in the near future.
A recent image highlights the concern that NHTSA’s communication standards may not keep up with the pace of V2V innovation. The image shows how the gap between policy and technology is widening.
Many believe that mobile network technologies, like those used in smartphones, are the future of connected cars. This view is supported by companies like Audi, BMW, and Daimler, who partnered with Qualcomm, Huawei, Ericsson, Intel, and Nokia in 2017 to develop a 5G-based network for vehicles. Analysts at Strategy Analytics suggest that mobile networks have a clear advantage due to existing infrastructure. However, integrating this with NHTSA's proposed standards would require installing short-range communication devices along highways and intersections—something only a few cities, like New York, have begun to implement.
Mobile networks also offer capabilities that DSRC lacks, such as device-to-device (D2D) communication, which allows vehicles and pedestrians to connect directly without relying on network towers. This can help prevent accidents in real time.
Despite the excitement around 5G, NHTSA officials have evaluated other technologies like satellite and Wi-Fi but consider them unsuitable for large-scale deployment. They still see DSRC as the only viable wireless solution for V2V communication. While 5G is generating a lot of interest, its widespread availability remains uncertain.
Gary Smith, GM’s global R&D director, argues that DSRC is currently the best option. He warns that abandoning it in favor of unproven technologies could slow down progress. Smith emphasizes that V2V systems must be resilient and able to work with various communication methods.
Beyond just connected cars, NHTSA’s communication standards have broader applications in transportation systems, potentially driving industry-wide advancements in vehicle communication.
Shenzhen MovingComm Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.movingcommtech.com