After food, shelter, and clothing, the basic need of the 21st century is the internet. Nowadays, we use smartphones, smartwatches, smart speakers and more, the internet has become the part of devices of our daily life. In the future, internet access will also be measured like fuel efficiency and engine power.
IoT (Internet Of Things) is the fastest growing technology which integrates the internet to the device or equipment to make life easier.
For example, If your AC at home is connected to the internet, you can operate it from anywhere with your smartphone instead of remote control.
This was just a glance at how the internet is important to us. Here, we will discuss one of the emerging technology connected to the internet which is Connected Cars.
Understand Connected Cars
A device in an automobile which connects to different devices with each other in the vehicle or other devices, networks or services in other cars, home or offices is known as connected cars.
As per experts, these cars are an emerging idea in IoT which means it has an internet connection and is mostly equipped with wireless LAN. It can process its performance and service along with ensuring passenger’s comfort using sensors and the internet.
These cars track fleet mileage and fuel usage along with other important data. It provides the driver with shorter routes and details regarding driving behaviour.
Back to History
The idea for the Connected Car was brought in the market by General Motors in 1996 with OnStar. The system was designed for getting emergency help during accidents. A call was delivered to call center for the driver’s help.
It was first worked with voice then it added a cellular system to share GPS positioning for help. After OnStar’s success, other automakers came up with similar safety features available in the paid version after the free trial.
Then in 2001, remote diagnostics was introduced in the car. In 2003, the introduction of vehicle reports, route navigation, and network access device was considered to be a great change. Then in 2007, Continental introduced data-only telematics which used to collect data from the car for the user. Afterwards, in 2014, Audi A3 offered 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot access and became the first to do so. Then General Motors became the first mass deployment of 4G LTE.
In the UK, ‘The AA’ was the first to introduce breakdown detection in connected cars. This car was known as Car Genie which would not only generate alerts on car health issues but also directly phone calls for customer help to prevent breakdown.
A European start-up “Stratio Automotive” in 2017 provided predictive intelligence in 10,000 vehicles to enable fleet operators for better managing and maintenance of their fleet.
Segments of Connected Cars
We can further categorize Connected Cars into 8 segments, which are;
- Mobility Management: It enables the driver to reach the destination in short duration with safety and lesser cost. It includes real-time traffic status, parking assistance and more.
- Driving Assistance: Monitors driving and takes quick action according to the problem arise. Connected cars include features like ADAS and MDVR for improving driving behaviour.
- Breakdown Prevention: The system finds the breakdown and sends service alerts with data of the detected problem.
- Fleet Management: It takes steps to reduce work cost and simplify vehicle use.
- Commerce: Enables users to purchase goods and other services during the drive.
- Security: Generates alerts for the driver and other users regarding the inside and outside the problem of the fleet.
- Entertainment: Connected Cars involve features for the enjoyment of the driver and the passengers which includes WLAN hotspot, social media surfing, on wheel office and more.
- Health: Regular auto health checkup of the fleet for the driver’s comfort and long-lasting.
Benefits you must know
- Saves time and achieve more productivity: Know the traffic and accident alerts, it saves time and unwanted stoppages. Live route assistance to use the shortest route, which not only saves time but also improves fuel efficiency.
- Auto-health checkups: The car automatically checks engine health, tire pressure and damage of any other parts so its service cost is decreased. Alerts are generated if a problem is found and thus prevents severe damages.
- Increases safety: A car connected to others can get information about the problem ahead and secure itself. Moreover, if one vehicle detects the debris or damaged car on the road, it can send the data and get immediate help. These cars also warn the driver of the pedestrians, vehicle or other object appeared on the road to prevent the collision.
- Get the internet for your work: We can use connected cars as the mobile hotspot which is reliable, and it has 4G internet. Thus, you won’t miss any of your important work during the drive.
Disadvantages you may find
- Hackers and malicious software can attack your car anytime
- Your destination is already known by the car which can cause privacy issues
- It can also be a cause of distraction many times like internet surfing, texting and more.
- Huge price of connected cars and so, not affordable by all.
Conclusion
Connected Cars will prove to be a useful feature in coming up future and thus it can be known as a luxury for a safer and efficient drive. Not all luxury is unwanted. Happy tracking and step by step be aware of new telematics.
