vehicle-to-vehicle communication
technology has arrived
We may not be at the level of Knight Rider however, many of
the major car marques are working on technology that will
enable cars to communicate with each other.
Toyota recently announced plans to create a network
of vehicles that talk to each other and their surrounding
environment through a new technology called vehicle-to-
vehicle (V2V) communication. Toyota and Lexus revealed
they would make broad use of short-range communication
systems from 2021 with a complete introduction to all Toyota
models from 2025.
Whilst it sounds futuristic, this is not a new concept. US
automakers have had access to V2V technology since 1999.
How will communicating vehicles benefit us?
Toyota says the technology will save lives and keep traffic
flowing smoothly.
“By allowing vehicles’ intelligent systems to collaborate more
broadly and effectively through V2V technology, we can
help drivers realise a future with zero fatalities from crashes,
better traffic flow and less congestion,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of
Toyota Motor North America.
What will cars talk about?
Cars will communicate about simple things such as speed,
the direction of travel and location, all in real time and up to
ten times per second.
Vehicles would have the ability to communicate with each
other about possible hazards and obstacles, such as a slow-
moving vehicle up ahead. In addition, cars could cooperate,
warning other vehicles as they approach an intersection.
If fitted to an on-call emergency vehicle, drivers up ahead
could receive advanced notifications.
"We believe that greater V2V adoption by all automakers will
not only help drivers get to their destinations more safely
and efficiently, but also help lay the foundation for future
connected and automated driving systems.” said Lentz.
Models that currently use V2V technology
In Japan, Toyota has been selling V2V-enabled cars since
2015. The technology provides drivers with information about
surrounding vehicles and traffic signals. Toyota has sold
100,000 V2V equipped models in Japan to date.
Volkswagen also announced they would develop their own
inter-vehicle-communication technology by 2019. Ford plans
to base their system on the mobile phone network and GM
also equips some of their models, including the 2017 Cadillac
CTS with V2V.
With far reaching safety benefits, there is no doubt we will see
more automotive manufacturers adopt V2V technology in the
near future.
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