Connected car

Definition (what it is)

A connected car is a road vehicle with embedded or aftermarket communication hardware and software that enables bidirectional data exchange with external systems. This connectivity links the vehicle to cloud platforms, road infrastructure, other vehicles, user devices, and digital services (the broader Internet of Things), supporting telematics, over‑the‑air (OTA) updates, remote functions, and cooperative safety. Connectivity is distinct from automation: many connected cars are not self‑driving, although connectivity often complements automated driving features.

Key technical characteristics (function and purpose)

  • Communication interfaces:
    • Cellular (4G LTE, 5G NR; often with eSIM), Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth/BLE.
    • V2X: cellular V2X (C‑V2X via PC5 sidelink and Uu), DSRC/IEEE 802.11p/ETSI ITS‑G5 (regional use).
    • GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) for positioning; augmentation methods (RTK/PPP) for higher accuracy.
    • Increasingly, satellite/NTN links for coverage extension.
  • Core components:
    • Telematics control unit (TCU) or connectivity control unit (CCU), antenna systems, secure gateways, and domain/zonal controllers that aggregate sensor and actuator data.
    • In‑vehicle networks: Automotive Ethernet (with TSN), CAN/CAN FD, LIN, and legacy FlexRay.
    • Service‑oriented software architectures (e.g., AUTOSAR Classic/Adaptive, POSIX) enabling standardized APIs and app ecosystems.
  • Data services and use cases:
    • Telematics (eCall/bCall, roadside assistance, concierge), remote vehicle functions (lock/unlock, climate pre‑conditioning, charge control), predictive maintenance, fleet management, usage‑based insurance, and cybersecurity monitoring.
    • Infotainment and HMI: connected navigation, live traffic, streaming, voice assistants, smartphone and digital key integration.
    • OTA updates: remote software/firmware/configuration updates to ECUs and infotainment systems with campaign management and rollback.
  • Security and safety:
    • Secure boot, hardware security modules (HSMs), secure key storage, TLS/IPsec, firewalling and segmentation, intrusion detection/prevention (IDPS) for in‑vehicle networks and telematics.
    • Alignment with ISO/SAE 21434 (cybersecurity) and ISO 26262 (functional safety); compliance with UNECE R155 (cybersecurity) and R156 (software updates).
  • Edge intelligence and cloud integration:
    • Onboard compute for sensor fusion, ADAS/automation, and local decision‑making; cloud‑edge orchestration for data offload, AI model updates, and digital twin synchronization.
  • Positioning and timing:
    • Multi‑constellation GNSS with IMU dead‑reckoning; time synchronization for cooperative maneuvers and V2X safety messages.

Relevance in modern EV design

  • Energy optimization: Range‑aware navigation, eco‑routing, intelligent thermal management, and adaptive charging strategies informed by real‑time data.
  • Battery lifecycle management: Telemetry‑driven state‑of‑charge (SoC) and state‑of‑health (SoH) estimation, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, and warranty analytics.
  • OTA and feature deployment: Continuous improvements to powertrain, battery management system (BMS), ADAS, and infotainment without service visits.
  • Smart charging and grid services: Integration with charging infrastructure and energy markets (e.g., OCPP, ISO 15118), plug‑and‑charge, dynamic pricing, demand response, and bi‑directional energy services such as vehicle‑to‑grid (V2G), vehicle‑to‑home (V2H), or vehicle‑to‑building (V2B).
  • Fleet and shared mobility: Real‑time utilization, diagnostics, and remote operations reduce downtime and total cost of ownership for EV fleets.
  • Safety and cooperation: V2X supports collision warnings, hazard notifications, cooperative perception, and smoother traffic flow—beneficial for energy efficiency and autonomous EV deployments.
  • Regulatory compliance: Remote software update governance and cybersecurity processes support UNECE R155/R156, data protection requirements, and right‑to‑repair considerations.

Synonyms and related terms

  • Synonyms (context‑dependent): connected vehicle, telematics‑enabled vehicle, smart car; overlaps with software‑defined vehicle (SDV), though SDV emphasizes software‑centric architectures beyond connectivity.
  • Related concepts: vehicle‑to‑everything (V2X), cellular V2X (C‑V2X), DSRC/ITS‑G5, in‑vehicle infotainment (IVI), OTA updates, digital twin, cybersecurity management system (CSMS), ADAS, autonomous/automated driving, smart charging, ISO 15118, OCPP, Internet of Vehicles (IoV), connected and automated vehicles (CAVs).

Standards, regulations, and ecosystem notes

  • Connectivity and V2X: 3GPP Releases (C‑V2X and NR V2X evolution), IEEE 802.11p/1609 (WAVE), ETSI ITS‑G5.
  • Cybersecurity and updates: ISO/SAE 21434, ISO 26262, UNECE R155/R156; OEM cybersecurity management systems and software update management systems.
  • Data protection and governance: Regional data privacy frameworks (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), consent management, data minimization, and data residency rules.
  • Charging and energy: ISO 15118 family (including Plug & Charge), Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP).
  • Testing and validation: Compliance with automotive EMC, environmental, and safety standards; continuous monitoring and incident response capabilities.

Architecture and data governance trends

  • Migration to zonal E/E architectures with high‑speed Ethernet backbones and service‑oriented communication.
  • Containerized and microservices‑based software stacks; standardized vehicle APIs enabling third‑party apps and ecosystem integration.
  • Cloud‑edge ML workflows for diagnostics, personalization, and autonomy; differential and phased OTA with safe rollback.
  • Privacy‑preserving analytics (on‑device processing, pseudonymization), secure telemetry pipelines, and user‑centric data controls.

Typical materials and manufacturing methods

  • Electronic modules and enclosures: Magnesium or aluminum die‑cast housings or high‑temperature, glass‑fiber‑reinforced thermoplastics (e.g., PBT, PA66) for weight, thermal, and EMC performance; conductive coatings and gaskets for shielding and sealing (IP‑rated).
  • PCBs and components: Multilayer FR‑4 or high‑Tg laminates; RF sections on low‑loss substrates (PTFE or ceramic‑filled); automotive‑grade components (AEC‑Q100/Q200).
  • Antennas and RF: Roof‑mounted “shark‑fin” or concealed conformal antennas; laser direct structuring (LDS) on LCP/PA; MIMO arrays for LTE/5G, GNSS patch antennas, and 5.9 GHz V2X elements.
  • Thermal and environmental protection: Heat sinks, graphite sheets, thermal interface materials; conformal coatings (urethane, silicone, acrylic) and selective potting.
  • Wiring and connectors: Shielded twisted‑pair for 100/1000BASE‑T1 automotive Ethernet, coax for RF links, FAKRA/mini‑FAKRA and sealed connectors.
  • Manufacturing and validation: SMT assembly, in‑circuit/boundary‑scan testing, AOI, RF calibration; environmental and EMC validation to automotive standards (e.g., CISPR 25, ISO 11452).

Practical note

A connected car is best viewed as a platform: on‑board hardware and software connected to cloud services and applications. This platform approach enables continuous improvement, new digital services, and lifecycle management across personal, commercial, and shared mobility use cases.