5GAA, Audi, Ford and Qualcomm demonstrates C-V2X for improving road safety

5G Automotive Association (5GAA), Audi AG, Ford Motor Company and Qualcomm Technologies has demonstrated Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) direct communications technology that would be put into operation across vehicles from different manufacturers.

C-V2X is a global solution for V2X communications to support improved automotive safety, automated driving, and traffic efficiency, and is said to be the only V2X technology based on globally recognized 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications with ongoing evolution designed to offer forward compatibility with 5G, and leveraging upper layer protocols defined by the automotive industry, including Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) organizations. Designed with a focus on security, C-V2X has advanced security transport layers and application protocols defined by the automotive standards communities, including SAE, ETSI, International Standards Organization (ISO), and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1609, and Qualcomm’s decades of investment in cellular technologies.  

The demonstration showcased the benefits of using C-V2X real-time direct communications on the globally harmonized 5.9 GHz ITS spectrum for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) collision avoidance and improved road safety without any dependency on cellular operator network involvement, credentials or coverage. The organizations also unveiled initial field test results showing a significant range, reliability and performance advantage of C-V2X direct communications, with more than twice the range and improved reliability compared to 802.11p radio technology. Acknowledging C-V2X’s potential to enhance safety and save lives, the 5GAA, Audi, Ford and Qualcomm Technologies are promoting it into the automotive ecosystem and are looking forward to its deployment in 2020.

During the exhibition, Audi and Ford demonstrated the capabilities and benefits of C-V2X technology in different scenarios.  These scenarios included situations with obstructed or no visibility, including Left turn assist and Emergency electronic brake light use cases, in which, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications alerted surrounding vehicles when cars were turning left or braking. Additionally. it also featured a vulnerable road user (VRU) demonstration showcasing what can be possible with future vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communications. Applications of vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication were also demonstrated, which showcased how direct communications can work closely with traffic signal controllers to ensure the reduction in carbon emissions and optimization of traffic efficiency in cluttered intersections and dense environments.

5GAA currently has over 80 members that comprise of leading automakers, Tier-1 suppliers, software developers, mobile operators, semiconductor companies, test equipment vendors, telecom suppliers, traffic signal suppliers and road operators. Christoph Voigt, chairman of 5GAA said, “C-V2X is ready to improve road safety with deployment in production vehicles and road infrastructure by 2020, leveraging a state-of-the-art proven radio with decade-long developed automotive software protocols.

Gerhard Stanzl, head of predevelopment smart mobility and machine learning, Audi Electronics venture said, “This interoperability demonstration marks a major milestone on the road to safer driving and we look forward to working alongside the extensive automotive ecosystem in helping accelerate C-V2X deployment globally. It gives us a look at the key role that vehicle-to-vehicle and 5G wireless technologies play in the future of Audi and the automotive industry in general to support autonomous driving.”

Don Butler, executive director connected vehicle platform and product, Ford Motor Company said,“Preliminary test results support our belief that C-V2X has superior V2X communication capabilities. We are seeing strong ecosystem support of product roadmaps that accelerates time to market for C-V2X.”

Nakul Duggal, vice president of product management, Qualcomm Technologies, commented, “We are ready for its rollout in collaboration with leading automakers such as Audi and Ford, and the larger auto industry. We are committed to accelerating automotive innovation and enabling carmakers to deliver safe and connected vehicles, and we strongly believe that C-V2X can offer significant improvements in road safety for people worldwide.”

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