Automotive IoT, connected cars, smart vehicles, whatever one may prefer to call them, vehicles with advanced connectivity features that bolster their core functionality are here to stay, and the war over the standard that they use to connect with both one another and their backbone infrastructure is not looking the same as the “critical mass” situation that faces traditional IoT at all. Rather, the argument seems to have come to two sides – proponents of LTE-based solutions or vehicle to vehicle communications and Wi-Fi based solutions for other communications, led by the wireless industry, and proponents of Wi-Fi based solutions for general use, led by the auto industry.
As the attached graph shows, the convergence of the automotive and IoT worlds shows no signs of slowing down, and will likely only march on further and faster as the years go on. This means that determining how the automotive IoT movement at large should approach connectivity is tantamount to the continued development of the technology in its rise to mainstream success. Right now, the two factions are not only hashing it out on the commercial battleground and fighting over consumers’ wallets, they’re fighting in the political space. The two main connectivity options for the burgeoning technology are being presented by their respective backers to both the Federal Communications Commission, and the Department of Transportation. According to Mobile Experts Principal Analyst Joe Madden, other countries are waiting in the wings for the US to decide how to approach the issue, meaning that this political battle could have a worldwide effect.
Madden went on to say that the rollout of 5G may not have as deep an impact on automotive IoT as it will on wireless and traditional IoT, saying instead that big changes will likely come on the backs of things like improved fleet management, safety features, and insurance costs based on vehicle usage with data gathered by automotive IoT devices. Intel has created the Automated Driving Group to advocate for their interests’ possible improvements to the space and get others behind them, while the other side is backed by the usual lineup of industry insiders and lobbyists. This battle will likely get at least a little heated before a winner is decided, and it’s safe to say that whoever wins will be shaping the future of automotive IoT.
