At MWC, a keynote called, “Connecting the Mobility World with 5G,” collected a panel of experts to explain how the deployment of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) communication technology with 5G is changing the future mobility.
Currently, LTE-V2X, an initial version of C-V2X, is close to its commercial launch, which would allow vehicles to communicate with one another and their surroundings while collaborating with 5G enhancements. These improvements in automation could entail numerous improvements in road safety.
“By bringing together key actors of the mobility ecosystem – across the automotive, information and communications technology industries – 5GAA continuously strives to develop forward-looking solutions for intelligent transportation services. Both for today and tomorrow,” says Thierry Klein, 5GAA Vice Chair and Head of the Disruptive Innovation Program at Nokia Bell Labs. “These end-to-end integrated solutions bring enhanced safety, sustainability, and convenience to all road users. 5GAA is very excited to be pioneering the revolution towards a smarter and more connected mobility world.”
C-V2X communication is a cellular communications platform that enables vehicles to communicate to other vehicles and other road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. This utilizes either direct short-range communications or cellular networks. Currently, C-V2X network-based solutions are deployed, but direct communication solutions will be commercially available this year.
Use Cases Highlight C-V2X Deployments
At MWC, numerous 5GAA members announced different uses when spearheading C-V2X. Some of these companies included Telefónica, Ericsson, Ficosa, and Seat, who showed 5G connected car use cases that utilized C-V2X direct communication for safer driving in the city. These safety features include instances such as a vehicle being able to detect if a cyclist is turning right or left, or a pedestrian crossing a crosswalk.
Additionally, 5GAA members Continental and Vodafone are currently working on mitigating risks associated with road safety via a “digital safety-shield” for cyclists and pedestrians, using C-V2X in the first 5G deployments. Currently, tests are taking place at Vodafone’s 5G Mobility Lab in Germany.
Rohde & Schwarz have also announced they are collaborating with Vector on a C-V2X end-to-end application layer test solution to verify safety-critical V2X situations.
Deutsche Telekom announced their first C-V2X tests together with Skoda Auto in Czech as part of the European C-Roads project, and Qualcomm announced a 5G automotive platform that utilizes both C-V2X short and long-range modes.
C-V2X Goes Commercial in 2019
The production of C-V2X chips has also been consistent, and multiple radio vendors have already started to use these chips with their automotive radio offerings. This year, C-V2X direct communication technology will be commercially available worldwide. The first mass-deployment on the roads is scheduled in 2020 in China.
“C-V2X is now ready to roll. At Ford, we will begin to deploy this technology in all new models launching in the US starting in 2022” confirmed Don Butler, Executive Director of Connected Vehicle & Services at Ford Motor Co.
5G New Radio Evolution
C-V2X has paved the way for new 5G technologies, and part of this evolution is the 5G New Radio (NR). NR-V2X will someday ensure autonomous vehicles are safely operating by using 5G New Radio with Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) network based communication.
“The development of the NR-V2X standard is due for completion by the end of 2019; eventually hitting the road in 2023. This will enable a new generation of use cases for connected automated vehicles”, says Maxime Flament, CTO at 5GAA.
