On average, there are 6 million car accidents in the U.S. every year, with Massachusetts holding the top spot for the highest percentage of drivers with a prior at-fault accident. That’s roughly 16,438 people per day who never return home.
However, the rollout of 5G technology paved the way for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) connectivity. And with that came a ray of hope for the next estimated 14,794 people to return home safely, and the next after them, and so on.
“Of the 6 million vehicle accidents in the U.S. alone every year, an estimated 90 percent are preventable, meaning that most accidents were caused by human error according to a report on distracted driving published by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. V2X technology is expected to reduce human error and save many of those lives. V2X aims toward solving this problem because the computer doesn’t get tired.”
– Robert Bielby, V2X expert & senior director of automotive system architecture in Micron’s Embedded Business Unit
What is V2X Communication?
V2X, or Vehicle-to-Everything, is a communication system that enables information transfer from a vehicle to other vehicles and to the traffic system, further improving road safety.
The technology was developed to enhance road safety, energy savings, and traffic efficiency. The main elements of V2X include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-grid (V2G), vehicle-to-cloud (V2C), and vehicle-to-device (V2D) communication systems.
Source: Qualcomm
Within the V2X communication system, information travels over high-bandwidth, high-reliability links from vehicle sensors and other sources. This allows the vehicles to commute with other cars, infrastructure such as parking spaces and traffic lights, and smartphone-tossing pedestrians. This technology helps improve traffic efficiency by warning drivers of upcoming traffic, suggesting alternative routes to avoid it, and identifying available parking spaces.
Market Growth and Size
According to MarketsandMarkets, the V2X market is expected to grow from $ 690 million in 2020 to more than $ 12 billion by 2028. However, the V2X market grew slowly in 2020 due to low vehicle sales amid COVID-19. But overall, the market is growing substantially due to the high demand for automobile safety features and better traffic management.
Source: MarketsandMarkets
In 2019, Europe was the highest contributor to revenue, with $851.8 million, and is expected to grow to $3.03 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 24.4%.
But the major growth will be seen by the Asia-Pacific region, which is expected to grow 66% annually with an estimated market cap of $2,049 Billion over 2021 – 2030, as per Research and Markets.
According to VynZ Research, in 2020, North America held approximately 40% of the global V2X market. Europe and Asia-Pacific held approximately 28% and 15%, respectively.
Global V2X Market Share in 2020, by Region
Asia-Pacific is expected to increase its market share significantly, as China leads in 5G and AI, and both technologies are key drivers of V2X growth. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea are home to major automotive brands like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai, and these companies have been working on V2X.
Market Drivers
Rise of Connected Cars
The demand for connected car services has increased due to the growing need for basic vehicle connectivity applications, such as real-time updates, navigation, and in-car infotainment. Connected vehicles enable cars to communicate with drivers, other vehicles, road infrastructure, and the cloud through the V2X platform.
These technologies and services improve safety and automate certain driver functions while generating valuable data, including vehicle performance and road conditions. Therefore, an increase in V2X-based services in connected cars has driven growth in the automotive V2X market.
By 2023, Europe will hold a market share of approximately 31.1%, followed by the US at 27.1%, and China at 20.8%.
Estimated Connected Cars Market Share, By Region, To Be In 2023 (%)
Rapid Increase in Urbanization
In recent years, V2X-based intelligent transport systems (ITSs) have been developed. This has enabled the technology to improve road safety, traffic efficiency, and driving experience. Even the development of smart cities with smart infrastructure is driving growth in the overall V2X market. Even the ongoing development & commercialization of cellular technologies have been major contributors to market growth.
5G and AI
In the future of the automotive industry, AI and 5G have been playing a crucial role. The cellular-V2X is a key contributor to the expansion of vehicle automation, as it establishes multiple communication channels among vehicles, roadside units, and pedestrians, thereby making vehicles more aware of their surroundings. The design of C-V2X technology makes it compatible with 5G network technologies. This feature will enable mission-critical V2X and C-V2X to serve as the ultimate platforms while supporting cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) services and technologies. Hence, this combination of AI and 5G with C-V2X has been driving the growth of the overall global V2X market.
Market Challenges
Robust Legal Framework
As this is a new technology, data protection is a high priority. The 5GCAR project helped take an important step towards the development of the V2X ecosystem by investigating the value of 5G for connected cars. However, several challenges include the legal frameworks and spectrum availability. V2X maturity varies across regions worldwide. Hence, it is quite difficult to develop a framework that applies to all countries using V2X technology.
Security of Data Communication
Yet another important challenge for V2X technology, which has been hindering its market growth, is building a secure system that ensures privacy, authenticity, and security across all types of V2X communication. Vehicle records contain sensitive information about the owners and vehicles in encrypted form. These records are attached with access control policies and policy enforcement engines. As it is a new technology, the development of data communication security is still a work in progress.
V2X Market by Offering
Hardware and software are two important parts of V2X technology. In hardware, semiconductor companies and automakers are developing SoCs, sensors, and other components to enable V2X communication. Other companies and startups are focusing more on software, such as networks, connections, communications, GPS, etc., to ensure that vehicles can transfer information even in tunnels or bad weather.
Below are a few hardware developments from chipmakers and automakers.
Hardware Developments
LG Innotek developed a Second-Generation V2X Full Module for connected and autonomous vehicles. With the development of the ‘V2X Full Module,’ LG Innotek has accelerated its entry into the connected car component market. With its strong product line-up, it intended to provide consumers with optimized and tailored solutions. With products ranging from HCI modules to complete modules, the firm can tailor its supply to the functions required by finished-car or vehicle-parts firms. It has V2X modules tailored to the major V2X chip manufacturers, including Autotalks, NXP Semiconductors, and Qualcomm.
Qualcomm launched the 9150 C-V2X ASIC, which provides the C-V2X direct communication mode, intended to enable automobiles and roadside equipment to achieve low-latency connectivity for Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), and Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) driving, with or without a cellular connection.
Hyundai focuses on developing innovative technologies that integrate its core component technologies, such as braking and steering, advanced control technologies, and autonomous driving sensor technologies, to prepare for the market. The company intends to use this emerging convergence technology to provide potential automotive technology applications, such as self-driving and connected vehicles. It created the Integrated Communication Controller, which enabled real-time communication of vehicle details with other vehicles or infrastructure via external communication systems.
Danlaw Inc. creates smart city technologies by leveraging connectivity and sensor data to enable innovative traffic control and safety applications. Danlaw’s RouteLink – V2X Roadside Unit is simple to integrate with current traffic networks. It is intended to improve road safety and mobility. RouteLink warns drivers of hazardous driving conditions, allows emergency responders to pre-empt traffic, and gives buses and utility vehicles signal priority.
Cohda’s V2X implementations are the most widely used in the market. It incorporated the V2X tech into two systems used by automobile manufacturers. Cohda Wireless has a hardware solutionfor Cellular V2X (C-V2X) devices. Cohda’s MK6C Evaluation Kit speeds up the commercialization of C-V2X technology.
Software Developments
Airbiquity is a well-known provider of connected vehicle services and a pioneer in developing and engineering automotive telematics technologies. Airbiquity runs Choreo, an innovative cloud-based connected car content management network. Automakers and automotive suppliers have collaborated with Airbiquity to deploy highly flexible, stable, and reliable connected vehicle service programs that meet their customers’ needs in over 60 countries worldwide.
Bosch collaborated with a connected-car start-up to introduce a multi-standard approach to vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity. Bosch followed a multi-standard approach to V2X (vehicle-to-everything) and built a common communication unit capable of connecting using any of the transmission protocols used in connected cars.
HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung that focuses on embedded devices for the automobile, industrial, and business markets, develops and engineers integrated devices and technologies for automakers, customers, and businesses around the world, including connected vehicle networks, audio and video products, enterprise automation solutions, and Internet of Things services. It launched a Dual-Mode V2X solution to improve automotive safety. The adaptable telematics system includes both software and hardware and connects to DSRC and cellular (5G) Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) networks, eliminating the need for various safety system configurations.
Qualcomm Technologies prioritized the implementation of robust C-V2X on-board units (OBUs) for automotive platforms to accelerate C-V2X for connected vehicles, and these implementations were extended to roadside facilities. Using Qualcomm Snapdragon Automotive Wireless Platforms and C-V2X technologies, it collaborated with leading automotive, road operators, infrastructure, and technology firms worldwide to demonstrate the advantages and technical sophistication of C-V2X.
V2X by Connectivity
V2X communication can be achieved in two ways:
- WLAN
- Cellular
V2X communication uses WLAN and works directly between vehicles or vehicles and infrastructure.
But in 2016, 3GPP standardized cellular V2X in Release 14, using cellular technologies such as LTE or 5G to provide V2X communication.
While some countries are adopting CV2X, others are choosing WLAN-based V2X. Both CV2X and WLAN-V2X have their own pros and cons, and depending on requirements, companies are adopting one. But CV2X seems to have more advantages over WLAN-V2X.
Thus, C-V2X became more well-known over time as 5G improved communication and removed the hurdle that 4G could not.
“Recent testing has shown the superior performance of C-V2X relevant to non-cellular ITS technology. Wi-Fi […] has no relationship to existing cellular infrastructure, nor will it be compatible with 5G, which provides the best of both worlds: direct short-range communication in unlicensed bands and long-range communication with 4G and 5G. C-V2X also facilitates ad-hoc vehicle communication in situations with no cellular coverage.” – Joakim Reiter, Group External Affairs Director, Vodafone.
Companies like Qualcomm have been researching and promoting C-V2X as it started to provide solutions to autonomous vehicle companies.
Not just companies but major countries like the US, China, and Japan are also favoring C-V2X. Besides that, some European countries also prefer C-V2X. In 2019, 21 European countries voted against a motion to close down 4G/5G-based V2X communication.
Further, the 5GAA consortium is also promoting C-V2X among major companies to encourage adoption. The consortium already has major companies as members, including automotive, telecom, and technology players.
Cellular-Based Solutions
Qualcomm’s C-V2X solutionssupport vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), vehicle-to-cloud (V2C), and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) connectivity. Qualcomm C-V2X systems are built into Qualcomm SnapdragonTM Automotive Cockpit Platforms. To provide stable V2X communications, Qualcomm Aerolink systems are designed to operate with C-V2X and other short-range radio access technologies.
Autotalks C-V2X features include a 3GPP Rel. 14/15-compliant high-performance PC5 modem with dual antennas and diversity for both transmission and reception. In the first large-scale interoperability demonstration of multi-brand C-V2X connectivity, Autotalks demonstrated its chipset’s conformance to the Chinese C-V2X protocol and the Chinese OSCCA security standard. Autotalks’ chipset was selected for a mass-production C-V2X program in China in early 2020.
Applied Informationintended to carry the Cellular Vehicle to All (C-V2X) technologyto Hawaii. C-VX technology was incorporated into 34 traffic signals along the Nimitz Corridor in Honolulu. Applied Information exclusively implemented C-V2X technologies developed by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., while collaborating with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the University of Hawaii College of Engineering to expand the implementation of connected vehicle infrastructure across the entire state of Hawaii with C-V2X. The Applied Information Connected Vehicle System optimizes and facilitates C-V2X, DSRC, 4G LTE cellular, and 900 MHz communication.
Harman’sidea is an example of C-V2X (cellular vehicle-to-everything) technology. It enablescars, as well as anything else with the necessary infrastructure, to communicate with one another using a standard medium, in this case, 5G. Harman technology enables vehicles to search ahead for possible barriers. According to Harman, pedestrians and cyclists can also receive alerts on their mobile devices or other equipment if they do not notice an approaching vehicle.
Alps Alpine received a cellular V2X (C-V2X) experimental radio station license in the 5.9 GHz band from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) in Japan. The license permitted Alps Alpine to begin demonstration testing of a C-V2X device.
And let’s look at some WLAN-Based solutions provided by companies and startups:
WLAN-Based Solutions
Anritsu has developed innovative measurement technologies for V2X, from R&D through field testing and production, enabling the accelerated rollout of 11p-based V2X wireless systems. It incorporates distinct features that simplify dynamic processes and boost performance, effectively reducing test time and test cycles. The MS2830A Signal Analyzer is intended for measurements of 2G/3G/LTE/WLAN/V2X (IEEE 802.11p) systems.
Kapsch TrafficComextended its V2X technology portfolio with the introduction of the new EVK-3300 communications system for V2X connectivity at the Car 2 Car Communication Consortium Forum in Munich. The platform can be integrated into vehicles in a variety of ways, including CAN, Ethernet, USB, and a range of input and output options for customized adaptations. The 802.11p radio module enables V2X radio connectivity, while the optional WLAN/3G/4G module enables communication through alternate channels.
Commsignia combines cars and smart city networks to make transit safer, more effective, and more affordable. The hardware portfolio of Commsignia covers onboard systems for cars and roadside units for digital road infrastructure programs. With LTE broadband, WLAN, and Bluetooth LE connectivity, Commsignia supports both DSRC and C-V2X interfaces.
In terms of patent mentions, CV2X also leads with a large number of patents. The reason is that most technology companies (such as semiconductor, software, and telecom) are researching CV2X, and these companies generally file more patents than companies in other industries, which, in this case, is automotive.
Notable Patents in V2X
Below are some notable patents related to V2X. The patents could belong to either C-V2X or WLAN-V2X.
- Nokia’s developments seem to be toward setting up infrastructure to accommodate 5G cars, a claim supported by US10681567B2, which aids the drivability of an autonomous vehicle. This involves detecting specific road traffic conditions and transmitting the information to other vehicles in the area to avoid accidents, and controlling vehicle speeds by setting the cars in high alert mode. US9955484B2 uses the location/position information of the mobile radio device to select radio resources to be allocated to user devices for communication.
- Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America filed a patent application US20200154248A1 to solve the above problem and thus enhance GPS performance. The present innovation, which can be applied over the C-V2X contact channel to improve GPS accuracy in a car, is included in the patent. The vehicle’s C-V2X system will connect with either a C-V2X base station or an RSU. The second signal from the C-V2X communication system is received by a GPS device that is communicatively coupled to the C-V2X communication device.
- In the 5G scheme, the patent application filed by Intel IP provides a solution for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) contact authorization. This patent explains the embodiments of Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications authentication. The user equipment (UE) optimized for V2X communication and designed to run within a fifth-generation system (5GS), or a combination fifth-generation and fourth-generation system (4GS), can encode a V2X capacity indicator in a request message for transmission to a network object in some embodiments. This patent was filed by Intel IP Corporation.
- The patent application filed by Baidu USA covers a method for monitoring traffic lights in a V2X system that involves receiving status information from various vehicles at a cloud server, including screening out one or more cars that are not expected to encounter a traffic light on their path within a fixed time ahead of them. Obtaining the punctuality status of each remaining vehicle according to a schedule table, and optimizing each traffic light in the V2X setting based on the vehicle’s punctuality status to achieve traffic light optimization are also included in the process.
- Autotalks’ patent identifies an apparatus for V2X communications that includes an application layer for evaluating a high-risk scenario involving a self-vehicle and other vehicles, and an access or network layer for ensuring receipt of messages broadcast by the self-vehicle by requiring acknowledgment only from vehicles listed as involved in the high-risk scenario.
- Savari’s patent discloses methods and systems for V2X congestion control, using directional antennas and determining OBU transmission power. These are based on the weather data received from the vehicle CAN. Both aspects of the invention, i.e., the weather data usage invention and the directional antenna usage invention, fall under the same category of ‘V2X propagation optimizations’.
- Cohda Wireless filed a patent for its technology, titled “Method for Estimating the Position of an Object.” The procedure entails sending a first V2X message from the object to a group of spaced units, followed by receiving a series of V2X answer messages from at least two units in response to the first V2X message.
Leading Markets
China is leading in V2X, as the country is the top R&D center and a major market for the technology, particularly C-V2X. More than 20 trials and pilot projects are takingplace across 100km of roads in 10 provinces. In Wuxi, in eastern Jiangsu province, where C-V2X already covers 170 square km of urban land, China Mobile and supplier Huawei planned to nearly double that coverage to 400 intersections by the end of 2019.
“5GAA is instrumental in supporting the implementation of C-V2X technology in different parts of the world, including China. The momentum in China reflects the fact that C-V2X is the verified, mature, and preferred future-proof technology for connected vehicles.”
– Luke Ibbetson, 5GAA Board Member and Vodafone Group’s Head of R&D.
Further patent data also show that most of the V2X research has occurred in China, followed by the US. Given the lucrative market, more than 15 automakers announced plans to roll out cars supporting C-V2X for the Chinese market from the 2nd half of 2020, according to 5GAA.
The patent data also indicate that China appears to be a potential market for C-V2X technology, as companies tend to file their C-V2X innovations in China.
But as for research and development, the US is leading in C-V2X, most likely because of Qualcomm, the top company researching it.
Future Outlook
Based on market predictions and technical developments, it is safe to say that the technology will grow in the coming year and improve safety for self-driving vehicles.
And with 5G and AI, companies can solve the technical challenges of V2X, especially C-V2X. Also, it could make C-V2X a more mainstream option than WLAN-Based V2X. 5G and AI open a whole new door for many technologies to improve, and with C-V2X, it can improve in ways 4G failed to achieve.
“C-V2X technology is set to revolutionize the mobility ecosystem and the way vehicles and drivers interact with the world, including vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. It is an essential stepping stone for the ongoing digitization of transportation by providing real-time, highly reliable, and actionable information flows to enable road safety, traffic efficiency, and environmental progress,” Maxime Flament, CTO, 5GAA.
“The auto and telecom industry – collaborating under 5GAA – supports the idea that 5G will further enable mission-critical enhanced V2X communications and be the ultimate platform to enable impactful C-ITS services.”
5GAA is promoting CV2X and has been successful in attracting many global players to adopt it.
Source: Qualcomm
One of the main reasons for CV2X’s success is Qualcomm. Qualcomm has been promoting CV2X since 2015, when it first published a research paper about it. The company has filed several patents on CV2X technology and is the leader in CV2X patent filings.
But there are many companies, especially Asian ones, that are still driving V2X and can give Qualcomm tough competition. We already know that the Asia-Pacific region will expect high growth, so it is understood that research and development will be a factor in this growth, too.
In the second part of the article, we will discuss the leading companies in overall V2X, CV2X, and WLAN-based V2X.
