Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology is a wireless communication system that enables vehicles to connect and communicate with one another, roadside infrastructure, and other road users. The primary goal of V2X technology is to create safer roads and improve the driving experience by connecting all entities on the road. By providing real-time data on the status of surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and infrastructure, V2X allows drivers and road users to have a complete view of their environment within a distance of up to 1km.
The information exchanged via V2X includes data on the speed and location of nearby vehicles, pedestrian movements, updates on traffic flow, congestion, accidents, roadworks, and even the timing of traffic lights. This also makes V2X a key enabler for connected automated vehicles, as it helps eliminate blind spots and gives drivers alerts about potential hazards, allowing them to take necessary actions and choose the most efficient routes.
V2X Communication: Enabling Safer and Smarter Roads
V2X technology supports low-latency communication in three key areas: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication.
An illustration depicting vehicle-to-everything communication with all road entities connected via V2V, V2I and V2P communication.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication
V2V communication involves wireless communication directly between vehicles on the road. This allows drivers to receive situational awareness about other vehicles' locations, speeds, directions, and even sudden braking. The importance of V2V is that it enhances collision avoidance by informing drivers about the status of surrounding vehicles, empowering them to make better decisions and take evasive action when necessary.
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication
V2I communication allows vehicles to communicate with infrastructure equipped with a Roadside Unit (RSU). This includes traffic lights, streetlights, cameras, signs, and more. V2I not only enhances road safety but also improves overall traffic efficiency. Through V2I, drivers can receive real-time updates on weather changes, construction zones, road closures, and available parking spaces, improving traffic management and reducing congestion.
Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) Communication
V2P communication establishes direct communication between vehicles and pedestrians, cyclists, or other individuals on or near the road. Since pedestrians and other vulnerable road users have the right of way, V2P helps ensure their safety by alerting drivers to their presence, thereby preventing accidents. Onboard V2X units alert drivers to pedestrians, while pedestrians receive updates on nearby vehicles via personal devices like smartphones or wearable devices.
The Future of V2X: Safer, More Efficient Journeys
With the ability to connect all road users, V2X technology is set to revolutionize the driving experience. It will create safer, more reliable, and efficient journeys for everyone on the road. By sharing key information between vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians, V2X ensures better decision-making and minimizes risks, enhancing road safety for all users.
Currently, V2X technology is being tested and deployed in several regions, including the U.S., EU, China, Japan, and South Korea, using both DSRC and Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) protocols. Many vehicle manufacturers have already integrated V2X into their vehicles, and public and private pilot projects are ongoing to test real-life applications and scenarios for a large-scale rollout of V2X technology in cities and countries worldwide.
For large-scale deployment, regulators and manufacturers are focusing on several factors, including standardizing V2X protocols for global interoperability, investing in infrastructure like roadside units and data centers, and developing regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety and privacy of V2X users.
About Ettifos:
Founded in 2018, Ettifos is a 5G-focused V2X solutions provider invested in enabling the most advanced smart city/smart intersection deployments and connected vehicles (CV) technology.
The company supplies innovative and versatile OBU and RSU systems tailored to customers’ specific project and service requirements, with the vision of connecting all entities in motion to create a world with safer, smarter, and more efficient roads.