5G tech paves the way for AVs

From platoon travel to the elimination of traffic jams, Select Car Leasing has revealed an unusual list of eight ways 5G technology will transform our roads.

With connected cars set to arrive on roads as soon as 2022, 5G is just the beginning spectrum evolution that will pave the way for autonomous vehicles (AVs), it says.   

1.            5G will eliminate traffic jams

Cars will communicate with traffic lights to enable more efficient journeys.

Being stuck at busy junctions will be a thing of the past. CGI UK emerging technology director Guy Matthews says that transport bodies will manage road networks in real time. That means instead of traffic lights having a set time between when they turn from red to green, they will be adaptive and change colour depending on how busy the road is in each direction.

2.            No more struggling to park

Driving around and aimlessly looking for a parking space will be a thing of the past thanks to 5G.

HD road cameras will scan streets looking for free spaces – the data is then transmitted to connected cars, informing the driver of where they can park. Using the car’s smartphone app or smart key, motorists will be able to exit the car and the motor will navigate into even the tightest of parking spaces.

3.            Save a third on fuel costs

Using a connected car will greatly reduce your fuel consumption and will, in turn, have a beneficial impact on bank accounts at the end of the month.

ABI Research predicts that 5G connected vehicles will have a lower fuel consumption by up to one-third due to more efficient driving – saving hundreds of dollars per family.

4.          Your car will alert you of dangers

About 1.3 million people are killed on roads around the world, and many of those are pedestrians.

Connected cars have life-saving potential, monitoring the location of 2500 5G enabled devices within a 1km range. The car communicates with those devices, predicting whether they could be a risk to your car. If so, the vehicle will alter its route or warn the driver of any pedestrians crossing.

5.            Platooning cars will shave minutes off every commute

There’s going to be no more weaving in and out of busy motorway lanes, as travelling cars will form an automated convoy.

They make more efficient use of space on the road, save on fuel and reduce overall travel time. 

6.            Your car will tell you if it’s about to break down

The nasty surprise of a breakdown and needing a repair will be gone.

5G improves vehicle analytics, meaning your car will be constantly listening to waveforms and vibrations to identify any problems. Should a problem occur, the car will warn occupants which part of the car is due to fail.

7.            Car theft will decrease

Car owners will be able to programme cars to not operate within a certain area or distance from their house.

That translates to when your car is idle outside your home, thieves will find it impossible to operate the vehicle.

8.            Your car will be able to sense potential hazards

Nissan is currently testing car technology that allows motorists to see what is out of their eye line and make invisible information visible.

Cars will be able to spot potential hazards hidden behind buildings, obstacles and blind corners to support a more confident driving experience.