Seamless connectivity is mission-critical for connected cars as they evolve toward full autonomy. Latency that diminishes a car’s instant response to external factors must be eliminated to inspire confidence in the average driver. 

A recent Deloitte survey found that nearly half of consumers doubt the safety of autonomous vehicles.

5G is allowing us that next level of connected car. How? Through the rapid processing of massive volumes of data. This will enhance the connected car’s ability to interact with its environment, both in and outside the vehicle. 

What can we expect from the connected car under 5G?

1. Heightened collision avoidance

5G will increase collision avoidance in connected cars by accelerating the reliable exchange of data between car, infrastructure and environment. 

The prime benefit of 5G cellular technology is its reduction of latency. Under 5G, sensors on the outside of connected cars can transmit large data packets within as little as 10 milliseconds. Those packets can then be processed by algorithms that interpret what’s happening outside the car and determine a response with virtually no delay.

Drivers will have more intelligence available to them for a cooperative driver-to-car experience. They will also be able to count on more reliable assistance with routine maneuvers like lane changes, in addition to handling unexpected obstructions.

2. Enhanced in-car monitoring 

The same connectivity that will supercharge external car sensors will also improve the responsiveness of in-car monitoring components. These components help correct for driver distraction by tracking the environment within the car. 

In-car monitoring will detect things like a driver falling asleep or a seat position that limits visibility and ability to react. 5G will vastly reduce the latency that would prevent instant detection and response in these scenarios.

3. No more “are we there yet?”

Traveling in a connected car won’t just be safer—it will also become more interesting.  

Taken a step further, 5G’s real-time connectivity, when coupled with an autonomous driving experience, transforms the connected car into a collaborative, shared space. Autonomous vehicles have the potential to become literal mobile offices or living room-style spaces.

4. A step toward consumer confidence

5G will make the connected car safer by enabling reliable, near-instant responses to external and internal threats. At the same time, it will introduce new levels of entertainment and productivity into the driving experience. Both provide the confidence consumers will need to take a seat.