Connected cars: improve your driving experience with the Internet of Things (IoT)

Connected cars are vehicles that have access to the internet and, as a result, can send or receive signals, interact with other vehicles near them and even sense the physical environment surrounding them. By connecting cars to the Internet of Things (IoT), consumers can enjoy a more personalized, streamlined and safer driving experience.

In the past five years, connected car technology has grown so much that some major cities in America are starting to update infrastructure to help with this. More people are buying these types of cars so they can keep connected on their journey.

According to a study by Deloitte, there will be an estimated 470 million connected cars on the road by 2025. Experts predict that that the connected car industry is only set to get bigger and better. Take a look at how this new connectivity could change – and already has changed – the act of driving.

Better In-Car Communication

Fully autonomous cars are still being tested, but even with the issues in previous years, the technology is always advancing and is expected to develop further. There are a few hurdles to overcome, but it’s expected that driverless cars will be on the road very soon. Ford and Toyota were among the first manufacturers who have introduced software that allows more communication between a car's internal computer and the driver's smartphone. This creates opportunities to improve the driving experience in many different ways including having the car tell the driver when fuel is low while the connected app automatically finds the nearest gas station.

Voice commands can also be used to start the car from inside the home. Now, most new cars have this technology, with Apple or Android technology already built in so it connects automatically.

Total Connection

Today, most connectivity apps are designed to enhance navigation, deliver news and music, or offer ecommerce options, but soon connectivity will blur the line between home and car. BMW has already partnered with SmartThings to allow drivers to integrate smart home functionality into their cars. Drivers can now use their cars to complete home functions, such as turning on the oven, adjusting the thermostat and locking or unlocking doors. This ’vehicle to everything’ (V2E) approach allows drivers to accomplish more than ever before from the comfort of their vehicles.

Improved Safety

With automated emergency management, drivers and passengers are less likely to experience situations that put them at risk, such as becoming stranded due to a mechanical problem or getting lost in a dark, unfamiliar area. Many cars already alert drivers if they drift out of a lane or get too close to the vehicle in front of them. Drivers can also find detours to avoid traffic jams and learn which roads are closed temporarily.

Future features currently in development will further enhance safety. Connected car features may soon include remote maintenance and automatic fuel-efficient driving, for example. As technology allows vehicles to communicate better with one another, accident rates should go down, which could directly affect insurance companies. Insurers are already using the IoT to monitor and understand driving habits, which could lead to lower insurance rates for good drivers and safer roads for everyone.

Connected driving is changing the way we drive our cars, is it something you’re looking forward to seeing develop further? Tell us which connectivity features you can't wait to see on your next car on Facebook.