Car2X - How modern technology contributes to greater road safety

Car2X refers to direct communication between vehicles and their surroundings - i.e. other vehicles, road users and infrastructure elements such as traffic lights or traffic management systems. This involves cars exchanging data with each other or with the infrastructure in real time. The aim of Car2X technology is to alert drivers to danger spots, accidents or traffic obstructions at an early stage, thereby significantly improving road safety.

As part of the development towards connected vehicles, Car2X enables information on critical situations in the neighbourhood to be transmitted within a few seconds. Car2X therefore forms an important basis for the mobility of the future.

Car2X is based on the wireless exchange of data between vehicles and their surroundings. Two technologies are at the centre of this: WLANp (IEEE 802.11p) and 5G V2X. While WLANp was developed specifically for communication over short distances, 5G V2X promises a significantly greater range, higher data rates and lower latency times. This means that information is transmitted almost in real time - an essential prerequisite for use in fast-moving road traffic.

In the vehicle itself, a combination of sensors, software and modern wireless technology ensures that relevant data is recorded, processed and forwarded. Cameras, radar and lidar systems recognise dangerous situations, for example, while the Car2X control units process this information and send it to other vehicles or the traffic infrastructure.

Car2X networking opens up new possibilities for recognising potential dangers in road traffic at an early stage and offers a number of advantages for road safety.

1. Avoidance of accidents and hazardous situations

One of the biggest advantages of Car2X is the early detection of hazardous situations. Vehicles are informed about obstacles, roadworks or icy roads even before they come into view. This allows drivers to react in good time and avoid dangerous manoeuvres.

2. Improving the flow of traffic

Thanks to continuous networking, Car2X systems significantly improve the flow of traffic. Vehicles receive information about traffic light phases or the end of traffic jams, for example, and can adjust their speed. This reduces sudden braking, reduces emissions and ensures smoother traffic flow overall.

3. Relief for drivers in complex situations

In situations with high traffic density or confusing traffic conditions Car2X actively supports drivers. Warnings about abrupt braking by vehicles ahead or hazard messages at junctions help to reduce stress and direct attention in a targeted manner.

4. Contribution to optimising the transport infrastructure

Car2X also has great potential at city and municipal level: the collected traffic data can be used to optimise traffic light circuits, identify dangerous sections of road and develop the traffic infrastructure in a targeted manner. In the long term, this will result in safer and more efficient transport networks.

The VW Golf 8 Car2X was the first production vehicle in Europe to be equipped with this innovative technology. The all-electric Volkswagen ID.3 also has Car2X as standard. This makes VW one of the pioneers, but more and more manufacturers are following suit and offering Car2X as standard or as an optional feature.

Car2X technology is still in its early stages. The introduction of 5G V2X communication plays a key role in ushering in a new era of vehicle connectivity.

• Development towards nationwide 5G Car2X communication:
  Most Car2X systems are still based on WLANp, but the expansion of 5G V2X is progressing rapidly. Nationwide 5G networks offer more stable, faster and more reliable communication – even in highly dynamic hazardous situations.
• Opportunities for autonomous vehicles:
  Autonomous vehicles rely on real-time information about traffic flow, danger spots and other road users. 5G enables direct, rapid data exchange and thus supports safe and coordinated autonomous driving.
• Importance for the advancement of technology and road safety:
  With 5G V2X, road traffic evolves into a cooperative network. This helps to reduce accidents, optimise traffic flows, and realise new mobility concepts and smart city applications.

Car2X technology is becoming an important building block for greater road safety and a more efficient traffic flow. Direct communication between vehicles and the traffic infrastructure enables hazards to be recognised more quickly, accidents to be avoided and complex traffic situations to be managed better. The further expansion of 5G V2X communication in particular is opening up new opportunities for the integration of autonomous vehicles and the optimisation of urban mobility.

As one of the leading providers in the field of IoT connectivity and 5G infrastructure, Deutsche Telekom plays a central role in the realisation of Car2X communication. With its specially developed IoT solutions and high-performance 5G networks, it creates the technical prerequisites to enable real-time networking between vehicles, traffic lights, sensors and other traffic elements.

The combination of high network quality, special IoT tariffs and intelligent IoT platforms, Deutsche Telekom supports car manufacturers as well as cities and municipalities in implementing safe and efficient transport solutions.