What is Connectivity?
In this article we explain the background to connectivity. This is derived from the English “connect”, and many mobilists also use the English term “connectivity”. It describes networking based on digital infrastructures. This digital change is taking place more and more in our everyday lives. When usinge-vehicles The connectivity supports the user-friendliness of the vehicle.
The connectivity plays forElectric cars an important role. In addition to operating functions or maintenance functions, a so-called over-the-air update is a service that more and more vehicle manufacturers are using. The electric car manufacturer Tesla has made a name for itself with this, but Volkswagen, Volvo and Polestar are now also relying on updates that are carried out without cables thanks to the vehicle's networking (over-the-air updates)..
Smart features offer convenience and security
Numerous apps and service functions can be operated via interactive touch displays. Infotainment online services make navigation easier, taking into account the current traffic situation and thecharging status thebattery. MatchingCharging stations are incorporated directly into the route planning and reserved upon request. Vehicle malfunctions can be reported directly to the manufacturer. Temperature settings or media selection are no longer done at the push of a button; voice control takes care of that. Charging your cell phone inductively is now standard practice. But now there are more connective options. Connect your smartphone to the vehicle and check all vehicle data in real time - anywhere. Your smartphone can also replace the traditional key as a key. A useful option, especially when it comes to sharing.
Connectivity and autonomous driving
The achievements of connectivity are leading to increased efforts worldwide in the development of autonomous vehicles, all of which rely on electric propulsion. Due to the extremely high costs involved in developing autonomous vehicles, manufacturers like to rely on collaborations. For example, Mercedes-Benz / Daimler and the Chinese company Baidu signed a declaration of intent in 2018 to deepen the partnership through the Apollo platform for autonomous driving and to integrate connectivity services from Baidu into the Mercedes-Benz multimedia system MBUX.
Connectivity in light electric vehicles
But smaller, electric vehicles also have an APP connection with the vehicle's system information. The app reads vehicle information such as the location of a e-mopeds,charging status one e-scooters and mileage /Range out of. You can also install functions such as remote unlocking or starting a specific function, e.g. B. Light signals. It is also possible to contact the service dealer via the app, provided the data is stored.Even emergency calls as a direct connection to the emergency center are now standard functions. This can be very useful in the event of a breakdown.
The manufacturer defines which functions are stored in a vehicle's connectivity options. However, the trend is that more and more features will be available in the future.
GPS or GPS capability
Connectivity relies on the availability of data and signals. One focus here is the so-called GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System. It is based on satellite signals and this location option can be used to determine the exact location of a vehicle, for example. The first systems were developed by the US Department of Defense in 1978. These systems are now not only used by aviation and shipping. GPS navigation is also used for route planning in the private sector. If you have forgotten where the e-scooter was parked, you can easily locate it using GPS. The data is then made visible to the user using an app.