IoT In Automotive – Benefits, Use Cases, and Real Examples

Automotive companies are now utilizing advanced technology solutions such as IOT to develop innovative features in vehicles and simultaneously meet customer expectations. 

IoT in the automotive sector provides an array of benefits such as advanced vehicle management capabilities, enhances the driving experience, automakers can optimize their manufacturing processes, improves efficiency, and reduces cost. 

The popularity of IoT is growing significantly.

Undoubtedly, IOT is the future of technology, and automotive IOT is changing the concept of human mobility.  

So, in this blog, we will know the intricacies of the benefits of IoT in the automotive industry, its use cases, and some real-life examples of automotive companies which have been using IoT to bring a huge transformation in the automotive industry.  

Benefits of IoT in the Automotive Industry 

1. IoT-Based Predictive Maintenance 

There are hardly 2 approaches used for the maintenance of cars – one is predictive, and the other is preventive.  

A preventive approach is about keeping track of your oil, and once you notice that your oil is soon going to be spent, you go to a mechanic shop for an inspection and ask him to replace your oil. In this case, an individual tracks the status of cars in real time and decides whether your vehicle requires maintenance. 

On the other hand, Automotive IoT analyzes data using sensors and notifies the drivers when maintenance is needed. Hence, the driver doesn’t have to worry about guessing a lot, saving his time and money. 

2. Connected Vehicles 

Another remarkable benefit of Automotive in IOT is communication between vehicles. IoT facilitates vehicle-to-vehicle integration by integrating sensors in the car. 

Vehicle-to-vehicle interaction prevents accidents wherein the vehicle shares information about speed, location, route, etc., which further results in managing traffic. 

Thus, in an emergency, the system will notify the driver about unusual circumstances or slow the vehicle’s speed automatically for self-driving cars to avoid collision. 

3. In-Vehicle Infotainment 

IoT in the automotive industry works as a wonder as it not only alerts the driver about vehicle maintenance and prevention of accidents but also entertains the driver and passengers during the journey. 

In today’s scenario, cars being produced have a screen at the center of the dashboard, known as the vehicle’s infotainment system. Infotainment systems for vehicles combine entertainment and information features to provide an enhanced in-vehicle experience. 

Infotainment systems for drivers offer multi-fold benefits, including music streaming, voice assistance, hands-free calling, speech-activated navigation, etc. Let’s look at what the stats say: 

According to market and market research reports,

Thus, all it means is that the automotive industry is experiencing technological advancements to meet high-end customer expectations. 

For Instance – Apple and Google launched their car operating system named Android Auto and car play, which offers in-car streaming for passengers and allows them to watch movies, listen to songs, and play games in their vehicles. 

4. Fleet Management 

Integrating IOT technology in fleet management monitors the driver’s performance and complies with environmental and safety requirements. 

Furthermore, IOT signal integrated into automobiles provides numerous benefits to drivers, such as vehicle tracking, monitors fuel consumption, sending idle alarms, sharing statistics on driver performance, etc. Thus, IoT in the automotive industry makes cars more intelligent and efficient. 

Use Cases of IOT in the Automotive Industry  

1. Autonomous Vehicles 

With an advancement in AI, autonomous vehicles are gaining traction in the automotive industry.

These kinds of vehicles make a big difference as they help commuters and drivers with the following tasks: driving, parking, lane changing, braking, etc. Hence, it provides more comfort to drivers and, at the same time, reduces the chances of human errors by complying with road safety compliances. 

Top-notch brands such as BMW, Tesla, and Waymo are leveraging IOT to launch driverless cars.  

2. Driver and Fleet Management 

Another use case of IoT in the automotive industry is that it offers various benefits to fleet managers. 

Thanks to IOT devices, fleet managers monitor and manage the fleet of vehicles, such as tracking fuel consumption, optimizing routes, monitoring driver performance and vehicle status, load, temperature monitoring, etc. 

Therefore, IoT in automotive makes it easier for fleet managers to control the fleet and calculate the optimal path. 

For Instance – Sensors are integrated into cargo to monitor the environment’s temperature if the container contains fruits and vegetables. 

3. Software Updates  

Cars integrated with IOT technology, receive software updates on time. These software updates are required to improve the locking mechanism, stronger cyber security, better in-class entertainment experience, etc. 

For Instance – Tesla continues to undergo various software upgrades to improve the driving experience for drivers and riders. Tesla, the manufacturer of electric automobiles, came out with a recent update wherein with a sudden break in speed, hazard lights automatically start falling. 

4. Real-Time Vehicle Telematics 

Telematics in vehicles consists of hardware and software technologies capable of processing data from various sources such as sensors, GPS, etc. Real-time vehicle telematics allows you to monitor a vehicle’s location, movement, status, and behavior. 

When IoT and telematics combine, car owners can monitor their cars remotely. The benefits of vehicle telematics are multifold, including-  

• Real-time vehicle tracking and monitoring  
• Management of fuel and consumption tracking  
• Roadside assistance  
• Remote vehicle speed limit controls  

5. Cellular Vehicle to Everything  

Another use case of IOT in automotive is a cellular vehicle to everything (CV2X). CV2X technology helps to connect cars. This technology facilitates faster data transmission and enhanced data communication. 

Moreover, C2VX is divided into major categories-  

a. Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) 

V2V connections allow the vehicle to exchange information, including location, dynamics, speed, position, braking, stability, the direction of travel, etc. 

Such technology is likely to prevent accidents and allow emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire traffic to move through the traffic. 

b. Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) 

This technology allows data exchanges between vehicles and road infrastructure, including traffic lights, lane markers, parking meters, toll booths, etc. The advantage of V2I technology is that it facilitates smooth traffic flow and avoids long queues at petrol pumps etc. 

c. Vehicle to Pedestrians (V2P) 

With V2P technology, pedestrians can monitor the taxis and estimate the time of arrival for transit. Moreover, pedestrians can connect with the pedestrian walking system to change the signals of traffic lights. 

To sum up, this technology allows pedestrians to interact with cars and road infrastructure. 

d. Vehicle to Network (V2N) 

It is about connecting the vehicle to the internet. Here, the weather forecast department is connected with the intelligent transport system enabling the driver to receive alerts about changes in weather conditions or informing the driver about accidents on the road. 

Real Examples of Automotive Companies Using IoT-Based Solutions 

Various automotive companies are integrating IOT solutions to enhance driver experience and, at the same time, improve vehicle performance. A few instances of automotive leaders who are using IOT-based solutions are given below- 

1. Tesla 

Elon Musk launched Tesla (self-driving car), which uses IOT technology in its cars. IoT enables cars to connect wirelessly to the cloud system. IoT sensors integrated into Tesla collects and analyze data such as vehicle performance, driver behavior pattern, battery status, etc. 

2. Ford  

Ford is another automotive company that uses IOT sensors to keep track of every stage of the manufacturing process, such as inventory, machinery, and production. 

The Former CEO of Ford has been using IOT solutions for more than a decade to develop autonomous cars. A few instances can be Go Drive and Go Park, a predictive parking system that directs users to a dedicated parking space.  

3. BMW 

To enhance the driving experience, BMW has been using IOT solutions. BMW is utilizing IOT technology to the best extent, be it supply chain management, predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, etc. 

So, BMW takes supreme advantage in using IOT solutions to develop connected cars that revolutionize the driving experience. 

Wrapping Up 

From the above blog, you learn that IOT in automotive is providing businesses with smart solutions and connected devices. So, it’s high time to leverage IOT technology in your business processes if you are a car manufacturer. 

I’m sure you got various insights on the benefits of IOT and real-life examples of brands leveraging IOT to provide comfort and convenience to their customers. 

We are the right fit for you if you need help with custom IOT app development services. Contact our skilled IOT developers who help businesses enhance their business proficiency. 

We also dealt with multiple clients across various industries and sectors, such as retail, real estate, electronics, healthcare, etc. More importantly, our IOT experts carry the core competencies to help you thrive in the automobile industry.