Top 10 connectivity solutions for vehicle use efficiency

Smartphones and cars have never been better friends now that Apple Car Play, Android Auto and MirrorLink are commonplace. Still, there is more to car connectivity than phone integration, as these 10 vehicle use efficiency improving solutions demonstrate.

If you want to learn more about connected services and telematics efficiency in the realm of commercial vehicles, parcel delivery and last mile solutions, join the Connected Fleets Conference in Brussels on January 28 and 29, 2020.

1. Audi e-tron: Predictive Efficiency Assist

The system accesses predictive route data from navigation and Car-to-X information (radar, camera) to slow down the car when it is approaching a roundabout, for instance. A clever way of boosting the electric range by maximum recuperation of kinetic energy.

2. BMW plug-in hybrid: eDrive Zone

From 2020 onwards, geofencing technology will recognise BMW’s plug-in hybrid models so that when they enter an emission-free zone with access restrictions, they will automatically switch to pure electric driving to be able to drive on.

3. FCA: in-vehicle transactions with UConnect Market

From the second half of this year, American owners of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will be able to pay for services directly via the car’s integrated touch screen. Uconnect Market will allow them to make restaurant reservations, pay for petrol at selected Shell stations, pay for parking, order vehicle servicing at FCA dealerships and even order pizzas from Domino's.

4. BMW digital services: book & charge

With BMW’s charging services, customers can check the probable availability of a specific station along the selected route before they begin their journey. Once they are within 20 minutes’ drive of the intended charging station, they can reserve a space directly from their car.

5. TomTom: Average Speed Zone

While you are driving in an average speed zone, your speed is monitored by your car's sat nav system. If you drive more than 5 km/h or 3 mph over the speed limit the route bar to the right of the map turns red. It’s available in the new Peugeot 508.

6. Ford Transit: Predictive Maintenance

With the aim of delivering 100% uptime for vehicles, Ford will enable maintenance to be tailored for each vehicle, rather than being determined by fixed service intervals. Sensors on key systems provide real-time data, so service attention is only given when required. Using a convenient app, business owners can check on the status of every individual vehicle

7. Polestar 2: Google on board

The Polestar 2 is the first car to come with an infotainment system powered by Android. It offers the Google Assistant, which has been perfected to understand user commands in various languages; Google Maps, which offer real-time and up-to-date information; and Google Play Store, which offers a full suite of apps which have been optimised for the in-car experience.

8. Kia UVO Connect: subscription-free telematics

After America, Europe now also gets access to this system that uses its own eSIM card to receive live traffic, POI, weather and parking data. The platform also offers diagnostic data about the trips you make and enables you to send route directions to your car before a journey.

9. Mercedes Connect Business: driver messaging

Keep in touch with your drivers and quickly inform them about upcoming maintenance appointments, changes to appointments or other events. You can send information to individual drivers or to specific groups.

10. BMW i3: radius map

Electric driving is all about planning ahead. The BMW i3 makes life a bit easier with the radius map (see main picture): a blue cloud projected onto the map indicates how far you can get, so you can better decide where and when to charge. The indicated range depends on the drive mode and the type of road.