5G Will See C-V2X Explosion… Maybe

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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12th March 2020

An automotive research body is predicting an explosion in C-V2X capability with the roll-out of 5G.

However, the statement announcing a study by ABI Research based on industry opinions, does make the sweeping assumption that 5G, which requires many times more aerials than the existing 4G networks, will have a far superior coverage. That’s somewhat difficult to imagine when most regular drivers will testify to huge holes in 4G coverage even in densely populated city areas.

Nonetheless, the organization says it expects cars will start to communicate with each other to increase overall road safety and traffic as soon as 2023. Its recent published data suggests a total of 41M 5G capable connected cars will already be on roads by 2030. It claims that number will rise to 83M vehicles by 2035 further suggesting 5G connected cars will make up more than 75% of the total C-V2X equipped cars.

It points to automakers such as Ford having already announced new car models equipped with C-V2X for 2021 while other heavyweights like Audi, BMW and Volkswagen have all partnered up with the likes of Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia to commence large-scale trial projects to test the capabilities of cellular technology for connected car use cases.

ABI Research has predicts the contribution of 5G to global GDP to reach US$17 trillion by 2035 claiming large part of that will be through increasing the safety of road traffic, reducing health care expenditure and releasing pressure from healthcare services. It says the findings from its Automotive and Smart Transportation Application Analysis Report includes research, data, and analyst insights based on extensive primary interviews.

Leo Gergs, research analyst for 5G markets at ABI Research, said: “These numbers underline the huge momentum for cellular connectivity, and particularly 5G, in the automotive sector. As a consequence, we will see a rising number of automotive OEMs start developing C-V2X modules for their cars during 2020. We can then expect the first 5G connected cars on the roads in 2022.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_