WHAT IS: Connected Cars
Cars are no longer just machines as they’re turning into data-driven devices that sync with your life, the cloud, and even the city around you.
There was a time when owning a car meant you just needed keys and a fuel tank. Today, many cars come with their own SIM cards, voice assistants, and apps that let you start the engine from your phone. That’s not just luxury; it’s the rise of connected car technology.
From enabling remote diagnostics to talking to other cars on the road, connected vehicles are reshaping how we drive and what we expect from cars. And while the concept may still sound futuristic, it’s already here, and growing fast, especially in markets like the U.S., Europe, China, and parts of Africa.
Kelechi Edeh
What is a connected car?
A connected car is any vehicle that can access the internet and share data with external systems. These cars are equipped with built-in wireless connections, sensors, and software that allow them to talk to other vehicles (V2V), infrastructure (V2I), the cloud (V2C), and even pedestrians (V2P). Altogether, this network is called V2X—vehicle-to-everything.
This connectivity powers features like remote locking, over-the-air software updates, real-time GPS tracking, and access to entertainment or traffic services—all from your dashboard or smartphone.
How do connected cars work?
Connected cars rely on a combination of onboard hardware, wireless connectivity, and cloud-based software. Here’s how the pieces fit together:
- Embedded systems use built-in SIM cards and antennas to maintain a constant internet connection.
- Tethered systems connect through your smartphone's network.
- Onboard sensors (like GPS, accelerometers, and cameras) collect data about the car’s performance and environment.
- This data is sent to the cloud, where it’s analyzed and used to trigger actions like alerts, diagnostics, navigation updates, or safety responses.
In newer models, 5G connectivity makes these processes faster and more responsive, which is key for future applications like autonomous driving and smart traffic systems.
Why do connected cars matter?
Connected cars go beyond cool features; they unlock new value across safety, convenience, and efficiency:
- Safety: Emergency SOS calls, collision detection, and driver alerts can prevent accidents or respond faster when they happen.
- Convenience: Remotely preheat your car, find it in a parking lot, or even park it using your phone.
- Efficiency: Get alerts for upcoming maintenance, optimize fuel usage, and avoid traffic in real time.
- Cost-saving: Usage-based insurance plans can lower premiums by rewarding good driving behavior.
They’re also part of the foundation for autonomous driving and smart cities, where cars coordinate with roads and each other to reduce congestion and emissions.
Real-world examples of connected cars
- Tesla uses connected car tech to push software updates that unlock new features—even long after you’ve bought the car.
- Hyundai’s Bluelink and MG’s i-SMART systems let drivers control climate, check diagnostics, and track location from their phones.
- In countries like India and Nigeria, local startups are experimenting with fleet tracking and remote diagnostics using connected tech—especially in logistics and ride-hailing.
Challenges of Connected Cars
As promising as connected cars are, they raise a few red flags:
- Data privacy: These cars collect and transmit lots of personal data, which raises concerns around surveillance and ownership.
- Cybersecurity: Like any connected device, they’re vulnerable to hacks—from disabling engines to unlocking doors remotely.
- Connectivity gaps: In regions with poor network infrastructure, some features may be limited or unreliable.
- Cost: Connected car features often come with subscription fees, making them less accessible in price-sensitive markets.
Kelechi Edeh
Conclusion
Connected cars are already changing the way we drive and they’re just getting started. As 5G becomes more widespread and cities invest in smarter infrastructure, these vehicles will become the norm, not the exception.
For drivers, that means better safety, smarter features, and less guesswork on the road. For automakers and startups, it’s an opportunity to rethink what a car is—not just a vehicle, but a platform.
