This past May 2022, we reported on Audi's work in the development of Connected Vehicle-to-Everything technology, or "C-V2X." This technology leverages cellular communication between a car and surrounding devices, including other vehicles, road users, and traffic features. Examples include traffic signals, road signs, construction zones, school buses, and more. Of particular interest is how this developing technology can be used to protect more vulnerable road-goers such as pedestrians and cyclists. Recently, Audi successfully demonstrated its C-V2X technology in Oceanside, California, offering a glimpse of potential future implementations in Audi vehicles.
The purpose of using C-V2X technology in passenger cars is to enable drivers to recognize and adapt to potentially hazardous situations more quickly. During the demonstration, Audi presented a variety of use cases, such as:
- Proximity Warning / Front & Rear Collision Warning: When the vehicle nears a cyclist, a notification appears in the instrument cluster indicating where a potential collision could occur.
- Cross Traffic Alert: The vehicle alerts the driver to a potential forward collision path with vehicles or cyclists approaching from the sides.
- Parallel Parking Departure Alert: When exiting a curbside parking space, the vehicle can detect a cyclist approaching from the rear.
- Right Turn Assist ("Right Hook"): When the right turn signal is activated, the system detects if a cyclist may be crossing through the path.
- Left Turn Assist ("Left Cross"): When the left turn signal is activated, the vehicle receives a notification if a cyclist is approaching from the opposite direction and will potentially cross through the turning path.
With cyclist fatalities trending upward, Audi believes C-V2X implementation has the potential to dramatically improve road safety. Audi was among several automakers and tech companies seeking an FCC waiver that would put C-V2X on American roads as soon as possible.
Audi's current lineup already implements a comprehensive roster of advanced safety features and driver aids, including collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic warning, and pedestrian detection. Reach out to Audi Tysons Corner if you'd like to know more about the latest Audi models and available features. Or, we invite you to stop by our Vienna, VA, dealership to explore the accommodations, features, and performance for yourself. We'd love to give you a tour.
