What is the present and future of telematics?

Automotive telematics has been continuously evolving with advancements in technology and connectivity. Telematics remains a vital part of the connected vehicle, yet the services enabled by telematics have grown significantly adding more value to private and business customers.

Here are nine latest developments in connected vehicles and telematics:

1. Connected Car Services:

Car manufacturers are increasingly integrating connected car services, allowing vehicles to be equipped with internet connectivity. This enables real-time data exchange, navigation, remote diagnostics, and over-the-air updates.

2. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication:

V2X technology enables vehicles to communicate with other vehicles (V2V), infrastructure (V2I), pedestrians (V2P), and even cloud-based platforms (V2C). This communication improves safety, traffic efficiency, and overall driving experience.

3. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):

ADAS features are becoming more sophisticated, incorporating telematics data to enhance functionalities like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automated parking all the way to hands-free driving.

4. Usage-Based Insurance (UBI):

Insurance companies are leveraging telematics data to offer personalized insurance policies based on individual driving behavior. UBI programs can encourage safer driving and potentially reduce insurance costs for customers.

5. Fleet Management Solutions:

Telematics is widely used in fleet management to monitor vehicle performance and productivity, driver behaviour, and optimize logistics. Advanced fleet telematics systems improve safety, efficiency and reduce operational costs.

6. Predictive Maintenance:

Telematics data is employed for predictive maintenance, identifying potential vehicle issues before they lead to breakdowns. This proactive approach helps prevent costly repairs and improves vehicle reliability.

7. In-Vehicle Infotainment:

Telematics technology is powering advanced in-vehicle infotainment systems, offering seamless integration with smartphones, streaming services, and voice-controlled features.

8. Electric Vehicle Charging:

Telematics provides an efficient way to manage a fleet consisting of electric vehicles, enabling comprehensive monitoring of the charging status of an EV fleet. In addition, it helps drivers find and pay for public charging points and facilitates reimbursement for charging at home. Telematics allows to accurately compare the efficiency and economic benefits of EVs vs gas-powered ones.  

9. Autonomous Vehicle Integration:

Telematics is a crucial component in the development of autonomous vehicles, enabling data exchange between vehicles and their surrounding environment. Level 5 autonomous cars will be able to communicate with other cars, traffic lights, signage and roads. 

The evolution of the connected vehicle has advanced from the early telematics services offered, through the launch of value-driven solutions like Ford PRO™ Software, our always-on, cloud-based platform that powers a digital suite of telematics, charging and other software solutions. It combines data from connected fleets, data from the charging hardware and consumption, along with daily fleet activity, so business customers can access information from one source that only gets smarter.

By applying actionable insights, our research shows that fleets can potentially drop their TCO by 10 to 20%*, helping to free up more capital for their business.

*Based on “Case Study: Olathe Ford CV Dealership Fleet Management TCO Model” KPMG, December 10, 2021. TCO includes insurance, driver time, fuel, theft prevention, vehicle downtime, hardware & parts expenses and costs.

For more information on how we can help your fleet get connected and electrified, visit Ford PRO Software (in Spanish) or get in contact with us.