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Revolutionizing the automotive industry with cellular IoT connectivity

EV vehicle charging status

Whether it’s enhancing vehicle performance and safety, improving the customer experience, or unlocking new revenue streams, cellular IoT is driving the future for automotive OEMs.

Jonathan Rosenfeld

Director of Marketing at Hologram

November 27, 2024

Global, reliable connectivity anywhere

Automotive OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) need a connectivity solution that works across borders. Cellular IoT provides seamless, global coverage, ensuring that vehicles remain connected no matter where they are. This is particularly critical for OEMs manufacturing vehicles for international markets. Features like Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, real-time diagnostics, and navigation systems depend on reliable connectivity, and cellular IoT’s multi-carrier redundancy guarantees uptime, even in areas with limited network options.

For EV manufacturers, global cellular connectivity ensures that charging station locators, battery performance monitoring, and energy optimization tools remain fully functional, delivering a hassle-free driving experience for EV owners.

Improving safety with V2V and V2X communication

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication enables vehicles to share information in real-time with 360-degree awareness. With real-time information on speed, location, and direction, vehicles can anticipate hazardous events and take actions to avoid accidents. This is particularly valuable in situations of low visibility and heavy traffic. The same information can be used to help optimize traffic flow in congested areas.

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) enables communication between vehicles and infrastructure, like traffic lights and lighting systems. This connectivity helps cities create intelligent transportation and traffic management to reduce congestion and improve public safety. This connectivity is key to global smart city growth, a market that is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8% from 2023 to 2030.

Both of these technologies are key for EV manufacturers as they rapidly progress towards autonomous capabilities for their vehicles.

Enhancing vehicle performance with real-time data

Connected vehicles generate vast amounts of data, from engine diagnostics to driver behavior. Cellular IoT enables OEMs to collect and analyze this data in real time. This helps OEMs detect issues before they become major problems, saving both time and money for manufacturers and vehicle owners.

Electric vehicles benefit even more from this feature. Cellular IoT allows EV manufacturers to monitor battery health, energy consumption, and battery range in real time. This data can be used to improve battery longevity and help customers plan their trips with confidence.

Over-the-Air updates for an exceptional user experience

Cellular IoT enables OTA software updates, enabling OEMs to roll out new features, security patches, product recalls, or bug fixes instantly. Eliminating the need to take the vehicle for service not only improves customer satisfaction, but also reduces operational costs for OEMs. One study estimates that by 2028, using OTA updates will save US automakers $1.5 billion by remotely implementing fixes to product recalls.

For EV manufacturers, OTA updates are crucial for refining battery management systems and introducing new software features that enhance energy efficiency and driving range. These updates also ensure that vehicles stay aligned with the latest technology trends, extending their value over time.

Driving innovation with connected features

Connectivity is the foundation for many of the innovative features customers expect in today’s vehicles. Cellular IoT powers advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), in-car entertainment, real-time traffic updates, and safety features like emergency crash response.

EV manufacturers, in particular, are leveraging cellular IoT to introduce connected features that set their vehicles apart. For example, IoT connectivity enables remote charging management, allowing drivers to start or stop charging and monitor energy use through mobile apps. It also supports smart grid integration, where EVs can communicate with the energy grid to optimize charging schedules and reduce energy costs.

Unlocking new revenue streams

With cellular IoT, OEMs can create subscription-based services, opening up new revenue opportunities. For example, manufacturers can offer premium connectivity plans for in-car Wi-Fi, advanced navigation tools, or enhanced safety features.

For EV manufacturers, these subscriptions can include access to exclusive charging networks, real-time battery analytics, and eco-driving tips. By bundling connectivity with unique features, OEMs can increase customer loyalty and generate recurring revenue.

Simplifying global connectivity management

Managing connectivity across millions of vehicles in multiple countries can be challenging. Cellular IoT solutions like Hologram simplify this process with eUICC-enabled SIM cards, which allow OEMs to switch carriers remotely without replacing physical SIMs. This flexibility ensures vehicles stay connected to the best available network, no matter where they are deployed.

For EV manufacturers, this capability is essential to support the global rollout of connected vehicles, ensuring consistent performance and a seamless customer experience across markets.

Cellular IoT is the Key to Automotive Innovation

Cellular IoT connectivity is transforming the automotive industry, offering OEMs the tools they need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. From real-time data collection to global connectivity and OTA updates, the benefits are clear. For EV manufacturers, the advantages are even greater, enabling better battery management, smarter charging solutions, and innovative connected features that set their vehicles apart.

By adopting cellular IoT, automotive OEMs can deliver more reliable, efficient, and enjoyable vehicles, driving innovation and customer satisfaction while opening the door to new revenue opportunities. The road ahead is connected—and cellular IoT is leading the way.

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