The introduction of 5G for autonomous vehicles is ushering in a new era of intelligent mobility. With ultra-fast connectivity, 5G for autonomous vehicles enables real-time navigation, instant communication, and seamless decision-making on the road.

This technology is transforming traditional cars into smart, connected machines powered by 5G for autonomous vehicles. As innovation accelerates, the impact of 5G for autonomous vehicles will be central to the future of safe and efficient transportation.

• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security states that 5G technology enables real-time communication between vehicles (V2V) and with infrastructure (V2I), enhancing traffic management and reducing both congestion and accidents
• For example, vehicles can share data to avoid collisions, and traffic signals can adjust automatically based on real-time road conditions

5G connected cars are transforming the automotive industry with ultra-fast, real-time communication, a true example of 5G on wheels.

• Acumen Research and Consulting estimates that the connected car market will reach approximately USD 174.7 billion by 2027

These 5G connected cars enable seamless data exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, and cloud systems. The rise of 5G connected cars supports safer driving, smarter navigation, and advanced infotainment features. As adoption grows, 5G connected cars are paving the way for fully autonomous and intelligent mobility.

What is 5G and why does it Matter for Cars?

5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology, and it's transforming the way vehicles communicate. With the concept of 5G on wheels, this technology is becoming increasingly vital in addressing the surge in road accidents. 5G on wheels enables smarter, real-time communication between vehicles and infrastructure, significantly enhancing road safety.

As 5G on wheels continues to evolve, it plays a key role in building a safer and more connected transportation ecosystem. The adoption of 5G on wheels is not just a technological advancement it's a crucial step toward reducing collisions and saving lives

• In 2024, a preliminary analysis by the National Safety Council estimated that 44,680 people died in preventable traffic crashes across the United States
• According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Annual Report 2023-24, there were 461,312 reported road accidents in India during 2022, resulting in 443,366 injuries and 168,491 fatalities
• In Brazil, road traffic injuries cause approximately 40,000 deaths each year, ranking the country 5th globally in traffic-related fatalities; when including serious injuries, the total number of victims exceeds 150,000 annually

Applications of 5G in Automotive Technology

In recent years, 5G technology is revolutionizing the automotive industry with ultra-low latency and high-speed connectivity, especially through the rise of 5G connected vehicles. Compared to its predecessor, 4G, 5G connected vehicles benefit from significantly faster data speeds, lower latency (the time it takes for devices to communicate), and greater capacity to handle more connected devices simultaneously. These features are crucial for the performance and safety of 5G connected vehicles, enabling real-time communication and smart mobility.

As adoption grows, 5G connected vehicles are set to redefine the future of transportation. For connected cars, this means:

• Instant communication between vehicles (V2V)
• Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) interactions (e.g., traffic signals, road signs)
• Real-time data sharing for safer navigation
• And even remote driving or assistance in emergencies

Automakers and Tech Giants Leading the Charge

Automakers and tech giants are driving innovation with 5G in automotive industry, transforming how vehicles connect and communicate. Companies like Tesla, BMW, and Ford are integrating 5G in automotive industry to enable real-time data sharing, smarter navigation, and advanced safety features.

The use of 5G in automotive industry also supports autonomous driving and over-the-air updates. As connectivity becomes a key differentiator, the role of 5G in automotive industry continues to expand, making 5G in automotive industry a game-changer for future mobility.

• In February 2024, Cisco and TELUS introduced 5G capabilities across North America, focusing on IoT applications for connected vehicles. TELUS plans to connect 1.5 million 5G standalone cars to Cisco’s IoT Control Center, aiming to enhance the driving experience and create new revenue streams for automakers
• At Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, HARMAN, a global leader in connected vehicle technologies, launched new products to strengthen automotive connectivity. Key among them was the Ready Connect 5G Telematics Control Unit, offering cost-efficient implementation and premium customer experiences for automakers
• In February 2023, Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 to advance connected car technology with high-speed, low-latency performance. The modem also supports immersive in-car experiences and features satellite communication for reliable, widespread connectivity
• MG India partnered with Airtel to deliver connected mobility solutions using e-SIM technology, with its vehicles claimed to be IPv6-ready for seamless 5G integration

The Future: A Seamless, Smart Driving Experience

The development of 5G infrastructure is creating significant opportunities for the automotive industry. As 5G on wheels gains momentum, expanding networks provide the necessary backbone for real-time communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and smart city systems. 5G on wheels supports seamless data exchange, enabling smarter mobility solutions. With 5G on wheels at the core, the future of transportation becomes more connected, efficient, and safe, highlighting the transformative power of 5G on wheels in modern mobility.

• According to Acumen Research and Consulting, the 5G infrastructure market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 24.7% from 2024 to 2032.

The growing deployment of 5G base stations is crucial for enhancing the coverage and capacity required to support connected vehicles. These base stations enable seamless, high-speed communication between cars and infrastructure, essential for autonomous driving and smart traffic management.

• Acumen Research and Consulting projects the 5G base station market to reach a size of USD 468.9 billion by 2032.

5G connected cars are set to play a vital role in the future of transportation by enabling smarter, safer, and more efficient travel. With ultra-low latency and high-speed connectivity, 5G connected cars can instantly respond to road conditions and communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure.

As smart cities evolve, 5G connected cars will become central to traffic management and autonomous mobility systems. The growing demand for real-time data and advanced features makes 5G connected cars a key component of next-generation mobility solutions.