Indian Government Panel Wants Car-To-Car Communication To be Tied With BNCAP Ratings

Published: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 14:14 [IST]

Connected cars that communicate with each other and external systems have been a focus for major automobile markets across the globe and India is now preparing to join this race.

An Indian government panel is laying the groundwork for a larger integration of connected cars in the country's automobile landscape. This move comes in response to the need to improve road safety in India.

Improved Scores for Better Connectivity

The government panel has suggested a change in the parameters for the Bharat NCAP crash ratings, - a metric for evaluating car safety in India. Reuters reports that car manufacturers who incorporate advanced connectivity features in their cars, enabling them to interact with other vehicles and external systems, should receive better scores on these crash tests.

This revolutionary proposal is a part of a comprehensive draft report aimed at bolstering road safety and presenting a technical framework for the future of connected cars in India.

The Role of V2X Technology

Moreover, the proposal includes provisions for the integration of Vehicle to Everything (V2X) technology in connected cars in India. With V2X technology, cars can not only communicate with each other, but also with other external systems such as traffic lights.

This proposed integration with the V2X technology is designed to mitigate the risk of accidents and traffic congestion. The report indicates that the integration of V2X is vital in resolving most of the non-line-of-sight scenarios that cause traffic issues in India. Current sensor technology proves inadequate in these conditions, hence the necessity for V2X.

Changes to Bharat NCAP

One of the mandates of the panel is to consider the inclusion of the V2X technology in the Bharat NCAP for car safety ratings. This proposal, however revolutionary, is in line with global trends where a shift towards smart connectivity in automobiles is being observed. However, no deadline has been set for the inclusion of these recommendations.

Future Implications

India bears the unfortunate distinction of having a high number of road accidents annually. However, this proposal could force automobile manufacturers to integrate their connected cars with advanced technology that 'talks' to drivers and other road systems using airwaves. This shift could fundamentally transform road safety in India.

Currently, the Bharat NCAP only relies on the impact of collisions for its star ratings, but with these proposals, we could see the government directing manufacturers to equip their connected cars with cutting-edge features

A More Advanced Warning System

Some cars in India already boast forward collision warning and emergency braking technology. However, taking a step further, the V2X technology presents itself as an advanced warning system, not reliant solely on proximity sensors but on a dedicated network to issue warnings kilometres ahead, allowing the driver to prepare well in advance.

In conclusion, the Indian government's plans for a comprehensive technical blueprint for connected cars, along with their proposals regarding crash test ratings tied to improved car connectivity is an innovative step not only towards improved road safety but also a significant step towards the future of automobility in India.

With India being a rapidly expanding automobile market, this move will not only lead to highly technological cars but a paradigm shift in the essential relationship between cars, drivers and the broader transport network, making roads safer and journeys smoother.