US Completes V2X Plan Integration with 5G Technology

The US Department of Transport has recently unveiled its updated National Deployment Plan for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies. The plan, titled "Saving Lives with Connectivity: A Plan to Accelerate V2X Deployment," aims to provide guidance for the widespread implementation of V2X technologies across the United States.

Initially released in draft form for public feedback in October of the previous year, the updated plan now includes provisions for integrating 5G and non-terrestrial network technologies alongside the DSRC protocol at 5.9GHz. The overarching goal is to establish 12 interoperable, cybersecure V2X deployments by 2028, with a target of over 50 deployments by 2036. These deployments are expected to utilize chips from three main suppliers, including Qualcomm, Autotalks, and Renesas, along with equipment from two providers.

In a significant development, JLR has partnered with Qualcomm for the implementation of 5G V2X technology. The US government has been actively engaging with V2X technology suppliers, with various industry associations emphasizing the importance of not delaying the deployment of lifesaving technologies like V2X communications. The recent Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in March 2024 has underscored the safety benefits of V2X technologies and the need for their accelerated adoption.

US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg hailed the National Deployment Plan as a crucial step towards revolutionizing the transportation industry and enhancing road safety. The collaborative effort between public and private stakeholders has been instrumental in shaping the plan, which aims to facilitate the nationwide deployment of interoperable V2X technologies. The plan is expected to drive investments, research, and deployment activities in the V2X sector, providing market certainty for stakeholders.

Complementing the National Plan, the Federal Highway Administration has announced grants totaling nearly $60 million to support V2X technology deployment initiatives. Maricopa County in Arizona, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute in Houston, and the Utah Department of Transport are among the recipients of these grants. Maricopa County's ambitious V2X deployment project will leverage 5.9 GHz communications to connect roadside units with vehicle onboard units, targeting transit, emergency, and freight fleets.

Furthermore, the project will showcase the interoperability between the 5.9GHz ITS spectrum and cellular network platforms, demonstrating multi-carrier compatibility. In Houston and College Station, a range of V2X applications will be deployed to enhance traffic management, emergency response, and overall road safety. The three-state deployment site spanning Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming will cover diverse population densities and transportation facilities, with a focus on installing V2X units at signalized intersections and equipping vehicles with onboard units.

The commitment to V2X technologies has garnered support from industry players like the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), which views C-V2X technology as a critical enabler for connected vehicles and infrastructure. The ability of V2X technologies to facilitate real-time communication between vehicles, road infrastructure, and vulnerable road users is seen as a key driver for reducing road fatalities and enhancing overall road safety.

For more information, the full report on the National Deployment Plan can be accessed here.