Stellantis participated in a live trial of cars connected to 5G cellular and multi-access edge computing (MEC) technology organized by the 5GAA in Blacksburg, Virginia. The live trial of the new safety concept for drivers and pedestrians used brand-new roaming technology for traffic safety.

“Making roads safer for drivers and pedestrians is the ultimate goal of developing these next generation technologies,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis CTO. “The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is the perfect vehicle for these live tests, equipped with vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies and driver safety alert. With 5GAA, we are working with industry leaders across the globe to help pave the way for autonomous technology to benefit our products and, ultimately, our customers.”

Stellantis is active in several global initiatives, including a similar test program in Turin, Italy, which evaluates 5G cellular technology and the management of large volumes of data, including the configuration of in-vehicle computing capabilities. High-speed wireless communication is a key element for achieving greater car autonomy, as well as for future connectivity of services and mobility technologies.

The test gear installed on the Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid allows the vehicle to notify nearby infrastructure of its position, to notify pedestrians and other vehicles, as well as to receive emergency information from the mobile network.

The 5GAA connected car concept uses fixed cameras and sensors to gather more detailed data that adds to what a vehicle can “see” using its own technology. With the help of a high-speed 5G connection and MEC, the system can promptly make decisions at the location where data is collected (for example, at an intersection) and alert nearby vehicles and pedestrians.

5GAA partners involved in the Virginia program include: Intel, Verizon, American Tower, CapGemini, Telus, Harman, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, and the Virginia Department of Transportation.