Indian Government Proposes Connectivity-Enhanced Car Ratings

October 12, 2023

An Indian government panel has made a noteworthy recommendation to enhance road safety and encourage the adoption of connected car technology. According to a report by Reuters, the panel has submitted a draft proposal, suggesting that automakers who incorporate connectivity features in their vehicles, enabling communication with other vehicles and external systems, should receive better ratings on the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) crash tests.

Connected Car Revolution

The proposal encourages the integration of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology in connected cars in India. This technology empowers vehicles to communicate not only with each other but also with other systems on the road, including traffic lights. The aim is to reduce the risk of accidents and alleviate traffic congestion. Similar steps are being considered by countries such as the United States, China, and numerous European nations.

Addressing Non-Line-of-Sight Scenarios

The draft proposal, spanning 58 pages, identifies non-line-of-sight scenarios as the cause of many traffic issues in India. In such situations, conventional sensors often fail, and V2X technology is seen as the solution. V2X, which stands for “Vehicle-to-Everything,” encompasses various forms of communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and other road users. The government panel aims to have V2X technology considered for inclusion in India’s Bharat NCAP for car safety ratings.

A Crucial Step for Road Safety in India

India is notorious for its high number of road accidents, resulting in numerous fatalities and critical injuries each year. If the panel’s proposal is adopted, it could prompt automakers to equip their connected cars with technology that uses wireless communication to send warnings between drivers and interact with other road systems.

From Star Ratings to Connectivity Mandates

Currently, the Bharat NCAP primarily assigns star ratings based on the impact of collisions, without mandating specific features for car manufacturers. The proposal, if accepted, might lead to the government requiring automakers to integrate advanced features into their connected cars.

Enhancing Road Safety with V2X Technology

While some vehicles on Indian roads already feature forward collision warning and emergency braking technology, these systems are often proximity-triggered. V2X represents a more advanced and connected form of warning technology, relying on a dedicated network to issue warnings over longer distances. This early alert system can significantly improve driver awareness and response, potentially reducing accidents and making Indian roads safer.

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