The Promise And Challenges Of V2V Communication

By John Oncea, Editor

Connected vehicles have the potential to improve an individual’s driving experience. But could connecting vehicles – allowing them to share information about their speed, location, and intended maneuvers – lead to a reduction in accidents, smoother traffic flow, and more efficient use of road space?

We’ve written about connected vehicles before. You know, personal data issues, the role SDR is playing in keeping costs down … stuff like that.

These articles and dozens of others like them focus on the technology used to connect vehicles to the internet and other devices, enabling various functions like remote control, data sharing, and access to services. But what about the possibility of cars communicating not with the outside world, but with each other like a hive mind?

Typically applied to social insects or groups of people, a hive mind is the collective mental activity expressed in complex, coordinated behavior regarded as comparable to a single mind controlling the behavior of an individual organism, according to Merriam-Webster.

What could be accomplished by applying that concept to connected vehicles, allowing them to communicate with each other? Could vehicles be grouped based on speed and destination? Could they be assigned to specific lanes based on relative speed, closing up ranks for drafting since you could theoretically brake and accelerate syncronously? Could traffic jam collisions be eliminated because vehicles could “see” traffic stopped further ahead instead of ADAS only looking at the vehicle directly in front of it? Let’s find out.

What Are V2V And V2I Communications?

Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication is a transformative automotive technology that enables vehicles to wirelessly exchange real-time data about their speed, position, direction, and other critical driving parameters. This direct vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity forms the backbone of the broader connected vehicle ecosystem, which also includes Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication, where vehicles interact with roadside infrastructure such as traffic signals, road signs, and parking systems. Together, these technologies are reshaping road safety, traffic management, and the future of autonomous driving.

V2V communication, according to Future Tech, relies on advanced wireless technologies, primarily Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) and increasingly, cellular-based solutions like Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) and 5G networks. These systems allow vehicles to broadcast and receive Basic Safety Messages (BSMs) multiple times per second within a range of up to 300 meters. The information exchanged includes each vehicle’s speed, location, heading, acceleration, and braking status. This data is processed in real time by onboard vehicle systems, which can issue warnings to drivers or even trigger automated responses, such as emergency braking, to prevent collisions.

While V2V connects vehicles, V2I extends this connectivity to the broader transportation infrastructure. Vehicles communicate with roadside units (RSUs) embedded in traffic lights, road signs, and other infrastructure elements. This enables real-time updates on traffic conditions, road hazards, signal timings, and even available parking spaces. For example, a vehicle approaching a red light can receive a signal about the upcoming change, allowing the driver to adjust speed and improve traffic flow, according to Electronics For You.

The primary motivation for V2V communication is enhanced safety, Fortune Business Insights writes. By sharing real-time data, vehicles can “see” around corners and through obstructions, alerting drivers to hazards that are not visible, such as a car braking suddenly beyond a blind intersection or an emergency vehicle approaching from behind. This proactive hazard detection can significantly reduce the risk of collisions, especially in complex traffic scenarios.

V2V also improves traffic efficiency. Connected vehicles can coordinate their movements, smoothing out stop-and-go patterns and reducing congestion. For example, cars can syncronize acceleration and braking to minimize phantom traffic jams and share information about road conditions to enable more accurate and efficient route planning. The integration of V2V and V2I technologies creates a connected ecosystem that enhances situational awareness and enables intelligent transportation systems to operate more effectively.

V2V and V2I technologies are already being deployed in various forms. In the freight and logistics industry, V2V is revolutionizing road safety by enabling trucks to communicate and coordinate, reducing the risk of multi-vehicle pileups and improving overall efficiency, Logistics Viewpoints writes. Emergency vehicles can use V2I to signal traffic lights to turn green in their path, clearing the way for faster response times. Electric vehicles (EVs) can communicate with charging stations to find available spots and optimize charging schedules, supporting broader EV adoption.

The rollout of 5G networks is a game changer for connected vehicles, writes Novus Hi-Tech. 5G offers ultra-low latency and high bandwidth, enabling vehicles to process and share data almost instantaneously. This is critical for the split-second decision-making required in autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). With 5G, vehicles can access high-precision mapping, receive up-to-date accident alerts, and support more sophisticated cooperative maneuvers, such as platooning and coordinated lane changes.

Challenges And Considerations

Despite its promise, V2V communication faces several challenges, First International Computer writes. Standardization and interoperability are critical, as vehicles from different manufacturers must be able to communicate seamlessly. Industry-wide standards are being developed by organizations such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the U.S. Department of Transportation, but universal adoption remains complex. Data privacy and security are also major concerns, given the sensitive nature of the information exchanged. Robust encryption and authentication protocols are essential to protect against cyber threats and ensure public trust.

Infrastructure costs present another barrier, especially for smaller municipalities and resource-limited communities. Upgrading roads with RSUs and maintaining the necessary technology can be expensive, necessitating public-private partnerships and government funding to accelerate deployment. Regulatory and legal issues, such as liability, data ownership, and compliance, must also be addressed to create a cohesive framework for widespread adoption.

 

Case Study: Michigan’s CAV Corridor

One of the first steps in making this concept a reality is taking place along a 39-mile segment of I-94 between Ann Arbor and Detroit in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

“The purpose of the project is to maximize the benefits of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) and encourage similar integration of technologies across Michigan; upgrade I-94 with smart road technology; improve safety, pavement conditions and operations along the corridor; and encourage new and reliable transit routes and transit use,” MDOT writes.

The project aims to transform a general-purpose lane into a technology-enabled express lane, featuring physical separation. Vehicles will access this lane through designated points, which will be intervals of at least 2,000 feet to allow for safe merging.

Initially, all vehicles will have access to the lane. However, as CAVs become more prevalent and their usage on the lane reaches a specific threshold, determined after thorough studies, including traffic and revenue modeling, the lane may eventually be restricted to CAVs only.

This initiative is akin to existing managed lane projects across the U.S. and is designed to create a preferred right-of-way (ROW) for transit vehicles, thereby facilitating more reliable and frequent transit services.

According to MDOT, there are numerous benefits associated with this project. It aims to enhance transportation safety and prepare for future advancements in the field. One of the primary goals is to decrease the number of crashes along the corridor, particularly those resulting from driver error, such as distractions. Additionally, the project will enable immediate detection of incidents on the roadway, which is crucial for reducing response times in critical situations.

Travel times are expected to improve significantly, including for transit vehicles, by providing faster and more dependable travel experiences. For CAVs, the project is set to enhance the automated driving experience as well. Furthermore, it will accelerate the advantages of connected vehicles, promoting increased safety, higher capacity, and lower emissions within the corridor.

Non-CAV vehicles also will benefit from the dedicated lane and improved operations, alongside the anticipated enhancements in overall lane performance. With the implementation of automated incident detection technology, incident response dispatch times will decrease for all vehicles utilizing the lane, including those that are not equipped with CAV technology.

Importantly, the project will not involve the collection of personal data, and should user fees be introduced in the future, any financial transaction data will be managed in compliance with all relevant laws and privacy standards.

According to CDL Life, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has provided a key approval for the advancement of MDOT’s CAV project following a successful testing and evaluation of the technology along a three-mile stretch of I-94 last spring.

After receiving environmental impact approval from FHWA, MDOT, in collaboration with private sector partner Cavnue, is preparing to extend the smart vehicle lanes initiative to cover the 39-mile stretch of I-94 linking Ann Arbor-Saline Road in Ann Arbor to M-10 in Detroit.

“This is an exciting moment not only for Cavnue, but for Michigan’s leadership in connected and automated mobility,” said Tyler Duvall, CEO and Co-Founder of Cavnue. “Securing federal environmental approval for full build-out along I-94 reflects years of close collaboration, technical rigor, and community engagement. We are now poised to deliver a safer, smarter, and more resilient highway for everyone.”

The Road Ahead

As connected vehicle and V2V technologies advance, the path to widespread adoption is complex and nuanced, especially when considering the millions of older vehicles on the road. Retrofitting legacy cars, particularly those without electronic control units or digital systems, presents significant technical and financial challenges.

Solutions are emerging, such as aftermarket retrofit kits that add sensors and connectivity, or even leveraging smartphones with dedicated apps to broadcast basic safety messages, but these approaches face hurdles in cost, practicality, and reliability, especially for purely mechanical classics. Mandating retrofits or banning older vehicles outright would disproportionately impact enthusiasts, collectors, and those unable to afford new cars, raising equity concerns and risking public backlash.

Achieving the critical mass required for V2V systems to deliver maximum safety and efficiency benefits depends on interoperability, robust standards, and gradual integration. The reality is that for years to come, roads will be shared by both connected and non-connected vehicles, creating unavoidable “ghost cars” that automated systems cannot communicate with directly. Dedicated express lanes for networked autonomous vehicles could offer a pragmatic path for gradual adoption, allowing the technology to mature and coexist with traditional driving while minimizing external variables.

Ultimately, the transition to a fully connected, autonomous transportation system will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, requiring ongoing investment, regulatory clarity, and public trust. Human drivers will remain a central part of the landscape for the near future, and the enjoyment of driving, along with the need for robust driver education, will not disappear overnight.

The promise of safer, more efficient roads is real, but realizing it will demand thoughtful solutions that respect the diversity of vehicles and drivers on today’s roads, ensuring no one is left behind in the mobility revolution.