Four Key Learnings from our NFC for Automotive Paper

By Rick van Kemenade, Chair of the Automotive Special Interest Group, NFC Forum

For the everyday driver, the main innovation we have seen recently in the automotive space has not been to top speed or acceleration; it has been to the overall driving experience. Comfort and convenience are now strategic differentiators for automakers, and central to this has been the integration of standardized technology.

NFC Forum’s Automotive Special Interest Group has recently published a whitepaper on the digital transformation of the automotive industry and the role NFC plays in it, charting how vehicles are becoming connected, convenient and software-defined to meet modern expectations of the driving experience. So what were the key takeaways?

1. NFC Forum standards are the roadmap to a connected driving experience.

Cars have become computers on wheels capable of communicating with a multitude of networks and devices. This has allowed for advanced navigation systems, voice assistants and entertainment options that dramatically improve the user experience. Meanwhile, the car itself is able to monitor and diagnose issues, give the driver real time feedback and keep itself up to date with new software releases.

Maintaining each of these systems relies on seamless interoperability between components and services. New progressive partnerships between automakers and solution providers must be established and maintained to achieve the aim of a reliable, secure and functioning connected environment that is trusted and convenient for drivers. NFC Forum standards offer a collaborative environment in which the lower layers are set up to work flawlessly together so that OEMs can focus on what matters to them: their application level development.

2. Digital car key has been hugely successful – and a great use case for others to learn from.

NFC Forum Standards are used to provide the NFC interface that supports the digital key transaction to lock and unlock the door and start the car. Using global standards ensures products have been designed and manufactured to industry requirements, delivering a reliable and consistent user experience.

Furthermore, NFC is a familiar, trusted technology that is reliable and easy to use. User intent is a key feature that instils confidence in drivers as they transition from physical to digital keys. And going beyond adoption, NFC allows digital keys to be issued and withdrawn to a user’s digital wallet instantly, making rental cars and vehicle sharing easier than ever before. NFC can also operate in power reserve mode, meaning that even if the user’s device is out of battery, the key can still be used to access and start the car in a way that no other wireless technology can replicate.

3. DPP is the next focus.

Incoming EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) regulations will require all vehicles to hold accessible data on the source of origin and materials used for their components. Using NFC Forum Standards to embed DPP data creates a transparent and accessible record that can be used to help extend the lifecycle of the vehicle through proper repairs, then facilitate appropriate recycling at the end of its life.

Beyond its advantages in supporting a sustainable and circular economy, this data can provide an infallible chain of custody for each and every vehicle. This includes a record of any changes to the paintwork or numberplate, helping identify stolen vehicles.

4. Unlimited opportunities in the future.

Many car models already use NFC for fast, intuitive pairing between phones and infotainment systems. This has laid the groundwork for further innovations to deliver ultimate driver convenience.

As just one example, each digital key could be tied to a user profile, meaning that whenever that particular key is used, the driver’s or passenger’s preferred personalization features such as their seat position, infotainment system or climate controls can be automatically applied.

Join the Conversation

NFC Forum is actively defining use cases and working with associations and partners across the automotive ecosystem to make the digital vehicle a reality. In addition to ensuring NFC technology is part of the automotive OEMs’ connected car strategy, we want automotive representatives to speak to us, use our infrastructure, join us and share their technical and business requirements. Learn more.