To achieve autonomous driving, a vehicle must be equipped with a sensing system that can observe its environment like a human. However, compared to human perception, autonomous vehicles require much more. The observation is not limited to the front; thus, in addition to traditional sensors, V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) technology has been developed as an essential component of autonomous driving systems. In recent years, the development of V2X technology has made significant progress, and it is now possible to see mass production of V2X-enabled vehicles on the road. This paper primarily explores the evolution of VRC, DSC, and C-V2X technologies.
V2X, as the name suggests, refers to communication between a vehicle and all entities that may affect it—such as other vehicles, infrastructure, pedestrians, and networks. The main goal of V2X is to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, lower environmental pollution, and provide additional information services.
V2X includes several categories: Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), Vehicle-to-Network (V2N), and Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P). Each of these forms plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety and efficiency of transportation systems.
[Image: V2X classification diagram]
The early versions of V2X were mainly based on DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), which was developed and tested in the U.S. for many years. As cellular communication technology advanced, C-V2X (Cellular V2X) emerged as a new alternative. C-V2X uses existing cellular networks and offers advantages such as broader coverage, better scalability, and improved reliability.
[Image: Introduction to DSRC and C-V2X]
**Evolutionary History of V2X Technology**
**(1) Evolution of DSRC Technology**
In 2004–2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) analyzed traffic accidents and found that V2X systems could reduce up to 4.5 million collisions annually. As a result, USDOT required automakers to equip future vehicles with DSRC technology by the end of 2019. DSRC has been extensively tested over the past decade and is considered a mature solution.
The concept of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) began in the 1950s when highway construction led to increased traffic congestion and accidents. By 1990, the idea of IVHS (Intelligent Vehicle Highway System) was introduced, evolving into the modern ITS framework. The U.S. government invested heavily in ITS research, including the Automated Highway System project in 1992, which aimed to enable vehicle interaction with roads.
In 2003, USDOT allocated a 75MHz spectrum at 5.9GHz for DSRC research and launched the VII project. By 2006, major automakers collaborated with USDOT to test V2V and V2I applications. In 2014, NHTSA proposed the FMVSS No. 150 Act, mandating V2V communication in new light vehicles. These efforts laid the foundation for DSRC’s widespread adoption.
DSRC is based on three key standards: IEEE 1609 (WAVE), SAE J2735/J2945 (message formats), and IEEE 802.11p (physical layer). The protocol stack supports direct communication between vehicles using WAVE Short Message Protocol, while V2I and V2N use TCP/IP.
**(2) Evolution of C-V2X Technology**
With the advancement of cellular communication, C-V2X emerged as a complementary solution to DSRC. Defined by 3GPP, C-V2X includes LTE-based and 5G-based systems. It leverages existing cellular networks to enable V2V, V2I, and V2P communication, offering greater flexibility and scalability.
In 2015, 3GPP initiated C-V2X standardization, completing requirements and architecture studies by 2016. By 2017, C-V2X had achieved full standardization, supporting a wide range of applications. Chinese companies like Datang, Huawei, and Qualcomm have played leading roles in developing C-V2X solutions.
C-V2X technology is expected to reach commercial trials by 2018, supported by major automakers such as Audi, Toyota, and SAIC. China has also allocated spectrum for C-V2X testing, aiming for nationwide deployment by 2017.
**The Future of V2X Technology**
In 2017, General Motors introduced the first mass-produced V2V-enabled vehicle, the Cadillac CTS. According to GM, V2V becomes effective when 25% of vehicles are equipped with the technology, which could take about five years to achieve. Governments and automakers are working together to support this transition.
While DSRC remains strong in the U.S. and Europe, C-V2X is gaining traction globally. Its reliance on existing cellular networks reduces infrastructure costs, making it more scalable. With the rollout of 5G, C-V2X is well-positioned for long-term success, especially in China.
Looking ahead, the global V2X market may see both DSRC and C-V2X coexist. However, one technology is likely to dominate in any given region, depending on government policies, telecom providers, and automakers. Just as different 3G standards exist today, future vehicles may support multiple V2X technologies.
As communication technologies continue to evolve, new in-vehicle protocols may emerge, potentially replacing both DSRC and C-V2X in the future.
I would like to thank the author of this article (a motion control engineer in a Chinese automotive technology center) for their valuable insights.
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