Volkswagen pWLAN, a system that allows its vehicles to connect with each other

Connectivity between different vehicles is an important step towards connected driving, which aims to reduce road accidents or minimise their consequences. Starting in 2019, Volkswagen will begin marketing its vehicles equipped with pWLAN technology, a communication system that exchanges traffic information between the brand’s cars.

This system pWLAN exchanges information between vehicles and also sends traffic conditions to the road infrastructure. This technology will allow drivers to know at all times the state of traffic, the presence of accidents and even sensor data within a radius of approximately 500 metres. The system is capable of identifying potential traffic hazards, such as a car making an emergency stop.

The technology used by Volkswagen is based on a system (IEEE 802.11p), which the automotive industry has standardised to establish direct communication between vehicles, as well as with the road infrastructure.

The strategy that Volkswagen intends to follow for this project is the incorporation of this pWLAN technology as standard equipment on its series-production models, in addition to connectivity with the driver’s smartphone. Johannes Neft, Head of Development at Volkswagen, has stated that with these measures the brand aims to increase road safety. “Communication between vehicles is the best way to increase road safety. The most important thing is that it soon be adopted by other manufacturers as well,” Neft said.

Volkswagen is working with the authorities, transport ministries and other vehicle manufacturers to improve this vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology.