The days of bulky, Velcro fastened toll transponders may soon be over, especially if other automakers take a cue from Audi. The German automotive giant has revealed plans to introduce integrated toll payment technology in its vehicles, launching the system in select models later this year in the U.S.
While it may not seem like a significant advancement, consider that the large and unsightly toll passes used by systems like E-ZPass in the Northeast, SunPass in Florida, and Fastrak in California have been the predominant form of vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. Visually, they detract from the aesthetics of our cars. Integrating this technology within the vehicle allows drivers to gradually embrace vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) systems—an essential component for enabling autonomous and augmented driving—through an infotainment system where they can adjust settings and functionalities.
The integrated toll module (ITM) is designed to be embedded in the rearview mirror and will work with toll roads across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Frequent travelers will benefit from maintaining multiple accounts or national accounts, enabling them to activate or deactivate these accounts directly from the vehicle. This flexibility is useful for instances where users may prefer to pay in cash or use another driver’s transponder during a trip. Importantly, the new system shifts control of the transponder and associated accounts to the vehicle owner, instead of having it function solely through the directing agency. However, it may be less convenient for those who switch transponders between multiple vehicles, which likely represents a smaller group of users.
This announcement marks the second major V2I system introduction by Audi in the past year. The company has also rolled out its Traffic Light Information System, which provides cars with real-time traffic signal information via onboard cellular data. This technology enables drivers to see countdowns to changing lights on their dashboard, reducing stress as they can better anticipate wait times. Future developments will include enhanced navigation routing and speed recommendations, assisting drivers in catching green lights in sequence.
Other automotive manufacturers are also in the race to develop V2I systems, with Mercedes-Benz close behind. However, the deployment of this technology is expected to be complex and lengthy due to the need for compatibility across various manufacturers and integration with municipal infrastructure. A universal approach is necessary for both sides to facilitate seamless mobility. Thus, we commend any progress that brings us nearer to a future free from cumbersome E-ZPass transponders.
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