Is Telematics the Built-in Network of a Car?
2 Answers
Telematics is not the built-in network of a car. Here is a detailed introduction to telematics: 1. Wireless Communication Technology: Many car models offer telematics services, which involve equipping the vehicle's operating system with a 4G multifunctional car device or a 4G OBD box. Through the integration of wireless communication technology and information platforms, services such as real-time navigation, in-depth voice services, and remote vehicle control are achieved. 2. Online Service Center: Once the telematics data is used up, you can only purchase more by spending money at the online service center or designated apps. Inserting the SIM card from your phone into the car will not work.
As a long-time enthusiast studying automotive technology, I often get asked similar questions. Vehicle-to-Everything, abbreviated as V2X, doesn't actually mean cars come with their own dedicated network. The connectivity features of vehicles rely on built-in communication modules that connect to the internet via cellular networks, satellites, or Wi-Fi, forming a vast vehicle ecosystem. Simply put, cars don't have their own proprietary network, but they are equipped with hardware like T-Boxes (telematics boxes) and software systems that enable data exchange with the outside world, such as real-time traffic updates, cloud-based navigation, and remote diagnostics. Nowadays, many models, from luxury SUVs to everyday family cars, come with this functionality—it's more like connecting your car to a public network highway. Additionally, it supports V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle communication) and V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination), significantly enhancing driving safety and efficiency. I've personally driven an electric car with connectivity features, and the experience was fantastic.
