Green and Connected: A White Paper for the Michigan Department of Transportation

Full Description:

Two of the most important developments in automotive technology currently underway are the introduction of vehicle communications and the electrification of the powertrain. While these two technologies largely have evolved separately, their future evolution will not be in isolation. Furthermore, these two technologies reinforce one another, each making the other more effective. Recognizing this potential, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), with the support of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), a recognized leader in connected vehicle technology, has investigated the linkages and synergies between these two technologies and their coincidental development. This document presents CAR’s observations on the potential of these two technologies to make each other stronger in the market. Ultimately, the goals of this paper are to raise awareness of the potential added benefits of being “green and connected” and to begin a dialogue on how best to achieve these benefits. CAR and MDOT have several objectives in developing and releasing this white paper. First, they want to document the interactions between communication and electrification technologies, showing how their simultaneous development enhances both. Second, they seek to describe the technical, regulatory, and other factors that are needed to allow these technologies to achieve wide deployment and for the traveling public to realize their full benefits. Third, they want to explore opportunities for the State of Michigan to establish leadership and benefit the State’s economy and industry.