Fleets stay secure with Continental virtual key system
Among the technologies available from Continental is the virtual Key as a Service solution, which provides a cloud-based platform for keyless access to all vehicle types, whether HGVs, PSVs or cars.
Proven in the passenger car sector, the technology has also now been developed to meet commercial vehicle requirements. A smartphone app is used to gain on-demand access to the vehicle – and final authorisation for use is granted through the Continental Cloud and a control module in the vehicle. The user can then open, lock and even start the vehicle.
“At Continental we see many ways to adapt digital services for passenger cars for use in commercial vehicles,” said Gilles Mabire, head of the Commercial Vehicles & Services Business Unit, during the launch of the system at a webinar event last year.
“By taking advantage of the technology in our car solutions and tailoring it to the needs of trucks, vans and coaches, we’re bringing products onto the commercial vehicle market that are both innovative and affordable.”
Physical keys have the disadvantage that they’re not always where the driver needs them, says Continental; this is often the case with trucks and coaches, which are usually driven by more than one person. The same is true for vehicles that are operated by fleets or car rental services.
Continental’s Key as a Service platform is said to make vehicle handovers much easier; physical key transfers are unnecessary because vehicles can easily be opened and started with a smartphone app. This means driver changes for vehicles en route are more efficient, and there are no waiting times.
Virtual key handovers are also hygienic because physical contacts are minimised, the company points out, while the system is also useful in a maintenance context; mechanics can gain access to the cab and engine without bothering the driver, directly via their smartphone.
It also means truck rental companies can benefit from secure, smooth handovers that are independent of opening hours, while linking the virtual key to the company’s IT systems can streamline vehicle access and usage information.
As soon as a driver is within 40 metres of the right vehicle, he can use a smartphone app to initiate communication with the commercial vehicle’s electronic key system via Bluetooth Low Energy.
There are two layers of security. First, the system relies on secure communication between the remote key system and the vehicle’s ECU. Second, the module in the vehicle uses its integrated SIM card to authenticate the smartphone via Continental Cloud.
Opening and starting are possible only if the virtual key from the cloud confirms that the smartphone is authorised for that particular vehicle. As an alternative, a Bluetooth card or NFC (Near Field Communication) card can be used.
Adopters of Continental virtual key technology have included hiyacar, the peer-to-peer car sharing company – which has deployed the QuickStart technology to allow its drivers to unlock a car without the physical keys.
The service enables trusted local car owners to rent out their vehicles to drivers. So, if someone has a spare car sitting on the drive – or if they wish to invest in a new vehicle – sharing a motor through hiyacar is a quick, easy way to make some extra money.
In order to help ensure the process is as hassle-free as possible for hiyacar’s users, the QuickStart keyless technology means owners can still hire out their car even if they aren’t at home to physically hand over the keys. The automation simply requires a box to be fitted under the dashboard of the owner’s vehicle, and once it is, the virtual keys in the hiyacar app will unlock it.
It also allows the vehicle owner to grant access rights to a car through the app at any time, and supports both the car and commercial vehicle market.
It means hiyacar customers have secure, confident access to the vehicle they have hired, while the owner has a reliable record of who has been driving it via the track and trace contact information. This reduces the cost of lost keys and allows for drop-off and remote pick-up of a vehicle, as well as accurate record of hire period and usage.
Ben Klarich, head of business development at Continental Automotive, said: “It is great to see an innovative company like hiyacar incorporate a Continental product into the core of their offer. I’m delighted that we have been able to work together to create a convenient solution that suits their customer base, both car owners and car renters alike.”
