Imagine a world where cars could communicate with each other, with transport infrastructure, and even with pedestrians. According to Reuters, a government panel in India is now suggesting that vehicles equipped with systems capable of such communication should receive higher safety ratings under the new Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) ratings. This panel is advocating for the inclusion of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems in the BNCAP tests.

The Proposal: The core idea behind this proposal is to enhance road safety by facilitating communication among vehicles. The panel points out that many traffic accidents happen due to non-line-of-sight scenarios, like pedestrians in blind spots or cars suddenly braking further up the road. They believe that V2X technology can complement existing assistance systems and help reduce accidents on the road. The reasoning is that conventional sensors may not perform well in these scenarios, and V2X can fill this gap.

According to Reuters, the report is now awaiting review by the Road and Communication Ministry, which will ultimately decide on the fate of the V2X feature.

What Is V2X? Vehicle-to-everything, or V2X, is a comprehensive network of automotive communication systems that enable vehicles to exchange information with other vehicles (V2V), infrastructure (V2I), and pedestrians (V2P). This ecosystem facilitates real-time information exchange, optimizing traffic and, most importantly, increasing road safety. Information is gathered from various sensors on the vehicle and then displayed on a screen for the driver, providing alerts about what’s happening on the road.

A notable example of V2X implementation comes from Ford in Germany. They’ve developed a system that prioritizes emergency services (such as ambulances, firefighters, and police) by changing traffic lights, effectively reducing congestion along their route.

V2X could become mandatory for a car to achieve a 5-star rating in Euro NCAP by 2027, and the technology is already making strides in the Chinese market.

Bharat NCAP: The new Bharat NCAP norms went into effect on October 1, 2023, and they are based on the latest GNCAP (Global New Car Assessment Programme) protocols. While there may be some differences in the rating system, other criteria remain consistent.

With the introduction of BNCAP, Indian automakers are progressively improving the safety features available in their vehicles. For instance, Hyundai Motor India has announced its plans to offer Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and connectivity technology on all its models by 2025, reflecting the growing emphasis on safety and technology in the Indian automotive landscape.