Drivers using connected car services being tested by Jaguar Land Rover could see a future where they will receive cryptocurrency payments for sharing information about traffic jams and potholes.
JLR’s innovative ‘Smart Wallet’ technology is currently being tested at the company’s software engineering centre in the Republic of Ireland, and when live will see drivers earn credits when their car automatically reports road conditions to navigation providers and local authorities.
These credits can then be exchanged to automatically pay for road tolls, parking fees or even for a cup of coffee at a service station.
The technology forms part of JLRs overarching Destination Zero strategy which aims to achieve zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion. The ‘Smart Wallet’ information will allow drivers to avoid traffic congestion and in turn reduce tailpipe emissions which come from being sat idle in traffic.
“The connected car technologies we are developing will be transformative and truly turn your Jaguar or Land Rover into a third space, in addition to your home or office,” said Russell Vickers, JLR’s Software Architect.
“In the future an autonomous car could drive itself to a charging station, recharge and pay, while its owner could choose to participate in the sharing economy - earning rewards from sharing useful data such as warning other cars of traffic jams.”