Documents submitted to the Federal Communications Commission indicated that Tesla may want to use ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for its vehicles, and is one of the first automakers to do so. UWB, a technology developed by technology giants like Apple and Samsung, will allow car owners to unlock their vehicles without ripping their mobile device out of their pocket.
On September 9, Tesla submitted six new products for consideration by the FCC. These products contained two key fobs, a safety controller and a number of ‘end points’ that would be installed inside the frame and cabin of a vehicle. At least some of these products are specifically listed to support UWB communication.
There are some notable aspects in Tesla’s FCC filing. Tesla included a full operational description of the technology, which revealed that it intends to use a standards-based implementation of ultra-broadband technology. This suggests to some extent that UWB technology of devices such as Apple and Samsung smartphones should, at least in theory, be compatible. The technology is also designed to let users know how far they are from their vehicle.
As noted in a report by The edge, this ‘switch’ will be the key to avoiding recurring attacks, which could mislead a Tesla into thinking the keychain is closer than it actually is. This is an attack point that has been exploited in the past by security researchers, some of whom were able to gain access to a Tesla by cheating the vehicle’s keyboard. Tesla’s security features such as PIN to Drive were a response to these attacks. UWB can also support other uses, such as locating a vehicle in a busy parking lot.
Granted, Tesla’s FCC filing does not provide the assurance that ultra-wide-band technology is indeed coming to its vehicles. However, it should be noted that FCC documents are typically a good sign that a business is quite serious about implementing new technology, and that submission is sometimes one of the final points of a product before it reaches the market. .
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