NXP Semiconductors Unveils Proof-of-Concept Car Capable of Long-Range Payments

NXP Semiconductors featured a connected car concept designed by Rinspeed during Mobile World Congress 2015.

The futuristic system relies on long-range UHF RFID tags and NFC to connect to other smart devices and networks outside the vehicle.

At the core of the design, a smartphone can be used to control the car’s basic settings, such as door locks, positions of mirrors, and radio stations. The concept vehicle also includes convenient payment features that are usable on a daily basis.

“Within the car, the NFC read point can also be used as a point of sale, making your car a truly mobile POS. You can unlock features like a navigation system, a new engine firmware or other services any time after you purchased the car. Also, gas or drive-in food can be paid without handing out your credit card,” said Rainer Lutz, NXP senior international product marketing manager.

The capabilities found in the model car goes beyond in-store smartphone tap-and-pay terminals. Payments from a distance open a new direction for developers and providers to look into.

For consumers not completely sold on the idea of wireless transactions, the new features might serve as an essential turning point.

Lutz is confident that security shouldn’t be an issue in live environments. The company has the technology required to protect users from breaches. However, individuals should still consider the trail of sensitive information they leave behind when using a broad range of third party services with the system.

“First of all, you need to make the communication part and then you need security. The beauty of NXP is that we have a strong position in ICs for electronic passports and banking cards. We do most of the chips for public transport so that’s why we have the technology to bring to the car,” mentioned Lutz.