Indra, Audi of America, and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. are initiating a collaborative project to enhance future toll payment systems utilizing cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology. This initial implementation will demonstrate how cars with C-V2X two-way connectivity can alleviate congestion on toll roads, unify payments across the country, and improve the overall driver experience.

This innovative payment system, grounded in the global Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J3217 C-V2X standard, may also act as a forerunner for secure, standardized, and precise transactions related to additional services, like parking.

At present, drivers are required to pay tolls through multi-step mobile applications, custom transponders, or license plate recognition systems that need confirmations. The innovative C-V2X payment system will create a smooth experience by showing precise toll notifications on vehicle displays, resolve transponder incompatibility throughout the United States, reduce congestion from toll booths, and allow for special promotions or advantages for drivers of equipped vehicles.

This new approach benefits not just commuters. Toll operators, relying on conventional electronic transponders and video tolling for toll collection, encounter intricate procedures in handling these transactions and invest significant roadside infrastructure to detect, identify, classify, and record transactions. Moreover, agencies and operators are tasked with overseeing accounts, inventory, and upkeep of equipment to guarantee smooth toll payments.

The payment technology based on C-V2X will allow toll agencies to lower operational expenses by decreasing exception processing. Additionally, this technology enhances precision by accurately locating and positioning vehicles within the lane.

In the scheduled demonstration at the OmniAir Interoperability Testing on May 9, 2025, at the SunTrax Test Facility in Florida, the partners will illustrate how drivers in connected vehicles nearing a toll zone will get in-vehicle alerts featuring real-time tolling data, enabling them to examine toll rates and additional information and confirm payments with ease. Furthermore, Indra will showcase how toll operators can precisely recognize connected vehicles through C-V2X technology, setting them apart from non-connected vehicles employing different toll payment options.