DOT Extends Connected-Car Test in Ann Arbor

A 30-month-long federal program to test 2,900 connected cars, trucks, buses and motorcycle in Ann Arbor, Mich., is being extended for six months.

The $14.9 million U.S. Dept. of Transportation project is being coordinated by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

Road tests, which began 12 months ago, were to end in August. Their aim is to determine the effectiveness of so-called dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) among nearby vehicles and between vehicles and roadside equipment in avoiding crashes and reducing traffic congestions.

Researchers are compiling billions of data exchanges involving a fleet provided by Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen.

The vehicles are equipped with an array of integrated, retrofitted and aftermarket DSRC-based detectors and driver warning systems. Most vehicles in the fleet are being driven by ordinary consumers.

DOT says the project extension won't delay its plan to decide by year-end whether to mandate connected-car technology for passenger vehicles. The department also expects to issue a similar ruling for heavy-duty trucks next year.