Digital Car Keys: The benefits for fleet managers

Over the years, the way we access cars has become increasingly digitised. In fact, the Automotive Digital Key market is predicted to increase by USD 640 million by 2026. 

The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) is at the forefront of this adoption, bringing together representatives from the automotive and consumer technology industries to future-proof vehicle access using smart devices. 

The Rise of Automotive Digital Keys

Over the years, cars (and how we access them) have become increasingly digitised. In fact, the Automotive Digital Key market is predicted to increase by USD 640 million by 2026, according to industry forecasts. The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) is at the forefront of this adoption, bringing together representatives from the automotive and consumer technology industries to future-proof vehicle access using smart devices. 

The Role of the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC)

The CCC aims to create a standardised ecosystem for global smartphone-to-vehicle connectivity. Representing over 100 companies, such as BMW, Honda, Apple, Samsung, and Thales, the CCC has developed the Digital Key Certification. This certification ensures interoperability and security, promoting widespread adoption by mobile device manufacturers and car makers. 

Benefits of the CCC Digital Key for Fleet Managers

The CCC Digital Key offers several benefits for car rental companies and fleet managers alike: 

• Administrative and Operational Costs: Digital keys eliminate the need for physical key management, reducing staffing and office space requirements. This streamlining of operations can lead to significant cost savings over time. 
• Maintenance and Turnaround: Faster vehicle turnaround times and improved tracking can reduce maintenance costs and improve fleet utilisation. With digital keys, vehicles can be quickly reassigned and managed, enhancing overall efficiency. 
• Security and Loss Prevention: Digital keys reduce the risk of key loss and vehicle theft, leading to lower insurance premiums and fewer replacements. The enhanced security features ensure that only authorised users can access the vehicles, providing peace of mind for fleet managers. 
• Customer Service and Experience: Fleet managers will also benefit from enhanced customer experience with fewer issues related to lost keys and key handovers. Customers can enjoy a seamless experience, accessing their vehicles through their smartphones without the hassle of physical keys. 

Securing the CCC Digital Key

Digital car keys carry many benefits but must also be secured to ensure users and fleet managers alike can truly reap the rewards. As vehicles become more integrated with digital technologies, the risk of cyberattacks increases. Digital car keys, which allow for keyless entry and ignition, can be vulnerable to hacking if not properly secured. This can lead to unauthorised access, theft, and potential harm to the vehicle’s passengers. 

The Role of Thales’ Embedded Secure Element (eSE)

The CCC Digital Key framework revolutionises vehicle access by establishing a secure communication channel between devices, such as smartphones or NFC cards, and vehicles. This is achieved through the use of a Secure Element (SE) embedded in both the device and the vehicle, ensuring that only authorised users can access the vehicle, thereby preventing theft and loss, especially in rental fleets. 

Thales’ embedded Secure Element (eSE) plays a crucial role in this framework. An eSE is a dedicated hardware component integrated into devices, like mobile phones, and vehicles. It provides a tamper-resistant environment for applications requiring high security, protecting against both hardware and software attacks. With the eSE hardware incorporated into a digital car key, it is able to meet stringent security standards, and ensures the highest quality protection for the connected smartphone. 

Ensuring Continuous Interoperability

In the context of CCC Digital Keys, the eSE manages secure communication between the car and mobile device, ensuring continuous interoperability, as well as simplifying integration and boosting efficiency. It also securely stores the entire key, including business logic, protecting it from attacks. 

The Final Word

The CCC Digital Key is revolutionising the way we think about vehicle access and management. By leveraging advanced technology and secure elements, it offers a range of benefits that enhance security, efficiency, and user experience.