Enhancing vehicle access with customer branded NFC cards

From driver aids to crash protection, infotainment systems to electric drivetrains, today’s vehicles are packed with technology – and the car key is no different. In fact, digital vehicle access solutions are undergoing significant growth, with the global automotive digital key market valued at approximately USD $2.3 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD $16.7 billion by 2034. 

Next generation car key technology

Consumers have become increasingly used to more secure and convenient entry and ignition systems and are moving away from traditional key technology to mobile device, or most recently, NFC-enabled card keys.  

To align with this market shift, and to support its digital car key solution, Thales has introduced the NFC CARd key – a complementary, reliable, and necessary backup to digital car keys. Offering secure, seamless access to vehicles through contactless technology, the innovate solution combines robust encryption with customisable branding opportunities for automotive manufacturers. 

Our study of 4,000 drivers revealed a strong appetite for digital solutions and seamless experiences yet also highlighted concern around reliability - especially “what if my phone dies?” moments - indicating clear demand for a secure, physical backup. 97% of US drivers surveyed said a backup solution is essential or useful with a Digital Car Key, while 87% of them expressed that an NFC card would be a good solution.

Reinforcing brand identities

The NFC CARd key offers automotive manufacturers the opportunity to not only get ahead of the curve with a useful companion to the digital car key, but to communicate their unique brand identity in a tangible way while doing so.  Much like the physical keys that came before them, keycards are a literal touchpoint, a daily reminder of the brand in the driver’s hand. With minimal investment, they provide a high-impact branding opportunity, allowing car makers to deliver cutting-edge, convenient access solutions that are stylish, customer-branded, and instantly recognisable. 

In our study, over 80% of surveyed drivers indicated that the card’s design enhances trust, while also expressing interest in a more refined look and feel. This presents an excellent opportunity for car makers.  

With a diverse card body portfolio, and over 30 years’ experience in card manufacturing, Thales ensures both technical and aesthetic expectations are met, providing car makers with: 

• A cutting-edge and convenient access solution  
• Robust security features that provide peace of mind to customers 
• Stylish, tailored cards that reflect brand identity and captivate customers 

Manufacturers can choose body options, and customise with metallic inks, tactile varnishes, 3D printing effects, or matte/glossy finishes – all while retaining compliance with automotive-grade durability and resistance.  

Built to last – and evolve

Automotive keys are exposed to extreme operating environments, which is why the NFC CARd key is designed to function within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. Whether in tropical heat or alpine cold, the card’s durability ensures dependable performance year after year. 

A reliable companion

Designed to enhance the driving experience, the Thales NFC CARd Key is a reliable companion to digital car keys, and is a trusted alternative when smartphones are unavailable. A recent Thales study found that 97% of US drivers said a backup solution is essential or useful with a Digital Car Key, while 87% of them say an NFC card would be a good solution to have in place. 

Unlike many other backup options, the NFC CARd key is built on an EAL6+ certified chip – one of the highest levels of security assurance available for embedded systems. This allows it to deliver robust protection for cryptographic keys, mutual authentication processes, and access rights management.  

Working to build industry standards

The CCC aims to build standardisation to enable both smartphone-to-vehicle and NFC card-to-vehicle connectivity, with over one hundred member companies representing a large proportion of the global automotive and smartphone industry. 

Aligned with the CCC* implementation standards for future-proof vehicle access, the NFC card is compliant with the required automotive standards, giving them interoperability with existing digital key infrastructures to activate lock and unlock, as well as allow engine ignition. 

The NFC CARd key is also certified to a wide range of global standards including NFC ISO/IEC 14443, Java Card™ 3.0.5, GlobalPlatform 2.3.1, EMVCo, ISO/IEC These standards ensure full interoperability and environmental durability in line with the rigorous requirements of the automotive sector. 

As automotive and mobility technology continues to evolve, digital car keys bring together the perfect blend of innovation, security, and convenience. In combination with NFC CARd keys as a secure branding and fallback tool, they offer OEMs a comprehensive, futureproof solution to lock, unlock and start driving.