CCC Digital Key technology overview

The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) is a cross-industry organization advancing global technologies for smartphone-to-car connectivity solutions. CCC has developed Digital Key, a new open standard to allow smart devices such as smartphones to act as a vehicle key. Digital Key lets drivers lock and unlock their cars and even allows them to start the engine and share access to friends or valets, using their phones.

The Digital Key Release 3.0 specification enhances Digital Key Release 2.0 by adding passive, location-aware keyless access. Rather than having to pull their mobile devices out to access a car, consumers are able to leave their mobile device in their bag or pocket when accessing and/or starting their vehicle. Passive access is not only vastly more convenient and a better overall user experience, it also allows vehicles to offer new location-aware features.

To support these new features, the CCC has developed a specification based on Bluetooth Low Energy in combination with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) to enable passive keyless access and to allow secure and accurate positioning.