Documents submitted to the Federal Communications Commission indicate that Tesla may be looking to use ultra-wideband (UWB) technology in its vehicles, being one of the first automakers to do so. UWB, a technology that tech giants like Apple and Samsung have been developing, would allow car owners to unlock their vehicles without taking their mobile device out of their pocket.
Tesla submitted six new products to the FCC for consideration on 9 September. These products included two key rings, a security controller and a series of “terminals” that would be installed inside a vehicle’s frame and cabin. At least some of these products have been listed specifically to support UWB communication.
There are several noteworthy aspects in Tesla’s FCC files. Tesla included a full operational description of the technology, which revealed that it intends to adopt a standards-based implementation of ultra-wideband technology. This, to some extent, suggests that the UWB technology of devices such as Apple and Samsung smartphones should be compatible, at least theoretically. The technology was also designed to let users know how far away one is from their vehicle.
As noted in a The Verge, this “reach” would be critical to help prevent repeat attacks, which could lead a Tesla to think that its key ring is closer than it actually is. This is a point of attack that has been explored by security researchers in the past, some of whom have managed to gain access to a Tesla by falsifying the vehicle’s keychain system. Tesla’s security features, such as the PIN to Drive, were a response to these attacks. The UWB can also support other uses, such as locating a vehicle in a crowded parking lot.
It is true that Tesla’s files at the FCC do not provide a guarantee that ultra-wideband technology is indeed arriving on their vehicles. However, it should be noted that FCC documents are usually a good sign that a company is serious about launching new technology, with filings sometimes becoming one of the product’s end points before it reaches the market. .
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