Audi, in collaboration with Ettifos and Kapsch TrafficCom, successfully completed a significant real-world demonstration of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) tolling technology on March 26, 2026, in North Carolina. This demonstration tested the interoperability of Ettifos’ V2X-AIR onboard unit (OBU) installed in an Audi vehicle with Kapsch’s roadside units (RSUs), confirming the seamless communication between different manufacturers’ devices using standardized V2X protocols.
The first part of the demonstration showcased a pre-market version of V2X tolling integrated directly into an Audi vehicle. The Ettifos OBU maintained continuous PC5-based communication with Kapsch’s RSUs as the vehicle passed through the tolling area. Tolling messages were processed instantly and acknowledgments appeared on the Audi’s in-vehicle display, confirming successful transaction processing. This showed that Ettifos’ OBU not only meets V2X tolling standards but also integrates smoothly with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) services, offering drivers a secure and convenient in-car payment experience.
In addition to OEM integration, the second demonstration highlighted the capabilities of Ettifos’ aftermarket V2X-AIR OBU. This dashboard-mounted device received and decoded V2X messages broadcast from Kapsch’s roadside units, handling tolling events and Traveler Information Messages (TIM) in real time. Drivers received immediate feedback on toll transactions and relevant road warnings through an application interface. This plug-and-play solution demonstrated how V2X tolling can be deployed quickly across existing vehicles without waiting for OEM integration, providing a flexible upgrade path for fleets.
The trials confirmed robust interoperability between Audi vehicles equipped with Ettifos’ OBU, aftermarket units, and Kapsch’s deployed roadside infrastructure. The low-latency communication achieved during the demonstrations supports both safety-related V2X services and efficient tolling operations. These results highlight the scalability of V2X tolling technology, enabling automotive manufacturers like Audi to offer advanced connectivity features that improve convenience and road safety.
This development marks an important step towards wider adoption of connected vehicle technologies that facilitate seamless communication between vehicles and infrastructure. By validating these capabilities under real-world conditions, Audi and its partners are paving the way for more efficient traffic management and enhanced driver experiences. The demonstrations took place as part of the OmniAir Consortium V2X Tolling Workshop, reflecting ongoing industry efforts to establish standardized protocols for interoperable V2X services.
As automotive connectivity evolves, solutions like those demonstrated by Audi and Ettifos represent a future where vehicles communicate directly with road infrastructure to deliver safer, smarter travel. The successful testing of both OEM-integrated and aftermarket devices shows flexibility in how these technologies can be introduced to the market. Audi’s involvement underscores its commitment to innovation in vehicle technology and connectivity, aiming to bring secure, seamless digital services into everyday driving.
