The European Commission has issued a public call for evidence in connection with access to vehicle data, functions and resources pursuant to the proposal for the Data Act.

Here are some key points:

  • Access to data, functions and resources is crucial for the development of innovative data-driven mobility services.
  • At the same time, it is essential that access to vehicle data, functions and resources does not create new risks for cybersecurity, road safety, intellectual property or data protection.
  • To ensure the Data Act is properly implemented in the automotive/mobility ecosystem, its principles could be complemented by measures to standardize the data sets concerned and to ensure access not only to data, but also vehicle functions and resources. It is also important to have rules ensuring effective, nondiscriminatory, safe and secure access allowing for fair competition, notably for aftermarket and mobility services.
  • Connected vehicles make it possible to remotely access vehicle data. They also give remote access to functions (e.g. remote door unlocking for car sharing, launching diagnostic routines) and resources (e.g. displaying information on a vehicle’s dashboard). This remote access enables remote diagnostics, but also new aftermarket services such as mobility as a service or pay-as-you-drive insurance. The rise of electric vehicles will be accompanied by new digital services to facilitate the vehicle’s optimal integration with the electricity system, such as smart charging and bidirectional charging (vehicle to grid/home) that will require access to vehicle data and the Battery Management System by electricity market participants.
  • The Data Act will have a major impact on the mobility ecosystem, boosting innovation and competition in aftermarkets and other automotive or electric vehicle related services. However, this might need to be complemented by more specific provisions for the automotive sector.