Indra, Audi and Qualcomm join forces to revolutionise the future of tolling with advanced connected vehicle technology (C-V2X)

Indra, Audi of America and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. have launched a joint project to drive the next generation of toll payment systems using vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) connected vehicle technology. In an initial deployment phase, they will demonstrate how C-V2X-equipped cars can help reduce congestion on toll motorways, standardise payments in the country where they are implemented and improve the overall driver experience. 

This innovative payment method, based on the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J3217 C-V2X standard, can also serve as a model for secure, standardised and rigorous transactions for other services, such as vehicle parking. 

Currently, drivers must pay tolls through mobile apps in several stages, using different devices or licence plate identification systems that require validation. The innovative C-V2X technology will offer a better experience by displaying toll notifications on vehicle screens, eliminating device incompatibility for payment in the United States, reducing congestion caused by toll gates on the road and opening up the possibility of offering special advantages or benefits to drivers of equipped vehicles. 

‘We have known for some time that cars will become drivers’ wallets and will be used to pay for everything from tolls and road usage fees to parking and other consumer services. The arrival of C-V2X technology puts the United States at the forefront of innovation in in-vehicle toll payments and makes Indra a key player in taking another step towards that connected future,' explains Raúl Ripio, general manager of Mobility & Technology at Indra.

Travellers are not the only beneficiaries of this new technology. Toll operators, who currently rely on traditional electronic devices and face complex processes in managing these transactions, with different roadside infrastructure to detect, identify, classify and account for transactions, will also benefit. In addition, agencies and operators are responsible for account management, inventory and equipment maintenance to ensure the efficiency of toll payments. The C-V2X system will enable toll operators to significantly reduce operating costs by minimising overhead expenses. In addition, this technology offers greater accuracy than current payment methods by accurately identifying and locating vehicles in the lane. 

During the demonstration at OmniAir's interoperability tests at the SunTrax centre in Florida on 12 May 2025, the partners showed how drivers approaching a toll area in connected vehicles will receive in-vehicle notifications with real-time information, allowing them to review tolls and other details and confirm payments effortlessly. In addition, Indra demonstrated how toll operators can accurately identify connected vehicles using C-V2X technology, differentiating them from non-connected vehicles using alternative toll payment methods. 

This initial deployment project leverages the strengths of Indra, Qualcomm Technologies and the Audi/Volkswagen Group development teams to align with regulatory initiatives aimed at positioning the United States as a global leader in C-V2X connectivity for transformative, safe and efficient mobility.