Audi trials wireless payment technology

New technology being piloted by Audi could mean that in future it will be possible to enter a pay and display car park without getting a ticket and then leave without having to fumble for loose change.

Through the ‘Audi connect wireless payment' scheme a communication link is established between cars and car parks, enabling barriers to be raised and charges to be paid without drivers needing to lift a finger.

The trial phase for Audi connect wireless payment is currently getting under way in the home of Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany. The wide-ranging pilot project will involve up to 13,000 connected test cars, and is the first step towards possible full integration of the service for Audi owners of the future. The long-term aim is to establish wireless payment as another useful element of the Audi connect option, which already brings internet-based services such as Google Earth, Google Street View, local fuel pricing, news and weather information to Audi models.

During the trial phase, each car will communicate with the parking facilities via an individual RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) transmitter, the number of which is entered into an online portal by each driver to register for the service. The wireless transponder providing the link with each car is mounted on the inside of the windscreen.

The Ingolstadt Economic Development Agency (IFG Ingolstadt) provides the service. It operates nine car parks and underground parking garages in the city, with a total of 6,200 spaces and 21 entrances and exits. The trial participants will receive a monthly bill from IFG detailing any parking charges incurred. The amount is then debited from the user's account by means of a direct debit mandate.

All Audi employees who lease a new car in the coming months will be able to participate in the trial. When their car is handed over, they will receive the 'Audi connect wireless payment starter kit' including a wireless tag.