Yahoo Finance New tech could see drivers earn money on the go
Motorists could be able to earn money as they drive thanks to a new system being developed by Jaguar Land Rover.
‘Smart Wallet’ technology will see drivers earn cryptocurrency for sharing information about traffic jams and potholes. Those credits can then be used to automatically pay for tolls, parking or electric vehicle charging.
The system, which is being tested at a new JLR software engineering centre in Shannon, Republic of Ireland, requires no transaction fee to operate. Drivers could also top up their ‘Smart Wallet’ via conventional methods, too. Engineers have already fitted the tech to Jaguar F-Pace and Range Rover Velar test cars.
Russell Vickers, Jaguar Land Rover Software Architect, said: “The connected car technologies we are developing will be transformative and truly turn your Jaguar or Land Rover into a third space, in addition to your home or office.
“In the future an autonomous car could drive itself to a charging station, recharge and pay, while its owner could choose to participate in the sharing economy – earning rewards from sharing useful data such as warning other cars of traffic jams.”
The technology is included as part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero strategy, which looks to achieve zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion. The firm believes that vehicles play an integral role in gathering data which can then be shared with others.
There is no indication just yet as to when this technology will be available to the public.
