Indra, Audi and Qualcomm Driving the Future of Toll Payments
The age of fumbling for toll passes or battling app glitches may soon be behind us. Indra, Audi of America, and Qualcomm Technologies have teamed up to showcase a new frontier in toll collection—one where your vehicle takes care of payments while you focus on the road ahead.
Using Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology, the trio aims to redefine how tolls are processed, making them more streamlined, secure, and driver-friendly. The project big reveal was held at the OmniAir Interoperability Testing event at Florida’s SunTrax Test Facility on May 9, 2025. This real-world demonstration was a glimpse into a smarter, faster, and nationwide tolling future.
Eliminating Friction at the Toll Booth
Today’s tolling systems are a patchwork of regional transponders, license plate scanners, and mobile apps that don’t always play nice with one another. From misplaced transponders to app errors and unrecognised plates, it’s a system ripe for disruption.
Enter C-V2X technology, based on the global SAE J3217 standard. This two-way communication system turns vehicles into active participants in toll transactions. Instead of slowing down for gantries or worrying about compatibility, motorists receive real-time toll notifications directly on their in-car screens. They can review rates, confirm payments, and continue their journey—all without lifting a finger.
Raul Ripio, Senior Vice President of Mobility & Technology at Indra, put it simply: “We have known for some time that cars will eventually become motorists’ wallets, used to pay for everything, from tolls and mileage-based road usage, to parking, to drive-through and other consumer services. The advent of the J3217 C-V2X standard puts United States at the forefront of the in-car payments innovation, and Indra is excited to help bring us one step closer to that connected future.”
A Gateway to Broader In-Car Payments
While tolling is the first stop on this journey, the potential extends far beyond. Imagine using the same system to pay for parking, fuel, or even your morning coffee at the drive-thru. The foundation laid by this collaboration could open doors to an entirely new ecosystem of vehicle-based transactions.
The beauty of this technology lies in its ability to standardise payments across the board, eliminating the need for multiple apps or payment systems. With C-V2X, vehicles could soon offer drivers a single, secure platform for all their mobility needs.
Benefits for Toll Operators and Agencies
Motorists aren’t the only ones who stand to gain. Toll operators currently juggle a complex web of hardware and software to keep payments flowing. From roadside sensors to video tolling and account management systems, the costs and logistics can be overwhelming.
C-V2X technology slashes this complexity by allowing toll operators to identify and process payments from connected vehicles with pinpoint accuracy. It cuts down on operational costs by reducing the need for roadside infrastructure and exception handling.
Moreover, the system’s ability to detect vehicles at the lane level ensures higher accuracy in transaction processing, reducing the risk of disputes and improving customer satisfaction.
The Power of Partnership
This project brings together the technological muscle of three industry giants. Indra, a leader in tolling and traffic management systems, provides the infrastructure expertise. Qualcomm Technologies brings its world-renowned wireless communication technology to the table. Audi, representing the Volkswagen Group, delivers the automotive platform to bring this vision to life.
Together, they are setting the stage for regulatory alignment and industry-wide adoption of C-V2X in the United States. Their collaboration supports federal and state initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety, reducing congestion, and making mobility more efficient.
What to Expect at SunTrax
The upcoming demonstration at SunTrax will be more than just a tech showcase. It will provide a real-world example of how C-V2X technology can transform the tolling experience. Motorists in connected vehicles will receive in-vehicle alerts as they approach toll zones, complete with real-time pricing and payment options.
Indra will also highlight how toll operators can seamlessly distinguish between connected and non-connected vehicles, ensuring that all drivers—regardless of their vehicle’s tech—can navigate toll systems with ease.
This event serves as a crucial milestone in proving the viability of C-V2X as a nationwide solution, not just for tolling but for a range of in-car payment services.
Positioning the U.S. as a Global Leader
With this initiative, the United States is taking a bold step toward leading the world in connected mobility. By embracing the SAE J3217 standard and investing in collaborative projects like this, the nation positions itself at the cutting edge of automotive and transportation innovation.
The ripple effects could be enormous, paving the way for smart cities, intelligent infrastructure, and a fully connected transportation ecosystem.
Full Speed Ahead for Connected Mobility
The collaboration between Indra, Audi, and Qualcomm represents more than just a technological breakthrough—it’s a glimpse into the future of mobility. As connected vehicle technology continues to evolve, drivers can look forward to a world where their cars do the heavy lifting, from managing tolls to making everyday purchases.
With regulatory support, industry collaboration, and real-world demonstrations like the one at SunTrax, the vision of seamless, nationwide, in-car payments is fast becoming a reality.
