The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) recently announced its CCC Digital Key Certification Program now includes coverage for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies. This expansion builds on the existing certification, which addresses the Near-Field Communication (NFC) components of a digital key solution, and will incorporate additional functionalities, such as remote access, passive entry, and passive start.
The inclusion of Bluetooth LE and UWB in the CCC Digital Key Certification Program ensures that digital key solutions developed by members meet the highest standards for interoperability, security and functionality. By certifying solutions that leverage these three technologies – NFC, Bluetooth LE, and UWB – the CCC allows automotive manufacturers, device makers, and technology providers to deliver seamless, trusted access and improved user experience.
“The evolution of CCC Digital Key Certification Program reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing technologies that simplify and secure how vehicles and devices work together,” said Alysia Johnson, President of CCC. “By expanding our support of Bluetooth LE and UWB, we’re enabling a future where consumers can rely on seamless and private access to their vehicles, no matter the device or manufacturer.”
Key features for expanded coverage of the CCC Digital Key Program include:
- End-to-end interoperability: ensures seamless communication between devices and vehicles by supporting NFC implementations for tap-to-lock/unlock and start; Bluetooth LE implementations for remote keyless entry; and UWB implementations in complement to Bluetooth LE for secure passive entry and start capabilities
- Enhanced security: evaluates the digital key applet, which resides on a mobile device’s secure element. This ensures that all security-critical processing and secure storage of the digital keys are properly implemented to resist to the highest level of hardware- and software-based attacks, allowing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers to trust the secure communication between devices and vehicles, protecting consumer data and privacy
- Cross-platform key sharing: allows consumers to easily and securely share digital keys across devices from different ecosystems (e.g. iOS or Android), ensuring flexibility and convenience for users, where available.
- Ease of use: Bluetooth LE enables communication with vehicles when in proximity, while UWB provides precise location detection of the mobile device for passive entry and start, letting users keep their mobile devices in their pocket for a hands-free experience
- Standards-based certification: incorporates certification requirements from other standards development organisations, including NFC Forum, Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), and FiRa Consortium, ensuring credibility, compatibility and trust across the industry
Since launching in 2023, the CCC Digital Key Certification Program has set the benchmark for secure and interoperable digital key solutions. In 2024, the program certified its first digital key products, signalling notable progress in standardising vehicle-to-device connectivity. The addition of Bluetooth LE and UWB to the program builds on this momentum and provides member organisations with the guidelines and tools needed to develop the solutions that align with consumer expectations for advanced digital key functionality.
“The expansion of the CCC Digital Key Certification Program to include Bluetooth LE and UWB technologies is a transformative step for the global automotive industry,” commented John Sergakis, Chairperson of CCC. “By setting a universal standard for digital key solutions, we are enabling automakers and technology providers worldwide to create seamless, secure, and user-friendly experiences that meet the evolving needs of modern consumers and support the future of connected vehicles.”
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