CCC Digital Key technology overview#

The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) is a cross-industry organization advancing global technologies for smartphone-to-car connectivity solutions. CCC has developed Digital Key, a new open standard to allow smart devices such as smartphones to act as a vehicle key. Digital Key lets drivers lock and unlock their cars using their phone. It also allows them to start the engine and share access to friends or valets, using their phones.

The Digital Key Release 3.0 specification enhances Digital Key Release 2.0 by adding passive, location-aware keyless access. This feature allows vehicle users to access and/or start their vehicle while leaving their mobile device in their bag or pocket. They do not need to pull their mobile devices out to access the car. Passive access is not only vastly more convenient and a better overall user experience, it also allows vehicles to offer new location-aware features.

To support these new features, the CCC has developed a specification based on Bluetooth Low Energy with Ultra-Wideband (UWB). The specification enables passive keyless access and allows secure and accurate positioning.