With a blockchain ID, your electric car could soon become a mobile wallet and pay for tolls, parking, and charging – no cash or cards needed.

BMW, General Motors, Honda, Ford, and Renault have partnered with the Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative (MOBI) to assign blockchain IDs to their cars. The unique ID of each car and its associated ownership data will allow for the car to automatically make payments. These car-related payments could be for charging, parking, highway tolls, and even rest stop snacks.

The carmakers and MOBI will likely test the system in November.

Blockchain IDs make it easier for self-driving cars

Imagine a self-driving electric car stuck for paying parking or tolls. However, with a blockchain ID and money loaded in its account, the car would be on its way in no time. The way the system works is that the car keeps recording payments. The car pays these automatically the next time it stops for a charge.

Moreover, MOBI is reportedly even considering adding cryptocurrencies to the system.

Blockchain also working for cleaner air

Last week, Ford announced its use of blockchain tech to promote cleaner air in city centers. Many European cities are introducing low-emission zones that discourage the most polluting vehicles from driving through them. Ford is trying out plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in some of these cities, including Cologne.

The trial car triggers its electric-drive mode immediately on entering a controlled zone. It also documents its zero-emission driving green miles immediately on the blockchain. It also records the emissions mode and time that the vehicle entered or departed a controlled zone. The blockchain is a secure distributed ledger.

This system ensures the emissions data is safely stored and shared among relevant parties. These include city authorities and the vehicle or fleet owners.

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