Digital Key Technology

What is Digital Key Technology?

Digital key technology represents the next step after key fobs and smart entry systems. Instead of carrying a physical key, drivers can unlock, lock, and in many cases start the vehicle using a smartphone, smartwatch, or mobile wallet.

Unlike traditional RFID‑based key fobs (covered in Chapter 1), digital keys rely on encrypted short‑range wireless communication and software‑controlled access rights. This allows manufacturers to offer features such as remote control, temporary access sharing, and biometric authentication.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have adopted digital keys faster than combustion cars, largely because EV buyers expect a connected, app‑based experience and because EV platforms are built around software‑defined systems from day one.

Core Technologies Behind Digital Keys

Modern digital key systems use a combination of wireless technologies. Each plays a different role in balancing convenience, security, and cost.

Most modern systems combine two or more of these technologies. For example, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) identifies that a device is nearby, while UWB validates its exact distance before granting access.

How Digital Keys Differ from Smart Keys

While keyless entry systems introduced proximity unlocking, digital keys go further:

• Software‑controlled permissions
• Cryptographic authentication
• User management via app or wallet
• Integration with cloud services
• OTA security updates

This transforms the “key” from a simple transmitter into a secure identity token.

Real‑World EVs with Digital Key Support (2025)

Availability varies by market, trim and smartphone compatibility. Not every variant supports UWB.

Why Digital Keys Improve Security

Digital keys are not just more convenient — when implemented properly, they are more secure.

Encrypted communication

Key credentials are stored securely inside the device and transmitted using modern cryptography.

Relay attack resistance

UWB‑based keys verify physical distance instead of relying only on signal strength, significantly reducing theft risk.

Controlled access

Permissions can be shared, restricted, and revoked digitally.

Software updates and patching

Unlike fobs, vulnerabilities in digital keys can be closed with OTA upgrades.

Biometric Authentication in EV Access

Some EVs now include biometric authentication as part of the digital key system. Biometrics are typically used to:

• Authorize the use of the digital key (e.g., Face ID or fingerprint to unlock the app or vehicle)
• Replace PIN-to-drive systems (e.g., facial recognition in the cabin)
• Identify the driver to load personalized profiles automatically
• Enhance multi-user access security

This adds a layer of identity verification that goes beyond possession of the phone or key card — especially useful in shared vehicles or fleets.

Examples in the market:

• NIO ET7 / ET5 — facial recognition to unlock and configure driver profile
• XPeng P7 — facial scan instead of PIN-to-drive
• BYD models — supports facial unlock in some markets
• BMW i7 (concept) — explores in-cabin biometric login and profile switching

As with other technologies, biometrics improve convenience and security — but they also raise important considerations around privacy, data storage, and regional regulations.

Limitations and Risks

Digital keys are software systems, and software can fail.

• BLE‑only implementations are still vulnerable to relay attacks
• Battery dependency introduces a failure point
• Hacked phones could compromise access
• Cloud backends add complexity

Security depends heavily on how the system is implemented — not all digital keys offer the same protection.

Summary

Digital key technology represents the shift from physical ownership to digital identity. Where keyless entry introduced convenience, digital keys introduce control, encryption, and software‑defined access.

When UWB is used correctly, digital keys offer better protection than traditional systems. But as with all connected technology, security depends on correct design, updates, and user awareness.

In the next chapter, we move beyond access systems to explore alarm systems, surveillance modes, and intrusion detection — the next layer in EV security.