Marelli unveils ‘Affordable 5G RedCap’ – redefining next-gen vehicle connectivity at a 4G price point
Press Release, 10 December 2025
Marelli has announced the launch of its Affordable 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) telematics solution — a major step forward in bringing high-performance connectivity to vehicles without the premium cost of traditional 5G. The innovation delivers 50% higher data rates and 2.5 times lower latency than 4G, while maintaining similar pricing and simplified hardware design — a combination set to transform connectivity in both electric and connected vehicles.
RedCap 5G is a streamlined version of standard 5G technology, already used in wearables and IoT devices. Marelli’s adaptation for the automotive sector focuses on faster data transmission, reduced latency, lower power consumption, and hardware simplicity — all vital for seamless real-time navigation, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and media streaming. The solution also includes dual-frequency GNSS, advanced Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth integration to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across regions. Importantly, the system intelligently switches between 4G and 5G networks to maintain stable connections even where 5G coverage is limited.
In line with global manufacturing and security requirements, Marelli has partnered with a leading telematics module supplier to ensure the technology complies with U.S. Hardware and Software Ban and USMCA regional content regulations. As 4G networks are expected to begin phasing out around 2030, Affordable 5G RedCap offers automakers a cost-effective, future-proof solution.
Nate Sladek, Vice President of Strategy and Product Management at Marelli Electronics, described the technology as “a game-changer that addresses 4G sunset, affordability, and compliance challenges — while setting a new benchmark for smart, connected mobility.”
Marelli’s Affordable 5G RedCap is now ready for demonstration, with production samples due in early 2026 and mass production starting in 2028, marking a significant leap toward scalable, high-speed, and accessible in-vehicle connectivity.
Compiled using AI
