PEPS (Passive Entry Passive Start) Car System: Advantages and Disadvantages

This article explores the pros and cons of PEPS (Passive Entry Passive Start) car systems.

What is PEPS (Passive Entry Passive Start)?

Introduction:

The PEPS system offers hands-free vehicle operation. It enables drivers to lock/unlock doors and start/stop the engine without manual action. This eliminates the need for using a key fob or mechanical key. PEPS provides enhanced safety and security features.

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It’s also called a smart key system because of its electronic access and authorization. Many car manufacturers offer PEPS, sometimes as an optional feature. Mercedes-Benz first introduced it in 1998. PEPS offers various functions, including immobilizer, passive entry, passive start, passive lock, and remote keyless entry.

How PEPS Works

When the driver approaches the vehicle, a secure wireless communication link is established between the car’s control unit and the key fob for authentication. The system uses either one-way or two-way RF communication. Low-Frequency (LF) antennas installed in the vehicle detect the key fob’s location and determine if it’s inside or outside the cabin.

Benefits (Advantages) of PEPS System

Here are the advantages of PEPS:

• No Button Pressing Needed: The car detects the key fob upon approach and passively unlocks and starts, making things much easier.
• Secured Access: It provides secure access through uni-directional and bi-directional authentication.
• Convenience: It’s a simpler, more convenient, and more comfortable technology than a mechanical key system.
• Detection of Issues: The system can detect situations like a lost key or a low battery in the smart key device.
• Easy Installation: PEPS systems are relatively easy to install in most cars.

Drawbacks (Disadvantages) of PEPS System

Here are the disadvantages of PEPS:

• Potential Replacement by Smartphones: Future systems might use smartphones as keys, leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for secure localization and angle of arrival (AoA) to enable PEPS functionality.
• Security Risks: Thieves could steal the key fob and gain access to the vehicle. Wireless hackers might also develop methods to steal cars by exploiting key fob vulnerabilities.
• Cost: PEPS systems are generally more expensive than traditional mechanical car key systems.