Q-Free, the global intelligent transportation systems provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation to develop next-generation tolling solutions built on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technology.
The collaboration brings together Q-Free’s expertise in road user charging with Sony Semiconductor Solutions’ precision positioning capabilities, creating what both companies describe as a scalable platform to support the evolution of distance-based Road User Charging (RUC) and fleet management.
The partnership arrives at a critical juncture for the tolling industry. As transportation authorities worldwide grapple with rising traffic volumes, sustainability targets, and declining fuel tax revenues – a trend accelerated by growing electric vehicle adoption – traditional tolling models are increasingly being complemented by flexible, distance-based alternatives. GNSS-enabled tolling calculates road usage based on when, where, and how far a vehicle travels, supporting equitable pricing, congestion management, emissions-based policies, and long-term infrastructure funding.
Q-Free has long been a pioneer of Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling, delivering end-to-end solutions that eliminate physical toll booths while maintaining high transaction accuracy. Through the new partnership, Sony Semiconductor Solutions’ advanced GNSS technology will be integrated into Q-Free’s battery-powered on-board units, delivering precise, low-power, and interference-resilient positioning without requiring vehicle wiring, simplifying installation and accelerating large-scale deployment.
“This partnership represents an important step forward in the evolution of road user charging,” said Mark Talbot, CEO of Q-Free. “By combining Sony’s industry-leading GNSS technology with Q-Free’s tolling expertise and battery-powered platform, we are enabling highly accurate, scalable solutions that help transportation authorities modernise infrastructure while maintaining public trust and operational efficiency.”
Privacy has been a central design consideration. Road usage calculations are performed directly within the on-board unit itself, meaning raw location data does not need to be continuously transmitted. Only billing-relevant information is shared, supporting regulatory compliance and public confidence in the system.
GNSS-based charging has already been proven in heavy vehicle tolling programmes across Europe and other regions and is now expanding toward personal vehicle applications. Q-Free’s battery-powered architecture is also designed to support value-added services including fleet management and insurance telematics.
“Our collaboration with Q-Free combines Sony’s low-power GNSS technology with best-in-class road user charging solutions,” said Kenichi Nakano, general manager, Analog LSI Business Division, GNSS Product Department at Sony Semiconductor Solutions. “Together, we aim to deliver highly accurate and reliable positioning that supports the future of intelligent transportation and mobility services.”
