Cellular Relay

Cellular Relay connects the Motive Driver App and Vehicle Gateway through the cloud using the internet or cellular data. Bluetooth remains enabled for detecting nearby vehicles, but it is no longer the primary communication method for vehicles configured for Cellular Relay. Cellular Relay provides a more reliable, resilient connection to enhance the vehicle connection’s reliability and overall driver experience.

Overview

Cellular Relay improves communication reliability between the Driver App and Vehicle Gateway by using the Vehicle Gateway’s built-in cellular modem and a cloud relay service.

Cellular Relay is supported on:

• VG3 devices only. Support for AIDC+ (VG5) is currently in development, with Beta expected towards the end of 2026. 
• Latest Driver App version 107 or later on Android and iOS.
• VG firmware version 109 or later.
• Vehicles with an assigned Vehicle Gateway.
• Phones with Bluetooth enabled for nearby-vehicle detection.

Important: Vehicles configured for Cellular Relay do not automatically fall back to Bluetooth when the relay connection is unavailable.

Cellular Relay helps fleets:

• Improve communication reliability between the Driver App and Vehicle Gateway.
• Reduce unassigned trips and connection-related issues.
• Improve log accuracy during temporary connectivity interruptions.
• Reduce manual recovery work for drivers and fleet teams.
• Support future improvements to vehicle connectivity.

How Cellular Relay works

1. The Driver App detects nearby vehicles

The Driver App uses Bluetooth primarily to detect nearby Vehicle Gateways. Drivers should keep Bluetooth enabled when using Cellular Relay for vehicle discoverability

2. The Driver App connects to the Vehicle Gateway through the cloud

The Driver App detects the nearby vehicle, then connects to the Vehicle Gateway through a cloud-based cellular or internet connection.

3. The vehicle stays in its configured connection mode

Vehicles can operate in either Cellular Relay mode or Bluetooth mode exclusively. A vehicle configured for Cellular Relay does not automatically fall back to a Bluetooth connection when cellular connectivity is unavailable.

4. The connection restores when coverage returns

If connectivity is unavailable at the start of the day or start of drive, the vehicle connection can automatically restore when coverage returns, using the previously selected vehicle.

Important Requirements

Make sure that:

• The driver is using the latest Driver App version 107 or later.
• The Vehicle Gateway is using firmware version 109 or later.
• The vehicle uses a supported VG3 device.
• The Vehicle Gateway is assigned to the vehicle.
• The driver's phone should have an active internet connection
• Bluetooth is enabled on the driver’s phone.

Offline experience during intermittent disconnects

The Cellular Relay offline experience supports temporary connectivity interruptions when the connection is expected to recover subsequently. It is primarily intended for drivers in Logs mode to be compliant during such periods.

When the connection fails before driving

If the relay connection fails while the driver is in Logs mode:

1. Manual Driving becomes available automatically.
2. A prompt instructs the driver to select Manual Driving.
3. The driver can tap into Driving without leaving the vehicle.
4. Driving intent is captured during the connection outage.

This temporary Manual Driving option is available during the connection failure even if Allow drivers to manually record drive time setting is disabled. The option is disabled again after the Vehicle Gateway connection recovers. 

When the connection is lost during a drive

If the Driver App disconnects from the Vehicle Gateway during an active driving event:

1. The vehicle connectivity icon changes from green to gray.
2. An Exit Driving button appears below the connectivity icon.
3. Select Exit Driving to end the driving period.
4. The driver sees a prompt that the driving time will not be saved to the logs. This results in an unidentified trip.
5. The driver can claim the resulting unidentified trip later.

Offline experience limitations

The offline experience is designed for temporary disconnects and intermittent cellular coverage with subsequent recovery. 

Troubleshooting

1. Check the required versions

Confirm that:

• The Driver App should be on the latest version 107 or above.
• The VG firmware is version 109 or later.
• The device is a supported VG3 model.

2. Turn on Bluetooth

Bluetooth must be enabled so the Driver App can detect nearby vehicles. Bluetooth is not the primary connection method in Cellular Relay, but it is still required for vehicle discovery.

3. Confirm the Vehicle Gateway is assigned

The Vehicle Gateway must be assigned to a vehicle for its cellular modem to work correctly. If the Vehicle Gateway is unassigned, the SIM may be deactivated, and the device may not post correctly.

4. Confirm the Vehicle Gateway is powered on

Verify that the Vehicle Gateway is powered on and that its LED lights are active. If the device is not powered on, the issue may be related to power rather than Cellular Relay.

5. Refresh the Driver App

If Cellular Relay was recently enabled:

1. Log out and Log in to the Driver App.
2. Select the vehicle again.
3. Connect to the vehicle

Contact Motive Support

Contact Motive Support if the issue continues after completing the troubleshooting steps.

FAQs

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