Proximity Keys and how they operate

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Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) systems were initially developed by Siemens in the mid-Nineties and were commonly referred to as Smart Keys or Proximity Keys. While Mercedes-Benz debuted the system and titled it Keyless Go, several other manufacturers utilize the technology today.

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With BMW referring to the technology as Comfort Access, Isuzu as Genius Entry, Mitsubishi as FAST Key System and Toyota as Smart Key System, brand-specific jargons are a plenty. What remains constant, however, is the technology itself. Passive Keyless Entry systems allow drivers to lock, unlock, and start a vehicle without ever having to take the key fob out of their pocket or handbag.

When approaching the vehicle, the driver is identified through a paired radio transponder chip inside the key. The vehicles, fitted with several antennae around the bodywork, detect signals emitted by the key fob. Brands such BMW, are credited with fitting as many as ten antennae below the bodywork of their offerings.

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Despite the criticism and safety concerns of many, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a North American non-profit membership organization located in Illinois, has credited proximity keys with a 7% reduction in car theft since 2009.

However, the usage of proximity keys is not just limited to unlocking doors and starting the engine. Manufacturers from across the globe have optimized these keys to offer a range of other benefits. Dodge, for instance, provides two proximity keys with its Hellcat range. While the former restricts power to a certain level, the latter unleashes the full potential of the supercharged V8 engine.

Japanese manufacturer Infiniti, also makes use of PKE systems to store driver comfort preferences. Based on which key approaches the vehicle, the car adjusts seat preferences, mirror positions, climate controls and radio settings accordingly.

Lazy, you say? Ingenious, we respond. 

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