NXP Semiconductors and car maker BMW have unveiled a prototype of a multifunctional car key that allows car owners to make contactless payments.

The car key prototype is powered by NXP’s SmartMX dual interface security chip which is EMV-compliant. NXP’s SmartMX P5CD081 series can be integrated into a broad range of different form factors.

On top of contactless payment, the car key functions include public transport e-ticketing and personalised access control. In the future, instead of paying with cash or cards, BMW car owners may benefit from the ease-of-use of contactless payments for ad-hoc transactions including general shopping, paying for petrol, public transport, parking and road tools. The personal credit card key may also be temporarily registered with other cars than BMWs.
NXP plans to demonstrate the car key prototype at its booth during the Cartes & Identification show in Paris November 14-16.