Trondheim, Norway – Q-Free, a global leader in mobility solutions for smart city infrastructure today announced a strategic partnership with Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony) to advance next-generation tolling and mobility solutions built on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).
The collaboration combines Q-Free’s leadership in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and road user charging with Sony Semiconductor Solutions’ expertise in precision positioning technology, enabling scalable, high-accuracy solutions to support the evolution of Road User Charging (RUC) and fleet management.
As transportation authorities address rising traffic volumes, sustainability goals, and declining fuel tax revenues driven by electric vehicle adoption, traditional tolling models are increasingly being complemented by flexible, distance-based charging. GNSS-enabled tolling allows road usage to be calculated based on when, where, and how far vehicles travel—supporting equitable pricing, congestion management, emissions-based policies, and long-term infrastructure funding.
Q-Free has pioneered Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, delivering end-to-end solutions that eliminate toll booths while maintaining high transaction accuracy. Through this partnership, Sony Semiconductor Solutions’ advanced GNSS technology will be integrated into Q-Free’s battery-powered on-board units, enabling precise, low-power, and interference-resilient positioning without requiring vehicle wiring—simplifying installation and accelerating deployment at scale.
“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 modernize infrastructure while maintaining public trust and operational efficiency.”
The joint solution is designed with privacy at its core. Road usage calculations are performed directly within the on-board unit, meaning raw location data does not need to be continuously transmitted. Only billing-relevant information is shared, supporting privacy protection, regulatory compliance, and public trust.
Already proven in heavy vehicle tolling programs across Europe and other regions, GNSS-based charging is now expanding toward personal vehicle applications. Q-Free’s battery-powered architecture supports faster deployment while enabling 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.”
Together, Q-Free and Sony Semiconductor Solutions are advancing GNSS-based tolling as a scalable complement to established tolling infrastructure, helping road authorities and operators fund, manage, and optimize transportation networks for the future.
About Q-Free
Q-Free is a global leader in intelligent transportation systems, spearheading innovative solutions for tolling, traffic management, and active transportation. Embracing innovation and harnessing the power of technology, we address daily mobility challenges, shaping a future where people, goods, and data travel safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
With a four-decade legacy, Q-Free’s vision extends beyond geographical boundaries, serving customers worldwide in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
To learn more about how Q-Free is shaping the future of intelligent transportation, visit www.q-free.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.
About Sony Semiconductor Solutions
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation which operates in the semiconductor business including image sensors and other products.
For more information, visit: https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/products/lsi-ic/gps.html
