According to foreign media reports, automaker Stellantis was granted a breakthrough patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 1, 2025, titled “System and method for using biometric keys to enter vehicles.” The patent, originally filed in March 2023, aims to change the way drivers access vehicles, especially if key fobs, smartphones, or other commonly accessed devices are not available.
Image source:
USPTO
What is a biometric car key?
In simple terms, this technology allows users to unlock their cars using facial recognition. No keys, no phones – just facial recognition.
Here’s how it works:
The system uses an on-board camera, such as a reversing camera or a camera in the rearview mirror, to capture images of people trying to unlock the vehicle.
The door handle serves as an activation point. The system wakes up if a person lifts the door handle in a specific order (e.g. three lifts, pauses, four lifts, pauses again, and lifts two more times).
Once activated, the camera takes a photo of the person’s face and sends it to the controller, which compares it to the image stored by the pre-authorized user.
If the face matches, the vehicle will be unlocked. If there is no match, the vehicle will remain locked. The system will even sound a chime to remind you that your system is up and ready for scanning.
importance
This system can be a lifesaver in emergency situations, such as lost keys or a dead phone. Simply perform the access procedure and let the system recognize your face without being trapped again. It is also particularly useful for families. The owner can pre-authorize different users (such as a spouse or teenage driver).
And because it’s only activated through a specific doorknob program, it consumes very little power when the car is turned off, meaning it doesn’t drain the battery like an always-on sensor.
This technology doesn’t just rely on on-board components. It can wirelessly connect to Stellantis’ secure servers, allowing facial images to be verified through cloud computing. This means more secure storage and faster image comparison speeds. The system also features a modular design that can work with existing hardware, such as the vehicle’s advanced driver assistance cameras and standard door handles, reducing costs for both automakers and consumers.
Stellantis has not officially announced when and where the system will be available on the market, but given its use on the Halcyon concept car and the approval of this new patent, it is likely that it is being developed for future Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep® or Ram models. This forward-thinking technology aligns perfectly with Stellantis’ goal of creating advanced, user-friendly, and safe vehicles.
Whether it’s locked at the mall door or let your child borrow a family SUV, this patent lays the foundation for smarter, safer vehicle access – without having to take keys out of your pocket.