###### Abstract  
The convergence of vehicular communications, 5 th generation mobile network (5G) technology, and edge computing marks a paradigm shift in intelligent transportation. Vehicular communication systems, including Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure, are integral to Intelligent Transportation Systems. The advent of 5G enhances connectivity, while edge computing brings computational processes closer to data sources. This synergy holds the potential to revolutionize transportation efficiency and safety. This research investigates vehicular communication and edge computing dynamics within a 5G network, considering varying distances between On Board Units and Roadside Units. Energy consumption patterns and CPU load at the RSU are analyzed through meticulous real-world experiments and simulations. Our results show stable energy consumption at shorter distances, with fluctuations increasing at greater ranges. CPU load correlates with communication distance, highlighting the need for adaptive algorithms. While experiments exhibit higher variability, our simulations validate these findings, emphasizing the importance of considering transmission range in vehicular communication network design. v 2024 15 17 10 2024 Vehicle Journal 20  
units furnishes vehicles with accurate insights into their surroundings, enabling informed decisions to enhance traffic safety and efficiency. For instance, sensor devices on RSUs can detect approaching objects, such as pedestrians and vehicles, measure their distance and speed, and inform the RSU. Utilizing these data, the RSU dynamically adjusts the phase information of intelligent traffic lights, optimizing traffic flow and efficiency. Similarly, intelligent parking systems leverage surrounding information to model and analyze available parking spaces, enhancing convenience for users. 5G technology is pivotal in advancing several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its transformative capabilities. Specifically, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) benefits from the contribution of 5G to enhanced connectivity, low latency, and high throughput, fostering growth in industries and infrastructure development [15]. To promote SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), 5G facilitates telemedicine and remote healthcare applications, enabling real-time communication between healthcare professionals and patients [16]. Smart city initiatives, aligned with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), leverage 5G to optimize transportation, enable precision agriculture, and support responsible consumption and production practices [17]. Addressing SDG 13 (Climate Action), 5G aids in environmental monitoring, utilizing sensors and devices for real-time data collection to support climate-related initiatives. The technology also aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing high-speed and reliable connectivity for remote learning, thereby ensuring access to educational resources [18]. Furthermore, 5G contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering innovation ecosystems and economic growth to create opportunities for collaborative partnerships and initiatives that align with sustainable development objectives. Overall, 5G directly contributes to and advances multiple SDGs, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive global future [19]. While significant advancements have been made in vehicular communication technologies, there remains a gap in understanding how communication distances influence the performance of edge nodes, particularly in the context of energy consumption and computational demands. Existing studies often overlook the nuanced effects of distance variations on edge computing in vehicular environments, necessitating a comprehensive exploration to bridge this gap. To address this gap, our research endeavors to answer the following questions:  
* How do varying communication distances between OBUs and RSUs impact energy consumption patterns in vehicular communication networks?