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Tag: public transport

Optimal use of the charging infrastructure with Multi-Operator Support

Written by cgiuffrida on . Posted in Public Transport.

CarMedialab is proud to be at the forefront of innovation in the field of e-mobility. We are pleased to present MOBILEcharge‘s latest and worldwide unique feature: Multi-Operator Support, also known as “multi-tenancy”.

Mastering the transformation of mobility
Due to the rapid changes in mobility, many transport operators are faced with the challenge of using their charging infrastructure effectively and safely. This is the case especially when they work with multiple bus operators sharing a depot or even have a presence in different cities with diverse depots.

Full control over your bus fleet
This is exactly where multi-operator support comes in. It allows operators to load their buses only at specific points designated to them. While bus operators retain full control over their fleet, the buses move exclusively within their assigned load limits. But that’s not all: each operator can be assigned individual tariffs or interfaces, making the system customizable.

The central solution
For transport operators who are present in several cities and operate different depots, Multi-Operator Support offers one central solution. Everything can be controlled and monitored conveniently via the MOBILEcharge system, no matter how spread out or different the depots may be.

Unique and smart
MOBILEcharge’s Multi-Operator Support provides transport operators with a feature that is so far unique in the industry at this point in time. The feature offers a smart but simple way to get the most out of the charging infrastructure and simplifies the complex challenges of charge management. At CarMedialab, you will find solutions that are not only smart, but also user-friendly. We will guide you into the future of e-mobility.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

Introducing Multi-Operator Support for MOBILEcharge

Step by step to your electric bus fleet

Written by cgiuffrida on . Posted in Public Transport.

E-mobility is no longer just an option – it is the path to a sustainable future. Our latest whitepaper, “Step by step to your electric bus fleet,” serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone who is ready to take this crucial step.

You will receive a comprehensive overview of the necessary steps in the transition to electromobility. We also provide valuable insights into the effective planning and implementation of charging operations, complemented by useful tips and proven strategies based on CarMedialab’s expertise.

Get the free download now.

Click here

Data Tester – get what you pay for!

Written by cgiuffrida on . Posted in Public Transport.

Get the overview of the bus properties
You have recently received a delivery of new buses and now want to make sure that all requirements have been correctly executed according to your order? Some features are visually detectable and can therefore be easily checked. However, there are also invisible features, such as battery data, which are of essential importance. To ensure that all the requirements you ordered have been met, we offer you the Data Tester – an extremely useful tool for comprehensively checking the characteristics of your bus fleet. This allows you to keep track of everything and ensure that your fleet meets all the desired requirements.

What exactly is the Data Tester?
The Data Tester is a set consisting of Data Logger and app that provides a detailed breakdown of your vehicle’s data quality within minutes. In just three steps – connect, click, download – you receive a significant report, showing if your vehicles meet the contractually agreed-upon requirements.

Why is data quality so important?
Reliability this is of key importance for fleet operators. Whether making decisions or ensuring seamless integration into IT systems, the quality of data is crucial. When procuring new vehicles, you must ensure that the data contents of the digital interfaces match your systems. For example, the evaluation of the temperature signal inside the vehicle is a vital factor for passenger comfort and the energy efficiency of the bus (read more about VDV 261 on preconditioning in our post: All about VDV 261).

Benefits of the Data Tester
Our Data Tester provides you with comprehensive service, including personal support by our vehicle data experts. With our plug-and-play system, you can easily connect the Data Tester, open the app, and download the report. The system can be used multiple times for all buses, offering detailed error analysis and remote data verification whenever and wherever you need it. All of this comes in a handy package: Data Logger, cable set, app, and manual.

Improved Data Quality with the Data Tester
With the Data Tester, you can enhance the data quality of your buses and receive more accurate error reports. It provides detailed information on when an error occurred, how often it happened, and which components are affected. This gives you a good assessment of the vehicle’s technical condition, no matter where you are.

References
Rheinbahn Düsseldorf: As the local transport provider for Düsseldorf, the Mettmann district, and the Rhein-Kreis Neuss, Rheinbahn transports more than half a million people daily with its 791 vehicles. They are currently in a crucial transition process to convert their bus fleet to emission-free drives. Our Data Tester will assist them in ensuring that their new vehicles meet the contractually agreed requirements and can be seamlessly integrated into their existing IT systems.

VCDB VerkehrsConsult Dresden-Berlin GmbH fully supports transportation companies from the idea to implementation when using alternative drives. They also advise on the implementation of new software solutions, such as charging and load management systems. Collaborating with VCDB will ensure that their clients can ascertain vehicle data quality right from the start, leading to smoother implementations and higher reliability.

CarMedialab and INIT deliver energy-efficient software solutions to Vancouver, Washington

Written by cgiuffrida on . Posted in Public Transport.

C-TRAN, the public transit provider in Clark County and the Vancouver-Portland region, has added ten new all-electric buses to its fleet. This is an important step toward achieving the goal of a completely zero-emission fleet by 2040. The new e-buses are not only environmentally friendly, but also efficient and quiet, with a range of 200 miles.

To maximize the efficiency and performance of its buses, C-TRAN chose to work with CarMedialab and INIT for two of their solutions.

C-TRAN will deploy the vehicle monitoring system MOBILEvhm. This system will help C-TRAN to keep track of the performance of its entire bus fleet, whether it is its diesel or electric buses, at any time.

In addition C-TRAN will also use the MOBILEefficiency driver assistance. This system supports drivers in learning and maintaining an energy-efficient driving style.

“Sustainability is at the core of who we are as a public transportation provider, and battery-electric buses are crucial to our zero-emission future,” said Eric Florip, C-TRAN’s manager of communications and marketing. “We’re excited to partner with INIT and CarMedialab to improve the performance of these vehicles, and the experience for our riders.”

This partnership between C-TRAN, CarMedialab and INIT is a clear sign of these organizations’ commitment to a sustainable and efficient future for public transportation. With the introduction of these new technologies, C-TRAN will be able to provide even better service to its passengers while minimizing its environmental impact.

CarMedialab revolutionizes electric public transport in Israel

Written by cgiuffrida on . Posted in Public Transport.

We are excited to have won the tender, and from now on we will work together to advance the electrification of public transport in Israel.

Charging stations throughout Israel will be connected
Ayalon Highways, a nationwide infrastructure provider in Israel, has contracted CarMedialab to integrate the charge management system MOBILEcharge into hundreds of electric bus charging stations. This will be done in dozens of depots across the country, ensuring smooth operation and efficient use of the electric bus fleet.

“We chose CarMedialabs charge management system for all our bus depots all over Israel. MOBILEcharge will help us to have a maximum number of buses available on time with minimal use of the grid and minimal costs. Let the electrification revolution begin!“ – Shirley W., Product Manager at Ayalon Highways

Charging stations of the e-busses in Tel Aviv

Increase efficiency and save costs
MOBILEcharge is an intelligent charge management system that not only monitors and controls the charging of electric buses, but can also integrate various interfaces. These interfaces enable seamless communication with depot management as well as other relevant systems. Thus, operators can better manage their electric fleets, optimize operations, increase efficiency and save costs at the same time.

Multiple operators sharing the same infrastructure
MOBILEcharge is rolled out in multitenant mode in order to support the case that multiple operators use the same charging infrastructure. Charging stations are assigned to operators based on a concession, reserved only for a certain period of time or even a single charging event. By that, the operators see, control and have responsibility for only their stations and processes. They utilise their own energy tariffs and get their respective bills based on consumed energy.

Electric public transport for the climate
This groundbreaking partnership between Ayalon Highways, the Ministry of Transport of Israel, CarMedialab and Optibus is a significant step towards greener public transport. Electric public transport not only reduces CO2 emissions, but also improves air quality and helps combat climate change.

Partnership with Optibus
Optibus, a renowned company offering a SaaS platform, will help improve driver and vehicle planning and deployment optimization. The detailed insights into operations, punctuality and costs will enable operators to make public transport more efficient and meet the needs of passengers. MOBILEcharge receives dispatching information from the Optibus platform to optimize charging processes according to departure time.

CarMedialab is proud to be part of this unique project and to contribute its expertise in the field of electric mobility. We firmly believe that electric public transport is the future of mass transit and are committed to it with our innovative solutions.

Together with Ayalon Highways, the Ministry of Transport of Israel and Optibus, we are looking forward to a successful implementation of this project.

The e-buses are available at the depot in Tel Aviv
DAKAR mobilite: erster Elektrobus in Senegals öffentlichem Nahverkehr

BRT project in Dakar, Senegal gradually taking shape

Written by cgiuffrida on . Posted in Public Transport.

Presentation of the first electric bus out of 158 in total
The company DAKAR MOBILITE wants to create sustainable solutions for passenger transport, road congestion and environmental pollution with the help of the Bus Rapid Transit project. On April 4, 2023, the first 100% electric bus was now presented on the occasion of Senegal’s 63rd Independence Day. Dakar celebrated this with a big parade.

In total, 158 electric buses are planned within the project. The vehicles, which are around 19 meters long and have a range of 250 kilometers each, can accommodate 150 passengers. The modern e-buses offer access for people with limited mobility, air conditioning, WLAN and USB ports on board. With the help of the electric buses, 59,000 tons of CO2 can be saved each year. In the long term, Dakar even wants to charge from 100% solar energy. This is the first project of its kind on the African continent. In addition, around 1,000 new jobs will be created during the operating phase.

We are proud to be a part of this unique project and to provide our innovative charge management system MOBILEcharge for this purpose. It allows real-time monitoring and tracking of the charging infrastructure and processes, enabling optimal fleet organization. In addition, MOBILEcharge ensures that the buses are always charged according to demand, cost-effectively and in a battery-friendly manner.

Last week, our managing director Henri Depe Tchatchu visited the Dakar Mobilité office to discuss the status of the project as well as interfaces to partner systems. We are looking forward to this exciting project and the launch of the first 100% electric bus fleet in Africa!

Click here to watch the video of CETUD, the Executive Council for Sustainable Urban Transport in Dakar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8ao14qAPAQ

Good bus charging management is compatible with existing systems

Written by akrause on . Posted in Public Transport.

Future-proof charging management thanks to VDV-Normen
Users of our charging management system MOBILEcharge benefit from the interoperability of the software to efficiently charge many electric buses. But what does that mean exactly?

Interoperability generally means that a system can work together with other systems. If the system’s interfaces are open, collaboration can work with two or more programs or systems. Thus, multiple systems can be integrated without problems of access or implementation.

Interoperability enables the integration of existing systems

At Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv) for example, e-buses, as well as passenger cars, are charged at four depots with over 100 charging points. Various interfaces ensure optimal functionality: VDV 463 between charging management and depot management system (DMS) at the customer’s site and VDV 261 for communication between charging management and vehicle to control preconditioning (Interior and battery are tempered in time). Compliance with these VDV standards enables a high degree of interoperability. GoRaleigh based in the USA also controls and monitors the charging activities of the e-buses with MOBILEcharge in connection with the control centre. Changes can be made permanent so that charging can always be carried out in a cost-saving manner.

Conveniently charge and monitor e-buses
Through our charging management system MOBILEcharge, all charging processes can not only be primarily controlled but also monitored in real-time. Charging with reduced amperage increases battery life while lowering overall energy demand.

Your contact person:
Maximilian Haag
Phone +49.7251.7240.161
maximilian.haag@carmedialab.com

The ideal way to deal with rising gasoline prices

Written by admin on . Posted in Public Transport.

Increasing gasoline prices
Who would have thought six months ago how much our gasoline prices would be affected by a major crisis in the middle of Europe? None the less, here we are. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, gasoline prices have been rising rapidly, and unfortunately, it looks like the rest of the world will also be affected by the war raging in our European backyard. Since Russia is one of the biggest energy suppliers when it comes to crude oil, prices have increased by a whopping 42% compared to gasoline prices at the beginning of 2021.

This is how much people spend on gasoline
Share of fuel costs per 1000 km in net wages in percent, Germany

*March 2022: estimation
In fact, a large part of the price of gasoline in Germany is taxes and fees.
(Source:https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/spritpreis-diesel-benzin-steuer-entlastung-1.5545192)

Increased use of public transport
However, the rising gasoline prices also mean that more and more people are switching to public transportation like taking the bus to work. Gasoline prices will remain at an all-time high for the foreseeable future, but you can reduce your gasoline consumption on public transportation with our innovative and cost-effective products. Introducing: MOBILEefficiency. CarMedialab’s driver assistance system MOBILEefficiency records real-world fuel consumption and driving situations during operation and automatically generates reports. These reports provide valuable information on energy demand and fuel consumption based on analysis and empirical values. By informing drivers in real-time when they are braking or accelerating too hard, more energy-efficient driving is achieved and encouraged. For example, York Region Transit in Toronto introduced MOBILEefficiency in December 2017 and has already seen an average 50% reduction in unsafe and inefficient vehicle use.

In addition, MOBILEefficiency helps protect passengers on public transportation. By notifying the driver of unsafe driving, action can be taken to correct it. Warnings appear if the driver makes sudden steering movements or applies the brakes too hard. Driving behavior improves, resulting in satisfied passengers who can be assured that they are being transported from A to B in a safe manner. Long periods of idling are detected, encouraging the driver to turn off the engine and avoid wasting resources. That means you can make sure that you are protecting the environment by assuring not overspending valuable energy.

Save resources
MOBILEefficiency helps to reduce fuel costs. Even if one already uses electric vehicles for public transport, one can still benefit from MOBILEefficiency as one can increase its range. One can even view their energy consumption specifically by vehicle, route, driver and even time of day. The data from our driver assistance system can also be used to create training programs for drivers to improve their driving style in general. Use MOBILEefficiency to effectively reduce energy consumption, energy emissions and costs.

Hydrogen and electric buses with VHM and Efficency in USA

Written by akrause on . Posted in Public Transport.

Each bus reduces CO2 emissions by 135 tons per year
The dual city of Champaign-Urbana is using CarMedialab’s MOBILEvhm and MOBILEefficiency software on 16 buses in the USA. Fourteen of them are e-buses, two of which are powered by hydrogen. The location is a university town with a population of about 88,000 in the state of Illinois, south of Chicago.

Completely emission-free!
Mass Transit District is the first transit agency in the country with 100% sustainable hydrogen buses

The special thing about the project in Champaign-Urbana is that this city is one of the rare places with emission-free hydrogen production: Instead of producing hydrogen from the extraction of natural gas and thus releasing greenhouse gases, an electrolyzer is used. This splits water into hydrogen and oxygen – with the help of solar energy. 

Nuria Fernandez announcing the zero-emission buses (Source: https://illinoisnewsroom.org/hydrogen-buses-roll-out-from-urbana/)

“The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District is certainly a pioneer because this system emits only water vapor instead of greenhouse gases, and that’s leading the way in the fight against climate change,” said Nuria Fernandez, director of the Federal Transit Administration. For those interested in the benefits of e-buses, feel free to stop by our latest blog post.

More detailed information can be found here: 

https://illinoisnewsroom.org/hydrogen-buses-roll-out-from-urbana/

Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District Video:

https://mtd.org/inside/projects/zero-emission-technology/

Diesel bus emissions – who knows the bad smell?

Written by akrause on . Posted in Public Transport.

For an environmentally friendly future in public transport – setting a green example!
Do you know this too? You’re riding your bike to work, school or university and suddenly you notice by the smell: a diesel bus stops next to you.

Noise and odor pollution are the order of the day. Many countries are setting a good example: China, for example, has the largest share of all electric buses worldwide running thanks to subsidies, and Salzburg is relying on the zero-emission OBUS, short for “Oberleitungsbus”. Germany, for example, can point to the VHH in Hamburg or the LVB in Leipzig. In the meantime, every transport company should decide in the long term to convert to electric buses, because this process takes time. So: If you want low-congestion as well as climate-neutral local transport by 2030, you should get started now!

Source: https://press.mantruckandbus.com/corporate/de/man-setzt-messlatte-in-puncto-reichweite-elektrobus-knackt-550-kilometer-marke/

What are the costs of an e-bus? 
The purchase price for an e-bus is higher than for a conventional diesel bus, but there are still many advantages. The German Environment Ministry’s subsidy program covers up to 80 percent of the additional costs incurred compared to a diesel bus, and also up to 40 percent of the costs required for startup, such as driver training. As with electric cars, the higher cost of the investment is recouped through lower expenses in operation as well as for maintenance.

Why are e-buses so efficient?
In “stop and go” operation of public transport buses, both energy and brakes are conserved. This works thanks to instantaneous full torque, which an internal combustion engine cannot provide in this way. In addition, a part of the energy is returned to the batteries during braking. Among experts, this is called “recuperation”.

How do driving and charging work on an e-bus?
E-buses drive like normal diesel buses with automatic transmission. They now have a range of several hundred kilometers – so they are a real option for public transport.

Either the driver stops at a charging station and connects the bus to the charging cable or it charges wirelessly, the latter being increasingly the case. Thus, the driver does not even have to get off the bus – very convenient, in other words. There are also various concepts for flexible use: overnight charging in the depot, intermediate charging at stops, or mixed forms. This is also where the difference to the diesel bus comes in: refueling must take place more often and charging must be organized intelligently.

CarMedialab’s software is ready to do just that. MOBILEcharge enables intelligent charging. 

Let’s become more MOBILE together!