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Step by step to your electric bus fleet

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.

Data Tester – get what you pay for!

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

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

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

Joint solution for battery monitoring in electric buses

New partnership between volytica diagnostics and CarMedialab
We are pleased to announce that we have signed a binding agreement with volytica diagnostics GmbH, the experienced software provider of battery diagnostic solutions, to further develop condition monitoring of vehicle batteries.

Growth in the electric bus market
With the global electric bus market growing at an unprecedented rate, customers worldwide have come to rely on turnkey solutions provided by market leaders. As the market expands, the need for transparency regarding the most critical wear parts of mobility turnkey solutions, such as batteries, becomes increasingly crucial.

Battery diagnostics solution for vehicle health monitoring
volytica diagnostics GmbH ‘s cutting-edge battery diagnostic solution is designed to address this need, enabling fleet owners to monitor battery health and make well-founded decisions regarding battery maintenance and replacements.

Claudius Jehle, Managing Director of volytica, emphasises: “By working with CarMedialab, we aim to provide fleet owners worldwide with comprehensive insights to ensure optimised performance and increased safety”.

“Our collaboration will improve the seamless collection of battery data in electric buses to monitor vehicle health. The raw data will be transmitted to volytica, where it will be refined and analysed. With the returned results fleet owners are allowed to easily access and display this validated information within their existing monitoring systems”, explains Heiko Bauer, Managing Director of CarMedialab.

Benefits and use cases for fleet owners
This cooperation will empower fleet owners with a range of benefits and use cases, including:

  •  Minimising costs by monitoring warranty conditions.
  • Optimising vehicle availability by detecting battery anomalies and proactively addressing issues.
  • Enhancing fire safety by identifying potential risks and implementing preventive measures.
  • Reducing battery load to extend service life and maximise the return on investment.
  • Determining residual value accurately, enabling efficient fleet management and asset evaluation.

Additionally, we are actively working together on future initiatives such as warranty extension programs and insurance offerings, further enhancing the value proposition for fleet owners.

Unique know-how and experience of both companies
volytica diagnostics GmbH, as a cleantech company based in Dresden, Germany is dedicated to revolutionising battery diagnostics by providing transparent insights into battery health. Their unique and scalable technology enables the analysis of field data transmitted from battery systems, unlocking valuable information regarding degradation, state of health, anomalies, safety risks, and state of charge.

CarMedialab, with over 20 years of experience as a telematics specialist in the automotive industry and the energy sector, brings unparalleled expertise in delivering software solutions for electromobility. Their broad range of services covers telediagnosis, smart charging and developer programs for automotive and mobile applications.

Do your buses already run energy-efficiently?

The sharp rise in energy costs in 2022 and the decline in revenues due to the pandemic are forcing transport companies to examine their processes and cost structures more than ever before. Especially 0since experts predict a further significant increase in electricity prices by 2030. Even the most favorable forecasts assume that electricity prices will remain more expensive than in the years before 2020 due to the global political situation.

Few factors have such a considerable impact on your bus fleet’s energy consumption as your drivers’ driving style. A study by the US Department of Energy shows just how significant the savings potential can be: an aggressive driving style leads to higher fuel consumption of between 10 and 40 percent. At current prices, this can quickly cause costs to spiral. The same applies to stationary vehicles with the engine running. With MOBILEefficiency the INIT Group offers a powerful assistance system for safe and energy-efficient driving that is appropriate for diesel-powered vehicles as well as for electric buses.

MOBILEefficiency: Saving fuel or power by optimizing driving behavior
MOBILEefficiency ensures that:

  • buses are operated economically
  • dwell times with the engine running are avoided
  • the driver is informed directly about events in real time
  • safety increases significantly

Encourage energy-efficient driving with MOBILEefficiency
The on-board computer monitors the vehicle’s data streams such as speed, rpm, acceleration, position, distance travelled and, of course, energy consumption. In addition, identification data is stored that enables an assignment to a specific vehicle, driver, trip, circulation and route. With the help of algorithms, the on-board computer detects dangerous or uneconomical driving styles and provides the driver with real-time feedback on excessive revving, unnecessarily long dwell times with the engine running, heavy acceleration or braking or excessive speed.

The on-board computer transmits the log of the entire journey with all data and events to the central system, where they can also be used anonymously. This data can be used to train staff to drive more economically and more safely in the future. Carrying out this analysis anonymously ensures that individual drivers are not highlighted.Public transport companies can choose different models to use MOBILEefficiency. For example, drivers can take part on a voluntary basis or be encouraged to participate by receiving a percentage of the fuel savings in the form of a bonus.

Increased economic efficiency and safety – the York Region Transit example
The extent to which MOBILEefficiency can increase economic efficiency and safety is demonstrated by a Canadian transport company: York Region Transit (YRT) from the Greater Toronto Area. After MOBILEefficiency was installed on their buses, fuel consumption was reduced by 40 percent in just four months. Unnecessary dwell times were also reduced by nearly 40 percent. In one year, unsafe and uneconomical driving behavior was reduced by 75 percent.

Learn more about the YRT project in the video:

Click here for more energy saving solutions from CarMedialb and the INIT Group:

New office in Aveiro, Portugal

In addition to our existing locations in Bruchsal (DE), Neuruppin (DE) and Santa Monica (USA), we have recently expanded to include another location in Aveiro, Portugal. Since the beginning of the year, five of our colleagues have been working there, mainly in the area of software development.  The office is located in the modern co-working space “Sitio Cowork Aveiro“, where also other companies are operating.

We are happy about the support of our Portuguese colleagues to continuously improve and develop our products and software solutions. We are excited about what the future will bring and continue to work on sustainable solutions in the field of e-mobility!

Becoming sustainable is a choice that takes effort

We’re experiencing the effects of the last 100 years of industrialization. It’s a strongly developed and concentrated “machine” that needs to take a turn. We need to take action in regards to change the mindset of the future for the world. And we need to let the development switch gear into sustainability mode.

It’s not an easy task and we can’t do it sporadically or by ourselves. But as a company in an industry dominated by fossil fuels, we lead the way with sustainable alternatives. We show others that it’s not as dangerous as it looks to shift into sustainability mode. Companies can even gain more from doing so.

The 17 goals are set by the UN. If a company makes an effort to improve in just one of these goals, it’s admirable. The more goals companies reach, the better. CarMedialab does a intense effort to become more sustainable and reach as many of the 17 UN goals as possible.

SDG_logo_UN_emblem

CarMedialab leads the way in the industry
Focusing on the environment, which is the most obvious for our industry, we have taken company initiatives that effect these goals. Here are some of the initiatives we have taken:

  • Minimal business travel (reduction of flights)
  • Minimal travel by car for all employees
  • Car sharing (with electric mobility) for colleagues
  • Encouraging our suppliers to be carbon neutral
  • Minimal transportation through local production with high standards
  • Purchase of green electricity from 100% hydropower 
  • Purchase of ecologically grown food
  • Waste separation
  • No support of drinking water transports
  • Company bicycle
  • Preference for rail travel
Sustainability

Developing sustainable solutions
To make a change not only for our company but also for the world, we are establishing sustainable solutions in the following areas:

  • Sustainable, durable hardware
  • Intelligent and sustainable mobility solutions
  • Provision of charging stations for electric cars

Through these sustainable solutions and our consistent efforts to stay green, over 750 electric buses have already been equipped with our system. Besides that we take every single UN goal into consideration in our work life.

Sustainability is the key to the change that we need, and CarMedialab provides sustainable solutions that needs to be implemented in as many installations as possible. We have years of expertise in this and we know how much trust matters.

CarMedialab commits to Ethical Guidelines

When working in a company today, expectations and interactions between employers and employees and even the customers are different than 30 years ago. Much has changed and ethical guidelines have become a main part of the backbone of the company. Even though many companies have always had some sort of ethics, this has become a more important issue to commit to, also for CarMedialab.

Our company is made up of people and with no people to run the company, there would be no company. We consider the dignity of humans to be impeccable. Employees are seen as family and our values are common ground and a way to include everybody in the company.

Values and human rights
The values and the integrity of the employees is flowing through the products we make here in the beginning of the value chain of supplying electric cars with smart technology. We support if the employee want to focus on the family at home or maybe want to educate themselves further.

Also we treat everyone equal no matter of race, color, age and religion or any other differences that may be in this diverse world of people. Every human has a right to work and a right to live. We don’t condone child labor, and we believe it’s our responsibility to change the world as much as we can to become a better version of itself. Little changes will eventually turn into a common responsibility that our partners and customers will also join. This will impact the world in a positive way.

Again responsibility is the key word for our code of ethics. Making no promises that can’t be kept is a natural part of the deal. Therefore we have quality products and we continue to do so, as we see how much more sustainable it is and will be in the long run. 

We take care of everybody’s personal information and keep it secure as the data protection law demands. Keeping commercial plans and sensitive information confidential and sharing knowledge and information to our trusted peers.

Being a part of a bigger picture
As a brick in the big puzzle of an everchanging industry, we have our ethic guidelines to help us remember the Corporate social responsibility strategy of the company. 

We want to keep on striving to be the best in all we do, as we believe that with great powers comes great responsibility and we consider the knowledge of new technology to be our power and therefore our responsibility to care for this in all aspects.

Henri Depe-Tchatchu
OPERATIONS
Heiko Bauer
MANAGING DIRECTOR