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More reliability thanks to automated energy control

Written by Pfahli on . Posted in Public Transport. No Comments on More reliability thanks to automated energy control

New in MOBILEcharge: Substation Monitoring

Overview of the energy quantity
The Substation Monitor is a tool that provides you with a comprehensive overview of the current energy utilization of your charging infrastructure. With a clear display of all relevant data, you can see in real time how much energy is still available to charge your buses. This information is not only crucial for ongoing operations, but also for the long-term planning and optimization of your resources.

Overview of the energy sources
The Substation Monitor not only measures energy consumption, but also shows how much energy is still available from the various sources. This allows you to make decisions about vehicle charging based on actual energy availability. Ancillary consumers such as company buildings on the site, workshops or similar are also monitored.

Overview of the electrical infrastructure
The new function makes energy flows visible and independently controlled. Technical problems can be detected at an early stage. Another new feature of the system is the ability to create optimized connections between substations. This is particularly useful if a substation fails or requires maintenance, as it allows the energy distribution to be adapted flexibly. Downtimes are reduced or, in the best case, prevented.

Full control over the substations
Previously, operators could only see the charging stations and buses – now they can also see the substations. Details can be easily added and edited. Now you can make informed decisions for creating redundancy layouts in emergencies.

For further questions and insights into the MOBILEcharge demo version, please contact Leandro Campo – leandro.campo@carmedialab.com.

Introducing Substation Monitor for MOBILEcharge

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

Optibus breaks into smart charging in partnership with CarMedialab

Written by admin on . Posted in Public Transport.

Optibus, a leading software platform for planning and operating more efficient, sustainable public transportation networks, has launched a new initiative to break down the silos between electric bus network planning and charging operations. The move will see Optibus partner with CarMedialab, the leading provider for charge management in public transportation, to introduce to the market an end-to-end EV management solution that enables smarter charging and higher-quality, cost-effective EV networks.

The challenge of siloed EV progresses
The siloed nature of EV operational processes has become one of the greatest challenges in planning and operating electric bus services. Charging operations, which span peak shaving, load shifting, energy consumption and prices, and charging status, are monitored and controlled using specialized smart charging software. At the same time, route planning and scheduling for electric buses is performed using its own set of dedicated e-bus scheduling software. 

The impact on services
These silos limit operators’ visibility into how routes and schedules align with and impact charging needs, and vice versa. Consequently, services may be designed with a lack of insight into important charging considerations, like battery status and costs. 

Closing the gap: integrated smart charging solution
Optibus’ move into smart charging will enable those previously siloed processes to finally speak to each other. Combining Optibus’ artificial intelligence and optimization algorithms, which ensure that plans are operational and cost-effective, with CarMedialab’s ability to monitor charging in real-time, send alerts about charging activity, and automate processes, the integrated solution will span charging plans, energy requirement predictions, cost savings through peak shifting, and reporting integration. 

Benefits for various stakeholders
Overall, the end-to-end EV management solution will create a new level of visibility for a vast array of stakeholders, including agencies, operators, depot managers, operating system providers, energy providers, city planners, government authorities, and regulators, into how charging and service plans impact each other, as well as enable the industry to make data-driven decisions about planning, operating, and implementing changes to electric bus networks. 

“Developing smart charging strategies is new territory for many public transportation operators. We are proud to be partnering with a seasoned and ground-breaking leader in this field, CarMedialab, to bring their real-world implementation experience and technology to our clients and make it easier to address the entire life cycle of EV management,” said Lior Krupsky, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Optibus. 

“We’ve known Optibus for years, but through our new joint projects we’ve learned how well we complement each other. It’s exciting to work together towards the global rollout of our smart charge management application,” said Heiko Bauer, CEO at CarMedialab.

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

Savings through peak shaving and load shifting

Written by cgiuffrida on . Posted in Public Transport.

In the modern energy landscape, two key strategies are essential to efficiently manage energy consumption: peak shaving and load shifting. But what do these terms mean and how do they relate to electric bus charging?

How does peak shaving work?
Peak shaving aims to reduce energy consumption during periods of high demand. The main goal is to ensure that the capacity of the power grid is not exceeded, which can lead to grid congestion and outages. By targeting energy demand, peak shaving can significantly reduce overall costs for both utilities and their customers. Using an energy management system, consumers can forecast and manage their future electricity consumption. This makes it possible to avoid peak loads by, for example, postponing certain processes or throttling electricity consumption during peak periods.

Is peak shaving useful?
Yes, and for several reasons. Peak shaving can prevent power grid overloads, thereby extending battery life. For companies and institutions, it can also result in significant savings on utility rates. It is a valuable tool that can be of particular benefit to companies.

Load shifting: take advantage of favorable times
In contrast to peak shaving, load shifting shifts energy consumption from times of high demand to times of lower demand. This offers the advantage of allowing companies and households to benefit from lower electricity rates while relieving pressure on the grid.

Optimize e-bus charging
How do peak shaving and load shifting relate to electric buses?

For transport companies, the question is central: How can electric buses be charged cost-effectively? A sophisticated charge management system is the key here. Targeted charging profiles for your entire depot prevent peak loads and make optimum use of peak shaving. Individual charging profiles precisely control when and how intensively each bus is charged so that it can start its service on time and fully charged – this is effective load shifting in real time. Take advantage of these strategies and ensure your company not only gains efficiency, but also significant cost savings when charging your e-bus fleet.

For more information on CarMedialab’s charge management system, click here: MOBILEcharge. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us via our contact form.

Mainzer Mobilität relies on MOBILEcharge charge management

Written by cgiuffrida on . Posted in Public Transport.

Since 2022, the Mainzer Verkehrsgesellschaft, which operates under the brand name Mainzer Mobilität, has expanded its fleet with 23 environmentally friendly electric buses. With the support of a funding program from the city and federal government, this important step towards climate-neutral mobility was successfully implemented.

Smart charging with the help of MOBILEcharge
In order to charge these innovative electric buses intelligently and avoid peak loads, Mainzer Mobilität relied on the proven charge management system MOBILEcharge from CarMedialab. The buses are efficiently charged at the depot in Mainz Neustadt so that they are always ready for use without overloading the power grid. The 23 battery-powered buses are an important component on the way to a completely climate-neutral fleet. They perfectly complement the tramways already powered by green electricity and demonstrate the transport company’s clear goal towards environmentally friendly mobility.

Charging the e-buses at the depot in Mainz Neustadt

Step by step to a climate-neutral fleet
However, the vision goes beyond the current fleet. By 2030, Mainzer Mobilität plans to operate a total of up to 100 electrically powered buses in its public transport services. In the long term, there should be exclusively climate-neutral engines in the company’s vehicles in order to actively contribute to climate protection and ensure a clean and livable environment for future generations.

With MOBILEcharge, Mainzer Mobilität has found the ideal solution for sustainable and intelligent e-mobility, which makes an important contribution to the realization of these ambitious goals. Together, we are shaping a green and emission-free future for public transport in Mainz!

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

Joint solution for battery monitoring in electric buses

Written by admin on . Posted in Public Transport.

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.