Technical standards – Martin Schmitz from VDV
At IT-Trans, the trade fair for public transport, we had the opportunity to talk to Martin Schmitz, Managing Director of Technology at the “Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen” (VDV = Association of German Transport Companies), and conduct a short interview, which is linked at the end of this article.
The VDV develops transport systems and defines standards
The Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen (VDV) plays a crucial role in the German transport industry. It is committed to the development of new transportation systems. As these systems exchange data, the VDV defines technical standards and thus makes processes cost-effective and simple. This standardization ensures shorter implementation times for the systems and high-quality data.
With more than 600 member companies from the public transport, rail and logistics sectors, the VDV plays a key role in shaping the future of mobility in Germany.
The importance of technical standards and interfaces
In the interview, Martin Schmitz emphasizes the importance of working on technical standards and interfaces that make it possible for different products and systems to be compatible with each other. “It is important to define interfaces,” explains Schmitz.
Advantages for system developers and transport companies
For companies such as CarMedialab, which specializes in management systems for electric buses, these standards are of crucial importance. They provide a basis on which innovative solutions can be developed that are interoperable and future-proof. This makes it possible to develop systems that can be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructures while offering the flexibility to respond to new technologies and market requirements.
These standards also offer considerable advantages for transportation companies. They can be sure that the technology they use is compatible and can be easily integrated into their existing systems. This leads to greater efficiency, lower costs and improved service quality for public transport users.
Standards in charge management: VDV 261 and VDV 463
The VDV publications 261 and 463 play a central role in data communication in the charge management system for electric buses.
The VDV 261 interface regulates the preconditioning between the charge management system and the vehicle via the charging station. Before a bus sets off, it is brought to the right temperature so that it is optimally prepared for departure. The whole process is automated for all buses, extending the range and thus saving time and money.
The VDV 463 interface mediates between the charge management system and pre-systems such as ICTS or BMS (depot management system). This interface can be used in the following three cases: 1. manage circulation and provide charging request, 2. control charging process and transfer information on charging processes and 3. implement preconditioning request and return current status.
In the interview Mr. Schmitz also emphasized: “Of course, these interfaces can also be used internationally, because our manufacturers are building this technology.”
Interview with Martin Schmitz, Managing Director Technology VDV
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