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Fast charging at the touch of a button with the new Power Boost Button

Écrit par cgiuffrida le . Publié dans Public Transport. No Comments on Fast charging at the touch of a button with the new Power Boost Button

Thanks to the new Power Boost Button, electric buses can be reliably charged and be ready to go even during unexpected changes to the schedule. This feature is a real game changer for anyone who needs to react quickly and flexibly in case of unforeseeable situations such as rail replacement services.

What is the Power Boost Button?
The Power Boost Button is a new function in the MOBILEcharge charge management system that makes it possible to give vehicles priority charging when required. With a single click, an electric bus can be prioritized for faster charging. This is ideal if you urgently need a bus, for example in case of unforeseen events such as traffic jams or other major occasions such as demonstrations or concerts.

Prioritization without neglecting other charging processes
The special aspect of the Power Boost Button is that it enables prioritization without neglecting other charging processes. Thanks to the clever use of energy reserves, other charging processes are not affected. The charging plan always has priority, but the Boost Button allows you to react flexibly in urgent cases.

How does the Power Boost Button work?
The operator can press the button in the charging station monitor. The system allocates any available residual energy to the vehicle being boosted. If no energy is available, the system will automatically reassess and adjust the charging priorities.

Multiple boost possible
The Power Boost Button can be used for several electric buses at the same time. This is particularly useful in situations such as the use of rail replacement services.

Additional interesting features that our charge management system has to offer can be found here: https://www.carmedialab.com/de/public-transport/charge-management/

Introducing Power Boost Button for MOBILEcharge

Mobility Portal Europe: charge management essential for e-bus fleets

Écrit par cgiuffrida le . Publié dans Public Transport. No Comments on Mobility Portal Europe: charge management essential for e-bus fleets

At CarMedialab, we are proud to be a leading player in electromobility, especially when it comes to public transportation. In this context, CarMedialab’s charge management software was recently presented by Mobility Portal Europe.

In the interview, founder and Managing Director Heiko Bauer explains the importance of this system in today’s world. “With MOBILEcharge, we have created a solution that not only monitors the charging process, but also forecasts energy requirements and automatically adjusts charging plans.” This means a considerable improvement in operational processes, as the vehicles are always available on time and optimally charged.

A key feature of MOBILEcharge is its ability to work with systems from different manufacturers, which ensures broad applicability. The function of preconditioning the battery and cabin temperature is also particularly noteworthy. This extends the battery life and improves the passenger experience.

This type of technology will not only be essential for the future of urban mobility, but will also help to reduce the ecological footprint. Read the full article here: https://mobilityportal.eu/carmedialab-wsmart-charge-ebus/

The Energy Manager: keeping an eye on the charging strategy

Écrit par cgiuffrida le . Publié dans Public Transport. No Comments on The Energy Manager: keeping an eye on the charging strategy

The Energy Manager is a new user role in MOBILEcharge that is specifically designed to monitor the charging processes of your electric buses. The role offers authorized users extended control over your charging infrastructure.

Functions of the Energy Manager:

  • Tariff management: Easily add and customize tariff information
  • Customization of charging targets: Global target SOCs (State of Charge) can be flexibly set 
  • Limiting energy consumption: Set energy limits per depot or vehicle
  • Specialized access control: Access to certain functions and simple operation for authorized users
  • Create efficient charging profiles: Possibility to store specific charging profiles for individual needs

Configuring the charging strategy and monitoring energy consumption
The Energy Manager allows efficient setting and monitoring of the charging strategy. This includes functions such as an admin tool for charging profiles and tariffs as well as a dashboard and monitors for charging stations and substations to keep an overview at all times. With the new Energy Manager in MOBILEcharge, we are launching a feature that simplifies and further optimizes the management of your electric bus fleet. Stay tuned for further updates and keep an eye out for the next developments in the world of electromobility.

Introducing Energy Manager for MOBILEcharge

Welcome to Aveiro: a location with increment value

Écrit par cgiuffrida le . Publié dans General.

Aveiro, which is often called “the Venice of Portugal”, is not only a beautiful travel destination, but also home to one of CarMedialab’s sites.

Only 20 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, Aveiro offers a combination of good infrastructure and an inspiring environment. The mild climate and proximity to the sea make it a place where many like to spend their vacations. For our team, it means working in an environment that is both refreshing and productive.

Working in a modern coworking space
In Aveiro, our employees have the option of working either in the modern coworking space “Sitio” or from home.

Our dedicated software developers are the core of our site in Aveiro: Frederico, both Josés, Patrícia, Luís, Rafael and soon also Eduardo. With their expertise, they contribute significantly to the success of CarMedialab.

Heiko Bauer visiting Aveiro
Our colleagues from Aveiro send greetings

Optimal use of the charging infrastructure with Multi-Operator Support

Écrit par cgiuffrida le . Publié dans 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

Écrit par cgiuffrida le . Publié dans 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

Écrit par cgiuffrida le . Publié dans 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

Écrit par cgiuffrida le . Publié dans 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!

Écrit par cgiuffrida le . Publié dans 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

Écrit par cgiuffrida le . Publié dans 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.