Skip to main content

Digi Technologies power zero-emissions London cab

US-based provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) and IoT connectivity products and services Digi International has supplied its Digi ConnectCore 6 (Digi CC6) system-on-module to drive Ecotive's Range Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab taxi – said to be the only zero-emissions-capable black cab currently operating in London. The taxi's core powertrain and infotainment systems, which have been developed by Frazer-Nash Research, use the Digi CC6 to drive the Metrocab's entire driver instrumentation and passenger
June 27, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
US-based provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) and IoT connectivity products and services Digi International has supplied its Digi ConnectCore 6 (Digi CC6) system-on-module to drive Ecotive's Range Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab taxi – said to be the only zero-emissions-capable black cab currently operating in London.

The taxi's core powertrain and infotainment systems, which have been developed by Frazer-Nash Research, use the Digi CC6 to drive the Metrocab's entire driver instrumentation and passenger displays. Frazer-Nash utilises the module in processing information from the drivetrain to the instrument display and in providing wireless connectivity to deliver real-time information, application updates and a more interactive driver and passenger experience.

The taxi is driven by two electric motors with a 1-litre petrol engine coupled with a generator (the range extender) which charges the battery pack. Alternatively, charging can be achieved via any mains outlet, ensuring lower fuel consumption. This configuration, and the sophistication of the powertrain, allows the driver many charging options to maximise their efficiency. The Digi CC6 has been designed to prov

ide a fuller array of instrumentation, providing information on drive mode, speed, fuel economy and battery state of charge. It also provides trip information, distance, level of emissions and general information such as time, temperature, location via GPS and live weather reports.

The Digi CC6 also processes and powers an infotainment system that offers drivers Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio, FM radio, CD player, MP3, satellite navigation and an in-cab gaming system. For passengers, a rear display and wi-fi connectivity allow for smart phone mirroring and internet access. The rear display can also be used for location-aware advertisements, creating a new revenue source for taxi drivers.

Related Content

  • Machine vision makes progress in traffic applications
    June 2, 2014
    Machine Vision technology is easing the burden on hard-pressed control room staff and overloaded communications networks.
  • Inrix aids authorities in dealing with data
    August 18, 2015
    New traffic data products and services have been launched to aid transport and urban planners and business with detailed intelligence on journey patterns, reports Jon Masters. Manual travel surveys ought soon to become a thing of the past for transport planners and the business community. The technology now exists for getting sophisticated levels of traffic and trip data from connected vehicles. Cars and commercial fleets carrying a GPS device, or a mobile phone or smartphone are the sources of the informat
  • Changing perceptions and going green with ITS
    May 26, 2022
    Entrants to the ITS (UK) Essay Award were asked to write about innovative application of ITS solutions to achieve decarbonisation goals. First-year apprentice Leora Wilson, who studies at Leeds College of Building as part of her apprenticeship with Mott MacDonald, won the competition with this entry…
  • Car-free zones part of London 'reimagining'
    May 18, 2020
    Parts of central London will become “one of the largest car-free zones in any capital city in the world”, according to the city’s mayor Sadiq Khan.