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

  • October 9, 2012
    Toyota introduces DAB traffic information in Belgium
    Toyota is to equip all of their Toyota Land Cruiser V8, Grand Prius+ Lounge version, Prius Solar Premium version cars sold in Belgium with traffic information for their in-car systems on DAB, powered by provider of traffic and mobility information, be-mobile, and using the RTBF DAB network in French-speaking Belgium and the VRT DAB network in Flanders. The company says DAB represents a major industry advancement for real time traffic information; larger traffic data volumes can be processed which in turn en
  • December 4, 2012
    Garmin and Inrix team up to offer faster 3D traffic services
    Satellite navigation provider Garmin is teaming up with Inrix, a leading company in the field of traffic intelligence technology, to provide up-to-the-minute traffic information across the DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) network. By leveraging the latest breakthroughs in DAB technology, INRIX will help Garmin deliver better, more detailed live traffic data, updated more frequently and without an internet connection. Garmin says this new generation of “Garmin 3D Traffic Live” will provide their customers acce
  • July 21, 2017
    Affordable e-motorbike launches in UK
    A new zero-emission, crowd funded electric motorbike has officially launched in the UK and its developers expect it to reinvent British urban mobility. The Super Soco has been specifically developed to revitalise urban mobility and commuting while reducing emissions and noise pollution. The new e-motorbikes, designed and manufactured in China, are the result of a joint venture between Australian electric scooter company V-Moto and a US$15 million Chinese crowd funded project. The bikes combine the latest
  • December 19, 2017
    Road user charging comes a step closer in Oregon
    Having been the first US state to introduce the gas tax a century ago, Oregon is now blazing the road user charging trail. Colin Sowman looks at progress to date. For more than a decade, authorities in Oregon have known of the impending decline in fuels tax income and while revenue increased by more than 5% in 2016, that growth will slow considerably this year and income is projected to start declining in 2020.