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

  • April 30, 2015
    IAM warns of dangers of in-car technology distractions
    The UK Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has warned that car manufacturers are building high-tech distractions into their new vehicles and have made interiors so comfortable they are being turned into living rooms. IAM chief executive officer Sarah Sillars said efforts to reduce distraction factors for motorists are being undone by the relentless pace of technology and eagerness of car makers to pack more gadgets onto dashboards. She said the main areas of concern were highly sophisticated satellite-
  • July 17, 2012
    Transportation infrastructure technology continues its advance
    It is now 20 years since publication of the Strategic Plan for Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems. A select group of luminary figures of the ITS industry give their assessment of progress to date This year the IVHS Strategic Plan turns 20, signaling the graduation of the field of Intelligent Transportation Systems from its tumultuous teens to young adulthood. After two decades tethered by the cords of youth and protected by the strict control of adult institutions, ITS has reached a turning point. Its y
  • May 10, 2019
    SafeRide: it’s time to act on cyberattacks
    Cyber threats are increasing rapidly and conventional security measures are unable to keep up. Ben Spencer talks to SafeRide’s Gil Reiter about what OEMs can do now As more vehicles become connected, so the potential threats to their security increase. Gil Reiter, vice president of product management for security firm SafeRide, says the biggest ‘attack surface’ for connected cars is their internet connectivity - and the in-vehicle applications that use the internet connection. “The most vulnerable co
  • October 21, 2014
    Nexcom’s server-grade in-vehicle computer
    Nexcom said its VTC 7200 series invehicle computer is ideal for use on public transits, law enforcement and handling/transportation of dangerous or valuable items and features servergrade functionality to handle applications including remote video streaming, licenseplate recognition, fleet telematics and in-vehicle infotainment. The unit can decode multiple video streams to help drivers monitor their vehicle’s surroundings and interior from multiple angles with the videos and information stored lo