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

  • May 7, 2013
    Programmable mi-fi technology for multiple markets
    US-based intelligent wireless solutions supplier Novatel Wireless has introduced an advanced an advanced mi-fi powered machine to machine (M2M) device that incorporates the industry leading mi-fi technology platform with customisations for multiple M2M vertical markets. The SA 2100 is designed for high bandwidth M2M applications across multiple vertical markets that up until now have required complex and fragmented application deployment. Designed for high bandwidth M2M applications, the SA 2100 makes it ea
  • August 19, 2015
    Vehicular networking architecture for local road weather services
    The Finnish Meteorological Institute is currently testing two-way delivery of local weather data as Timo Sukuvaara explains. Road weather information is one of the key ways in which ITS can help reduce traffic accidents and fatalities – which is why the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) has long provided road weather services. Now, the CoMoSeF (Cooperative Mobility Services of the Future) project has been developing communication methodologies to deliver road weather services directly to vehicles and g
  • January 9, 2018
    Smarter transport remains key to smart cities
    Colin Sowman looks at some of the challenges and solutions that will provide enhanced transport efficiency in tomorrow’s smarter cities. However you define a ‘smart city’, one of the key ingredients will be an efficient transport system. As most governments and city authorities face financial constraints, incremental improvements in the existing systems is the most likely way forward. In London, new trains and signalling are improving the capacity of the Underground but that then reveals previously
  • March 1, 2012
    VW Passat world record: nearly 2,500kms on a single tank
    A Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled by a standard production passenger car on a single tank of fuel.