Understanding the role of Telematics and VCU for e-2Ws and 3Ws • EVreporter

Electric two-wheelers (e2Ws) and electric three-wheelers (e3Ws) are altering urban transportation. They necessitate a more intricate vehicle architecture system than ICE vehicles – a combination of the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) and Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). While Telematics offers remote connectivity, the VCU functions as the central controller for the electric drivetrain, electronic body parts, battery pack, and other components. This article examines why both are crucial for electric two- and three-wheelers’ safety, control, efficiency, and optimal performance.

Table representing features of VCU and telematics

Limitations of Telematics

Telematics offers real-time data for fleet management and remote diagnostics, including location tracking and battery health monitoring. However, it lacks direct control over essential electric vehicle functions such as the drivetrain, including the electric motor and battery management system (BMS). While it can monitor and report data, it cannot intervene in critical situations like battery overheating, only alerting the service centre without regulating the battery temperature in real-time.

Why VCU is Crucial

The VCU functions as the electronic control centre of an electric vehicle, receiving data from various sensors like battery voltage and motor temperature and translating it into actions. Here’s how VCU complements Telematics in electric two and three-wheelers:

• Real-time Drivetrain Management: VCU sends signals to control the electric motor, ensuring optimal performance and safety by regulating power delivery based on inputs such as battery health.

• Safety Features: VCU actively manages electric vehicles to prevent safety hazards, such as maintaining the battery within a safe temperature range to prevent potential damage or fire.

• Problem Prevention: VCU utilizes AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Big Data to anticipate and prevent issues before they arise. For instance, it can detect patterns of overheating batteries and simulate different speed adjustments to lower battery temperatures.

• Communication with Telematics: VCU provides real-time data on the vehicle’s health and performance to Telematics, enabling remote monitoring and diagnostics through two-way communication.

The Telematics-VCU Combined Advantage

The combined power of Telematics and VCU unlocks several benefits for electric two and three-wheeler users:

• Enhanced Safety: Real-time monitoring of vehicle health and the ability to intervene in critical situations ensure a safer riding experience.

• Improved Efficiency: VCU optimizes power delivery for better range and battery life. Telematics data further helps in optimizing charging strategies.

• Remote Diagnostics and Maintenance: Telematics enables proactive maintenance by identifying potential issues before they become major problems.

• Advanced Features: The Telematics-VCU combination paves the way for features like geofencing, remote locking/unlocking, and rider behavior analysis.

• Software-Driven Applications: Telematics-VCU combination enables software-driven applications, transforming two and three-wheelers into intelligent machines. This agility gives tech-savvy manufacturers a significant edge over traditional players toward smarter vehicles.

Telematics and VCU are not interchangeable; they are complementary technologies. While Telematics provides valuable connectivity and remote monitoring, VCU is the brain that controls the electric vehicle’s core functions. Together, they ensure the safety, efficiency, and optimal performance of electric two and three-wheelers, making them a compelling choice for sustainable urban transportation.

About the Author

This article was written by Yasser Iqbal, who has been in the EV Industry since 2017. He started his EV career at Foxconn in China and is currently working with ConnectM Technology Solutions Inc. ConnectM is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and has an engineering team based in Bengaluru, India. He can be reached at yasser@connectm.com.

The Digital Control Unit offered by ConnectM combines Vehicle Control Unit, Telematics, and Instrument Cluster functionalities into a single unit. This consolidation reduces costs and simplifies wiring through a single CAN communication unit and wire harness connection, facilitating component sharing.

Also read: Implementing a factory-fitted Telematics solution | What are the OEM requirements?