Why Telematics alone is not enough for Electric Two-Wheelers and Three-Wheelers OEM.

A table representing major features of VCU and telematics.

Electric two-wheelers (e2Ws) and electric three-wheelers (e3Ws) are changing urban transportation. However, unlike their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, they require a more sophisticated vehicle architecture system – a combination of the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) and Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). While Telematics offers remote connectivity, VCU is the brain controlling the electric drivetrain, electronic body parts, battery pack, and more. This article explores why both are essential for the safety, control, efficiency, and optimal performance of electric two and three-wheelers.

Limitations of Telematics Alone

Telematics excels in providing real-time data – location tracking, battery health monitoring, and remote diagnostics. This information is valuable for fleet management, theft prevention, and remote service assistance. However, Telematics has limitations when it comes to controlling the core functions of the electric vehicle.

• Limited Control over Electric Drivetrain: Telematics cannot directly control the electric motor, battery management system (BMS), or other crucial components. It can only monitor and report data.

• No Real-time Intervention: In case of critical situations, Telematics cannot intervene in real-time to prevent potential issues. For example, if the battery shows signs of overheating, Telematics can alert the service center but cannot regulate the battery temperature.
  

Why VCU is Crucial

The VCU acts as the electronic control center of an electric vehicle. It receives data from various sensors (battery voltage, motor temperature) and translates it into actions. Here's how VCU complements Telematics in electric two and three-wheelers:

• Real-time Drivetrain Management: VCU directly sends signals that can control the electric motor, ensuring optimal performance and safety. It can regulate power delivery based on several inputs for example battery health. 

• Safety Features: The VCU goes beyond simply monitoring for issues. It actively manages the electric vehicle to prevent safety hazards. For example, it ensures the battery operates within a safe temperature range, preventing overheating that could lead to potential damage or fire.

• Prevents Problems: VCU leverages AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Big Data to anticipate and prevent issues before they arise. For example, VCU's AI/ML can detect a pattern of overheating batteries at specific locations and times under certain speed conditions. The model then proactively simulates different speed adjustments to identify the optimal strategy for lowering battery temperatures.

• Communication with Telematics: VCU provides Telematics with real-time data on the vehicle's health and performance. This two-way communication enables remote monitoring and diagnostics.
  

Table: Telematics vs. VCU in Electric Two and Three-Wheelers

Feature	Telematics	VCU
Primary Function	Remote connectivity, data collection	Vehicle control and remote management
Data Interaction	Sends and receives data from the Server	Sends and receives commands to/from sensors, BMS, and MCU
Control over Vehicle	Limited	Yes
Real-time Intervention	Limited	Yes
Safety Features	Limited	Direct control
Edge Computing	Limited	Extensive Possibilities
Problem Resolution	Limited to reporting	Actively Preventing

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 in the race 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.

At ConnectM we have gone one step further, we have combined VCU- Telematics along with Display unit. This has further advantages, it reduces the dependency on multiple vendors working on the integration of different sub-components. It also reduces cost because all three units combined units now use a single CAN communication unit and, a single wire harness connection and they share many more components. 

If you are interested in our product do not hesitate to reach us so we can support your vehicle architecture to perform at its best potential. ConnectM in the last three years has supported Montra, Biliti Electric, Keto Motors, Lucas TVS, and many other players from other segments like Force Motors, Sonalika, VST Tillers, and Tracktor in their electrification journey.  To book a free consultation on how to Build an Electric Vehicle on International Standards you can contact us at yasser@connectm.com or call us at 9663713555. Explore our Digital Control Unit, An All-in-One, Control Unit that integrates Vehicle Control Unit, Telematics, and Instrument Cluster in a single unit. Ideal for both Indian and International Market. Click below to find more information about the product

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About the Author

This article was written by Yasser Iqbal, who has been in EV Industry since 2017, started his EV career at Foxconn in China and is currently working in Connectm Technology Solutions Inc. ConnectM is a clean energy technology and solutions provider of all-electric original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with a proprietary digital platform to accelerate the transition of sustainable transportation. ConnectM is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and has its Engineering team based in Bengaluru, India.

If you are interested in reaching Yasser Iqbal, you can reach him at yasser@connectm.com and you can also explore more solutions on www.connectm.in