Optibus – CarMedialab. A new cooperation to merge route planning and charging management

Optibus is entering a cooperation with CarMedialab, provider of charge management in public transportation. Together, the two companies will introduce to the market an end-to-end EV management solution “that enables smarter charging and higher-quality, cost-effective EV networks”.

Optibus and CarMedialab enter cooperation

The siloed nature of EV operational processes has become one of the greatest challenges in planning and operating electric bus services, Optibus explains outlining the background of the new cooperation. Charging operations, which span peak shaving, load shifting, energy consumption and prices, and charging status, are monitored and controlled using specialized smart charging software. At the same time, route planning and scheduling for electric buses is performed using its own set of dedicated e-bus scheduling software. 

These silos limit operators’ visibility into how routes and schedules align with and impact charging needs, and vice versa. Consequently, services may be designed with a lack of insight into important charging considerations, like battery status and costs. 

Optibus move into smart charging

Optibus’ move into smart charging is then set to enable those previously siloed processes to finally speak to each other.

“Combining Optibus’ artificial intelligence and optimization algorithms, which ensure that plans are operational and cost-effective, with CarMedialab’s ability to monitor charging in real-time, send alerts about charging activity, and automate processes, the integrated solution will span charging plans, energy requirement predictions, cost savings through peak shifting, and reporting integration”, Optibus says. 

“Developing smart charging strategies is new territory for many public transportation operators. We are proud to be partnering with a seasoned and ground-breaking leader in this field, CarMedialab, to bring their real-world implementation experience and technology to our clients and make it easier to address the entire life cycle of EV management,” said Lior Krupsky, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Optibus. 

“We’ve known Optibus for years, but through our new joint projects we’ve learned how well we complement each other. It’s exciting to work together towards the global rollout of our smart charge management application,” said Heiko Bauer, CEO at CarMedialab.