The hardware
Page 20
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Cummins has been offering Road Relay as an option with its engines since the introduction of the electronically controlled L10 Celect; the system is now in its third generation. Road Relay 4 is offered on all new Cummins-powered ERFs, and it can be retrofitted to any electronic Cummins engine.
ERF has already retrofitted about 400 Road Relay systems, and with a pare of around 10,000 electronic Cummins engines in the UK there is plenty of potential. Road Relay uses the SAE standard J1939 interface with an RS232 computer connection so it can also be fitted to other manufacturers' engines—it forms part of Volvo's Dynafleet system.
The only other hardware that is needed for ERF's fleet management service is a GSM module; this is essentially a digital mobile phone unit with an interface for connection to Road Relay, so no physical download (for instance using a laptop computer) is required. "For the customer it's a hands-off solution," says Mader.
ERF can retrofit the necessary hardware for a list price of 21,500 (significant discounts are available). Thereafter, the service costs £25 per vehicle per month. New customers who have a repair and maintenance contract through ERF get the equipment and the service free for a year, and then pay a monthly administration fee ofjust ZIO per vehicle.