‘OBU power consumption is comparable to that of a car camera’: LTA clears up misconceptions about ERP 2.0 unit, Singapore News

The launch of the on-board unit (OBU) for ERP 2.0 has raised some questions about the three-piece configuration for motor vehicles and whether the new components will cause huge energy consumption.

In response to AsiaOne, a spokesperson for the Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that “power consumption is comparable to that of a car camera.”

The new OBU, which consists of a touch screen, a processing unit and an antenna, is a computing device that allows drivers to access essential ERP and gantry information, real-time traffic updates and road safety alerts, while allowing hassle-free payment with Cepas cards.

The OBU is part of the government’s efforts to replace the existing ERP system, which has been in use for more than 25 years and is nearing the end of its operational life.

Currently, more than 18,000 vehicles have been equipped with the new unit since installations began last August.

Why all the fuss over the location of the OBU?

Placing the processing unit under the glove box has attracted attention. Internet users pointed out that such a location could cause inconvenience or safety problems for drivers.

In fact, early adopters of the OBU also raised the same concerns.

In response to this feedback, LTA announced in March that drivers will have the flexibility to choose where to place their processing unit. In May, LTA further noted that the processing unit can be placed in places such as under the driver’s footwell or in the front passenger’s footwell, as long as it is “technically feasible.”

Existing car owners will be able to choose the preferred location of their OBU during installation, while new car owners will need to inquire about possible locations from an authorized dealer.

Another feature updated following feedback from early users is a button on the display unit, which allows drivers to temporarily deactivate the Cepas card for free parking without the need to manually remove the card. This feature does not affect ERP charge payments.

One-piece OBU is not viable for automobiles due to heat

Netizens noted that the vehicles would have three components installed, while the motorcycles would only have one unit.

For motorcycles, the one-piece OBU was feasible given the outdoor environmental conditions. Considering that temperatures inside an enclosed vehicle can rise higher than typical outdoor levels, placing the processing unit in the dashboard could cause it to overheat, which could affect its reliability.

With these improvements, is the OBU now easier to use? Watch the video for a rundown of everything you need to know about the hype behind the new OBU and how to install yours without a hitch.

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