Yutong Bus, a leading global manufacturer of electric buses, has launched its advanced Internet of Vehicles (IoV) platform, named Link+. This sophisticated system, an evolution of their Vehicle+ platform, is designed to provide a secure, intelligent, and highly efficient solution for comprehensive fleet operations management. Link+ aims to optimize the entire lifecycle of commercial vehicles, offering enhanced operational foresight and efficiency.
The Link+ platform features a suite of tools for seamless fleet oversight, including real-time monitoring of vehicle locations and component health, supported by rapid, one-minute inspections to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks. Its intelligent management functions empower operators with capabilities such as geo-fencing for precise speed control within defined zones, remote climate adjustments for passenger comfort and energy efficiency, and automated off-peak charging to optimize energy costs. These features are crucial for enhancing both operational control and cost-effectiveness.
Beyond management, Link+ offers crucial efficiency services, including an integrated AI assistant that provides immediate fault diagnosis and step-by-step repair guidance, streamlining maintenance processes and minimizing downtime. The platform also grants access to a vast inventory of over 480,000 genuine OEM parts and facilitates efficient scheduling with certified engineers, ensuring sustained operational readiness.
The transformative impact of Link+ is exemplified by VOY Santiago SpA, a public transport operator in Chile managing a fleet of 214 Yutong new energy buses. This collaboration resulted in significant improvements, including a reduction in vehicle inspection times from several days to just 10 minutes, attributed to the platform's real-time map monitoring. Furthermore, by standardizing air conditioning settings across its fleet, VOY Santiago SpA achieved substantial energy savings, reducing daily consumption by 1,848 kWh, which translates to annual savings of approximately 49.31 million Chilean Pesos during peak cooling periods.
Yutong's Link+ system actively optimizes energy efficiency for electric buses by leveraging AI-driven analysis of real-world road conditions and dynamic power adjustments, achieving a notable 2% improvement in fuel efficiency. This intelligent approach, combined with smart temperature control and waste heat recovery systems, offers distinct advantages across diverse climatic conditions, ensuring optimal performance and resource utilization.
In the competitive global electric bus sector, Yutong has established a strong market position, securing a significant 14% market share in Europe by 2024, and outpacing Western rivals like Volvo and Scania. This achievement is supported by the development of localized service networks and the Link+ platform's advanced capabilities, positioning Yutong as a forward-thinking leader in global transportation.
The Link+ platform represents a paradigm shift in fleet management by integrating artificial intelligence, big data, and a deep understanding of operational needs. Yutong is empowering transport operators worldwide to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, reliability, and foresight, paving the way for a more connected and optimized future in global mobility.