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- What is eCUBE?
eCUBE is an integrated system for mobile service that includes tire changer, wheel balancer, compressor and digital inflation system. - How many versions of the eCUBE system are there?
There are 2 versions of the eCUBE system:- eCUBE AGM Premium: 4 AGM batteries, includes tablet and GPS router
- eCUBE Lithium: 16 Lithium cells, includes tablet and GPS router
- How does eCUBE differ from other mobile service equipment?
eCube is an integrated system that includes all the main equipment required for a home service. It has the advantage of not needing a generator, as it is equipped with a rechargeable battery system and a silenced compressor that allow it to work without disturbing the operator. - What are the advantages of not having a generator on board your van?
The generator is a vital component for all tire service providers, as it powers the van's equipment. However, there are some disadvantages to using a generator. It produces a lot of noise and unpleasant odours due to exhaust gases. Furthermore, the generator remains on during idle periods, such as when assembling and disassembling tires, which results in significant fuel consumption. The noise and smell can be a distraction to the operator, particularly in winter when they are required to work inside the van with the doors closed, enduring the annoying engine noise and unpleasant smell.
eCUBE eliminates the need for a generator, as the battery pack allows the operator to work without noise or odours, while also achieving significant fuel savings.
In practice, it is the "Tesla" of mobile tire service equipment. - What are the main differences between AGM and Lithium batteries?
- AGM: service life of 2 years, possible damage in case of deep discharge, lower capacity at cold temperatures.
- Lithium: 5 year lifetime (covered by warranty if used correctly/recharged/monitored), battery discharge resistance.
Main differences:- Lithium does not self-discharge, so the machine will retain its charge for longer if it is not used;
- Lithium has a very constant voltage. For AGMs, the SOC (Status of Charge) and temperature have a strong effect on the voltage: as the voltage drops, the machine gradually loses power;
- Lithium can handle heat better than AGM;
- The Lithium battery pack is much lighter;
- The main advantage is durability. AGM cells have a maximum life of 1000 cycles, whereas Lithium cells have more than 5000 cycles. So Lithium is not always more expensive;
- The Lithium battery pack is equipped with a BMS (Battery Management System) that monitors the cells, so there is no need to worry about deep discharging or overcharging;
- The Lithium battery pack is equipped with a winter temperature heating pad. This device is used to keep the batteries at a temperature that does not fall below -5°C, where recharging does not take place.
- AGM: service life of 2 years, possible damage in case of deep discharge, lower capacity at cold temperatures.
- What are the functions of the PC and router?
The PC contains the user manual and instruction videos. The software can be updated remotely, new videos can be uploaded and settings can be changed. The entire power system, including the inverter, battery bank, battery charger and solar panel, is connected to the PC.
The GPS router enables us to locate all customers booked in for a home tire change on a map via a special App.
The PC enables communication with the machine, allowing remote control and access to the operating system to identify any problems before the technician arrives. If the problem is easily solved, the operator can receive instructions on how to restore the machine's operation, thus avoiding any loss of time.
Note: in the event of a PC crash, eCUBE remains operational due to the presence of two additional operating systems working in parallel. - How many tires can the eCUBE system demount?
eCUBE has an autonomy of about 50/60 tires per charge. - How should eCUBE be positioned inside the van?
The eCUBE system is highly versatile and can be installed in any type of commercial vehicle, whether it be longitudinally or transversely. The eCUBE system can also be installed in smaller vans (e.g. Vito) by simply removing the lower section from the upper section. - Can eCUBE be used to dismount motorbike tires?
No, it is not possible to dismount motorbike tires. - How do you recharge the eCUBE batteries?
The batteries can be recharged in three ways:- 220V: you can recharge the batteries by simply plugging them in when you return from work or at the client's premises.
- While driving: the batteries are automatically recharged while driving (if the system is connected to the van's alternator).
- Solar panel (optional): the batteries can be recharged using the roof-mounted solar panel, which has a charge maintenance function rather than an actual charging function.
- How fast do eCUBE batteries recharge?
Following a standard discharge, the system requires approximately five hours to reach full recharge from 0% to 100% using a 220V socket with the vehicle stationary. Alternatively, the alternator can be used to recharge the battery while driving, which takes approximately four hours. However, a deep discharge significantly extends the charging time, requiring up to two or three days to restore normal operation. - What is the residual capacity of a battery used correctly after a given working period?
If properly maintained, LiFePO4 lithium batteries exhibit minimal capacity loss. Even if fully charged daily, they will retain at least 80% of their capacity after six years (approximately 2,000 cycles). In contrast to AGM batteries, lithium batteries do not experience self-discharge. In contrast, AGM batteries lose 10-15% of their capacity each year. - Is it recommended to have a ventilation system inside the van to prevent the eCUBE from overheating?
eCUBE Lithium batteries are designed to operate within a temperature range of -20°C to +50°C. It is recommended that the van doors be left open to allow for ventilation. In the event of temperatures exceeding +60°C, the BMS (Battery Management System) will automatically interrupt charging. - Is it possible to add an external tank to use pneumatic wrenches and jacks?
The compressor is the component that consumes the majority of the system's energy. For this reason, the system is fully electric and the compressor is mainly used for tire inflation.
The use of air guns and jacks has a detrimental impact on the system's autonomy, due to the increased energy consumption. Consequently, the addition of an additional tank is possible, but not a viable solution.
It would be optimal to make the guns fully electric, given that there have already been excellent models on the market for years. - I only use my eCUBE during the seasonal tire change period. If I leave it idle for 4 months, do I still need to check that the batteries do not go below a certain limit?
During the off-season, batteries require constant monitoring. For this reason, it is advisable to keep them charged during all the time they are not used, as is the case with motorcycle batteries in winter, when it is good to use a charge maintainer to keep them at full capacity.
If continuous charging is not possible, make sure that the SOC of the batteries is not close to 0% to avoid damage to one or more cells. - Is it possible to turn off the light on the wheel balancer panel when the machine is off?
Yes, the service light can be turned off by simply unplugging the power cord from the wheel balancer. - If the vehicle is equipped with a 220V socket, will eCUBE work if the batteries are dead or not working?
The feasibility of this option depends on the type of inverter installed in the vehicle.
However, in the majority of cases, these are small inverters, which makes it impractical in most instances. - Is it necessary to reinforce the floor of the van where the system is located?
The van must have a flat, solid and horizontal floor for mounting the eCUBE, but it does not need to be reinforced.
Please note: the current version of eCUBE belongs to Generation 4, the result of development and improvements of previous versions.
This table shows all the differences between the first version (G1 Generation 1) and the previous version (G3 Generation 3) of eCUBE.
Here you can find all the news from eCUBE Generation 4.