Your OBU's processing unit isn't always mounted on the passenger footwell. Depending on the car that you drive, more than one option may be available!
Since November 2023, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has been gradually replacing in-vehicle units (IUs) with the new on-board units (OBU). The OBU will pave the way for smoother traffic as we transition to the new ERP 2.0 system that is based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology.
The OBU comprises three parts: An antenna, a processing unit, and an optional touchscreen display. For motorcycles, these three parts are integrated in a single unit, while on other vehicles, it's installed as a two- or three-piece unit based on preference.
We previously shared our experience with the OBU transition - including our own first experiences with the unit, and prior to that, an overview of the installation process.
Earlier this year, we installed the OBU in our facelifted iteration of the third-generation Kia Cerato K3, which was first released in 2016.
During the installation, apart from the inclusion of the touchscreen, perhaps the second most significant decision was for the OBU's processing unit (PU) to be mounted at the passenger footwell area.
It might interest drivers to know that the passenger footwell isn't the only possible position for the PU. Cars on our roads are built differently - each model bearing unique interior traits that either narrow down or widen up the realm of possibilities for where you might install your PU.
Here, we explore the key positions we know of so far - using some of the latest and common makes and models of vehicles in Singapore as examples - and dive into which might be possible for your car.
It's important to keep in mind that authorised dealers and technicians are the best parties to consult with in deciding on the installation location in your vehicle. A multitude of factors will be taken into consideration during such discussions, such as aftermarket modifications or customisations done to your car, as well as the design of your cabin, before a suitable location is recommended.
Note: For ease of explanation, the examples used in this list are not exhaustive, and largely comprise new cars currently sold by authorised dealers. The actual position of your PU is ultimately subjected to technical feasibility.
Position 1: The passenger's footwell
Brief descriptor and key benefit: The passenger's footwell is likely the position that most of us will be familiar with, considering that this was the setup depicted in the first images that debuted of the OBU.
Installed as such, the PU will be located on the left lower side of the central column, on the front passenger's side. This keeps the driver's own quarters neat and clear.
Who is this for - and who is this not for?
As you'll note from the list, most of our favourite family cars are appropriate for Position 1. This includes a significant proportion of the recent lineups from bestselling makes such as Toyota, BYD, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, and Nissan today, for instance.
Other notable names include the Ora Good Cat, and the Kia Niro Hybrid.
This position requires a suitable surface for the PU to be attached to using adhesives - in other words, surfaces that do not have much of a curvature and are non-greasy or untreated.
Models that are not appropriate for this position, however, include the Kia EV6 and EV9, as well as well as recently-introduced BMW and Mercedes-Benz models.
One reason for this would be the vehicles' interior finish. For example, the PU cannot be mounted in the passenger footwell of most modern Mercedes-Benzes due to the finishing (e.g. leather or fabric) and curvature of the footwell area. (We'll come back to these examples in just a bit.)
| Models that can opt for Position 1 | Models that cannot opt for Position 1 |
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Position 2: The driver's footwell
Brief descriptor and key benefit: A second position available for the PU is within the driver's footwell area. This is effectively the mirror image of Position 1: On the right side of the front central column, near the driver's side.
For starters, only cars with interiors that are deemed to have sufficient space so as to not cause discomfort to the driver can allow for Position 2. For safety reasons, the PU in this position will be secured by nuts and bolts (don't worry, nothing can be seen).
Given the choice between Positions 1 and 2, the latter is likely to be best for drivers who prefer to have the PU as near to them as possible - and do not wish to reach out to the passenger's side.
Who is this for - and who is this not for?
Singaporean drivers will find that most of their favourite family cars can accommodate this position too. Popular examples suitable for Position 2 include recent models from Mazda, Nissan and Toyota.
However, others - such as BYD's entire lineup currently, as well as Citroen and Kia's EVs - cannot have the PU in Position 2 for a few reasons.
As with Position 1, both the surface panel and curvature of the front central column need to be suitable for installation in Position 2. Naturally, maintaining sufficient space on the driver's side is important, too.
But there are other possible explanations, including the presence of knee airbags in certain models. You may also know that some models like the Honda Freed still have a foot brake - which will be obstructed when the PU is installed on the driver's side.
| Models that can opt for Position 2 | Models that cannot opt for Position 2 |
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Position 3: Under the glovebox
Brief descriptor and key benefit: Position 3 sees the PU installed underneath the glovebox - which requires a relatively flat surface for the PU to be attached with adhesive. This allows for the PU to be hidden from sight, and for drivers to retain and enjoy a more minimalist look in their car interiors.
Who is this for - and who is this not for?
Position 3 is where many Mercedes-Benz and BMW owners will see the PUs of their OBUs installed. Based on these vehicles' layout and finish, we understand that this may also be the only feasible location for most of them.
| Models that can opt for Position 3 | Models that cannot opt for Position 3 |
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Position 4: Under the driver's seat
Brief descriptor and key benefit: Like Position 3, installation at Position 4 keeps the PU out of sight and offers the similar benefit of keeping the interior relatively clean-looking and minimalist. The catch, however, is that this is only applicable for vehicles that have sufficient clearance under the seat for the unit to be installed.
Which brings us to…
Who is this for - and who is this not for?
…the fact that Position 4 may likely be one of the more out-of-reach position for cars (both literally and figuratively). If you're into a certain sort of rugged vehicle boasting symmetrical all-wheel drive, however, you're in luck.
Currently, Sgcarmart only knows of one mass market brand in Singapore that allows for installation under the driver's seat - and that is Subaru.
Another position: Floating centre console
Beyond these main positions, however, there is yet another area that appears to be on the rise for newer cars.
Carmakers that have optimised the front quarters of their cars to create more interior space have one special benefit: An uninterrupted area flowing between the front passenger and driver, which we refer to as a 'floating centre console'.
With this space freed up, some dealers are also allowing for customers to choose the centre console area as a point of installation for their PU. The floating centre console is perhaps most commonly associated with electric vehicles (EVs) - but even combustion-powered cars with floating centre consoles can allow for this position.
Examples of popular EVs include the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5, and - as mentioned earlier - the Kia EV6 and EV9.
A quick recap!
As evidenced by the list above, it's really not just the passenger footwell where you can install the PU of your car's new OBU. A good range of alternatives might be possible as well, each bringing with it its own unique benefits.
Again, however, it must be reiterated that the position of installation is ultimately dependent on your car model (and the possible modifications you may have made to it), which consequently influences the technical feasibility of each position. As mentioned above, motorists are encouraged to consult their preferred authorised workshops and technicians during their OBU installation appointments.
Owners of existing vehicles are also welcome to install their OBUs early, and those who wish to do so can contact their preferred authorised workshop directly to schedule their installation together with their regular servicing appointment.
In other words, there is no need to wait for notification, and no more booking via the microsite; drivers need simply contact the workshop directly to schedule the OBU installation.
Finally, to maximise their own convenience, motorists are also encouraged to sign up for NETS Auto-Top Up - which handily eliminates the need to remove their CEPAS cards from the PU for manual top ups. All motorists who have installed the OBU can also look forward to receiving a complimentary NETS Motoring Card.
Still have burning questions on your mind about what life with ERP 2.0, or life onboard with the OBU might be like? Let us know!