Using old tachographs: TachoBox83 and the circular economy

Kako TachoBox83 podjetja Sim 83 spreminja stare tahografe v izobraževalna orodja, podpira krožno gospodarstvo in zmanjšuje količino elektronskih odpadkov.

In a world where electronic devices are rapidly aging, sustainability has become key. Instead of throwing away old, still working tachographs, at Sim 83 we give them a new life. With our product TachoBox83 , we turn discarded devices into practical learning aids – thereby actively supporting the circular economy.

Why circular economy?

The circular economy is based on reuse, restoration and recycling. Instead of throwing the product away after use, we try to bring it back into circulation – either by upgrading, repurposing or recycling. The goal is to reduce waste and take advantage of the value of the materials we already have.

TachoBox is an example of this philosophy in practice – with its help, we extend the life of devices that would otherwise end up in the trash.

Mandatory exchange of old tachographs for new ones

By the end of 2024, companies that carry out international road transport should replace their analog or digital tachograph with a smart tachograph that has built-in additional functions – so-called smart tachographs of the second generation.

The new version of the smart tachograph of the second generation, which has built-in additional functions, is thus introduced by the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/799, which was last supplemented by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1228, in use since 21 August 2023.

Based on Article 3 Regulation (EC) No. 165/2014, it is necessary to replace tachographs when carrying out international transport of passengers and goods, namely:

  • analog and digital tachograph no later than December 31, 2024. Mandatory use of second-generation smart tachograph from January 1, 2025;
  • smart tachograph of the first generation no later than August 18, 2025. Mandatory use of the smart tachograph of the second generation from August 19, 2025 onwards.

The regulations also stipulate that in the event of a smart tachograph failure, it is mandatory to replace the tachograph with a smart tachograph of the second generation, regardless of what type of transport is performed with this vehicle.

Extending the deadline for replacing tachographs

The European Commission has decided to extend the deadline for the replacement of analogue and digital tachographs until 28 February 2025. The purpose of the extension is to allow transport companies enough time to adapt to the new smart second generation tachographs and to provide a period of educational learning that will facilitate their transition.

Compulsory use of second generation smart tachograph

From January 1, 2025, all vehicles engaged in international transport will have to use a smart tachograph of the second generation. However, until 28 February 2025, the focus will be on educating and informing carriers about the new requirements, with no penalties for non-compliance being introduced before that date.

Reason for extending the deadline

The European Commission accepted the extension with the aim of giving transport companies more time to adapt to new requirements and facilitate the transition to more modern technology. The training period is crucial for the familiarization of carriers with the new rules and the correct implementation of smart tachographs of the second generation.

What is TachoBox83?

TachoBox83 is an innovation-awarded portable device that enables the connection and operation of an old digital tachograph outside the vehicle. It can be used for:

  • education of future drivers,
  • trainings in companies,
  • demonstrations in traffic schools,
  • training workshops without the need to use a truck or bus.

By connecting to a computer or simulator, it can display the operation in real time – in a safe and controlled place.

Contribution to the reduction of e-waste

Many tachographs end up as e-waste every year, even though they still work. With TachoBox, we keep these devices in use and reduce the need to produce new devices for educational purposes. With this:

  • we reduce our environmental footprint,
  • we extend the life of devices,
  • we reduce education costs.

TachoBox83 in practice

Our partners are already using TachoBox83 at:

  • training of truck and passenger vehicle drivers,
  • presentations of the operation of tachographs at trade fairs,
  • internal trainings for logistics companies,
  • schools that implement transportation programs.

Conclusion

TachoBox83 is more than just a device – it’s a sustainable solution that proves that with smart thinking we can extend the life of technology, reduce waste and at the same time educate future generations of drivers.

To learn more about how to integrate TachoBox into your educational processes, please contact us. We are happy to help you co-create a more sustainable future.