FUTURE OF FLEET > TRANSITION TO EVs
The increased dependency on data
By Mike Nakrani, CEO, VEV
It’s not just the vehicles that are subject to fundamental change with the electrification revolution – fleet management is evolving too. In the electric age, fleet managers will no longer distribute fuel cards to their drivers. Instead, they’ll be managing energy sources, charging schedules and vehicle usage patterns to ensure the operational resilience of their fleet.
The foundation to everything within this fresh approach is having the right data. In our business, data is king. The change from difficult-to-analyse fuel-cards, to data dashboards could bring about a revolution in fleet operations as big as the shift from cash to contactless in the consumer world. The main benefit, of course, is the data insight that digital platforms offer.
The ability to analyse data on an unprecedented scale thanks to our proprietary software platform, VEV-IQ, can unearth cost-saving opportunities to reduce complexity, wastage and improve fleet efficiency and reliability.
The introduction of dashboard technologies such as VEV-IQ means managing diesel fuel bills and mileage is being replaced by managing energy demand profiles, smart charging schedules and vehicle usage patterns to keep the fleet running as it should. With the right tools, training and partners, the improvements to fleet operations in terms of vehicle utilisation and operating efficiency will save your business game-changing time and money.
To fully capitalise on the opportunities of this transition, the key is to be prepared. At VEV, we understand the challenges companies face when transitioning their fleets and we have the tools and capabilities to help navigate the journey. Want to stay ahead of the pack as we venture into 2024? Follow our five-point plan:
Plan your transition
Every commercial fleet is unique in terms of size, configuration and operational requirements. One of the key factors in planning an effective transition is to consider your vehicle types, their routes, their operational patterns and your energy availability. Once you have a good overview of these factors, you’ll be in a better position to make decisions about which electric vehicle types will best suit your needs and the infrastructure you’ll need to build.
Analyse your data
Fleet managers should analyse their company’s ICE fleet telematics data to determine the electrification readiness of their vehicles and the routes they cover. It’s likely that some vehicles will be ready for immediate transition, which, in turn, will provide learning opportunities for future phasing.
Understand your energy profile
Power is key for EV fleet operations, and to ensure operational resilience. Having access to solar energy and battery storage can reduce the costs of upgrading infrastructure. Likewise, they can reduce operating costs and also create a more resilient energy system where fleets are always ready to operate.
Right-size your fleet operation
To maximise efficiency, fleet managers need to ensure that they have the correct balance of infrastructure to meet the company’s fleet needs, and to avoid over-investing. Too often, fleet managers misjudge the appropriate mix of vehicles and chargers. At VEV, we often see new EV fleets being over-specified, causing an overspend of up to 20%.
Train your staff
As well as up-skilling themselves, fleet managers should also encourage their drivers to undertake EV training. When driven well, an electric vehicle can typically increase its range by up to 20%, improving operational efficiency and keeping energy costs down.
Finally, it’s worth remembering that, ultimately, electrifying your fleet is non-negotiable and, done effectively and efficiently, will pay dividends.
