COLLABORATION FOR AN ELECTRIC FUTURE
Orchestral manoeuvres in the parc
A world where the hum of electric motors replaces the growl of diesel – and where the air is cleaner and the future more sustainable – is achievable, but it requires a symphony of collaborative efforts. Richard Parker, Webfleet EV consultant UKI, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, explains
“The electric light did not come from the continuous improvement of candles”
Oren Harari is famously quoted as saying. The observation encapsulates the revolutionary shift we are now witnessing in the world of mobility.
The electrification of transport signals not only a change to a vehicle’s powertrain, but a revolution – redefining our road journeys and the very fabric of how fleets operate. What’s more, it marks a monumental shift in how businesses approach corporate and environmental responsibility.
Such dramatic change, however, doesn’t come without challenges. Indeed, there are many, from accelerating tech innovation to adapting to new working models, charging strategies and protocols. None are insurmountable, but this is a journey where collaboration is crucial.
Orchestrating change
An intricate composition is called for – a harmonious blend of commitment and expertise played out between vehicle manufacturers, charge point operators, central and local government decision-makers, fleet operators and fleet management technology companies. With this group, each party plays a pivotal role in a successful transition.
Vehicle manufacturers – the maestros orchestrating their electric vehicle (EV) ‘instruments’ – must continue to innovate to reduce manufacturing costs and close the price gap with combustion vehicle equivalents. Moreover, range, eLCV payload and towing capabilities must also improve.
The trajectory is a positive one, with Webfleet’s recent Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled by an electric van on a single charge a powerful case in point. Here, a Fiat E-Scudo successfully travelled 311 miles, averaging 4.5kWh.
But a conductor without an orchestra is like a ship without a sail. Enter fleet operators and the wider, supporting technology ecosystem – crucial players in this symphony.
Fleet management solution providers are the virtuosos of software, data insights and analytics, playing a critical role in seamlessly integrating EVs into existing fleet operations.
They are developing sophisticated software solutions that enable fleet operators to manage their EVs ever more efficiently, optimising everything from charging schedules to route planning. This approach helps overcome two of the major hurdles in the electric transition – when and where to do so cost-effectively and how to maximise operational performance.
Fleet operators, meanwhile, are on the frontline, experiencing first-hand the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that come with managing EVs. Their experiences and feedback are invaluable, not only as learnings for their fleet compatriots, but for all industry stakeholders.
By sharing knowledge and best practice insights, the benefits and return on investment opportunities of EVs can be more widely publicised. Furthermore, common pitfalls are more likely to be avoided, with EV management strategies evaluated and refined to help ensure that those with a successful track record are adopted.
Orchestrating change
An intricate composition is called for – a harmonious blend of commitment and expertise played out between vehicle manufacturers, charge point operators, central and local government decision-makers, fleet operators and fleet management technology companies. With this group, each party plays a pivotal role in a successful transition.
Vehicle manufacturers – the maestros orchestrating their electric vehicle (EV) ‘instruments’ – must continue to innovate to reduce manufacturing costs and close the price gap with combustion vehicle equivalents. Moreover, range, eLCV payload and towing capabilities must also improve.
The trajectory is a positive one, with Webfleet’s recent Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled by an electric van on a single charge a powerful case in point. Here, a Fiat E-Scudo successfully travelled 311 miles, averaging 4.5kWh.
But a conductor without an orchestra is like a ship without a sail. Enter fleet operators and the wider, supporting technology ecosystem – crucial players in this symphony.
Fleet management solution providers are the virtuosos of software, data insights and analytics, playing a critical role in seamlessly integrating EVs into existing fleet operations.
They are developing sophisticated software solutions that enable fleet operators to manage their EVs ever more efficiently, optimising everything from charging schedules to route planning. This approach helps overcome two of the major hurdles in the electric transition – when and where to do so cost-effectively and how to maximise operational performance.
Fleet operators, meanwhile, are on the frontline, experiencing first-hand the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that come with managing EVs. Their experiences and feedback are invaluable, not only as learnings for their fleet compatriots, but for all industry stakeholders.
By sharing knowledge and best practice insights, the benefits and return on investment opportunities of EVs can be more widely publicised. Furthermore, common pitfalls are more likely to be avoided, with EV management strategies evaluated and refined to help ensure that those with a successful track record are adopted.
Knowledge sharing in action
At Webfleet’s recent EV Lounge – an in-person and online event hosted to impart fresh perspectives on fleet electrification – organic veg box company Riverford spoke about the importance of forward planning if onsite power upgrades are required for charging infrastructure. The company also offered advice on harnessing data insights to maximising the range and operational efficiency of EVs.
Riverford is using Webfleet’s EV fleet management solution to help delivery drivers overcome range anxiety, better manage routes and navigate efficiently to charge points. The company is not only tracking vehicle location but also battery health, remaining driving range and real-time energy consumption.
This spirit of collective learning can also be found elsewhere, across a wide range of dedicated resources and forums.
“By working together, industry stakeholders aren’t just changing the face of mobility, they’re taking a stand for the future of the planet”
Richard Parker, Webfleet EV consultant UKI, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions
We can ill-afford to rest on our laurels, however. When minds from different sectors of the industry come together, the potential for overcoming challenges and accelerating innovation grows, driving us ever closer to our sustainability targets.
Collaborative efforts, for instance, may help lead to innovative solutions such as smart charging systems that reduce downtime and enhance operational efficiency. It may also lead to the creation and advancement of a wider range of EVs, each designed with specific use cases in mind, ensuring that they are not just innovative, but also pragmatic, tailored to meet the actual needs of those who use them on a daily basis.
As the world grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, the shift to electric transport becomes more than just an economic decision, it’s an ethical imperative. Collaboration in this context is not just about business, it’s about responsibility.
By working together, industry stakeholders aren’t just changing the face of mobility, they’re taking a stand for the future of the planet.
