Focus On Telematics
COMPANIONS CABIN
Connectivity platforms and telematics systems are now a staple requirement in the world of van fleet management, says James Dallas
he world of telemetry has come a long way since it merely provided fleet managers with track and trace functionalities. It is now inconceivable to imagine a fleet of LCVs operating without some form of connectivity, whether this is provided by an OEM, a third-party supplier or a combination of both. Ford’s new Transit and Transit Custom ranges, for example, are fully integrated with the Ford Pro platform of software and services, including standard 5G connectivity that enables over-the-air updates, vehicle health checks and service bookings. Ford claims to have broken new ground with its Upfit Integration System that will enable converters to connect up to a van’s electrical system, in- cab touchscreens and aftermarket
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equipment, removing the need to modify the cab area and enabling usage to be monitored remotely. In partnership with telematics
firm LEVL, Maxus has developed its Intelligence Onboard fleet management system to smooth the transition to electric LCVs. Fleet operators gain access to real-time information, including the state of charge, energy consumption, energy costs, live GPS tracking and charging data. Maxus now uses data gathered from Intelligence Onboard to monitor battery degradation in customers’ EV fleets. It says a tracking algorithm can predict potential issues, allowing customers to address them before they result in downtime. By assessing changes in the
battery’s performance and efficiency, Maxus claims the system can predict
the battery’s lifespan, enabling fleets to plan maintenance or replacements. Maxus Intelligence Onboard also examines the effects of different charging modalities – AC and DC – on the health of the battery, providing insights into the optimal charging methods for individual usage patterns, which it says will improve the EV user experience while extending battery longevity.
Bridgestone Mobility Solutions’ fleet management platform, Webfleet, is adopting methods to help businesses transition to electric vans in a cost- effective manner. A recent addition to its portfolio is an EV route optimisation solution, designed to maximise van fleet productivity and minimise downtime. Businesses can plan routes for drivers that take account
of battery levels, capacity, average energy consumption and charge point locations. A timeline of suggested routes includes predicted journey durations, charging times and the locations of where the driver can charge highlighted on a map. Route navigation information can be sent directly to the drivers’ in- vehicle terminals. Battery capacity information for fleet vehicles is included in Webfleet to help businesses choose the appropriate van for each journey. Being able to view charge levels at the start and end of each job means fleet managers can assess battery capacity alongside energy usage and identify when charging sessions occurred. Webfleet OptiDrive analyses aspects of driver behaviour to improve
Ford’s new Transit ranges are fully integrated with the Ford Pro platform and include standard 5G connectivity for over-the-air updates.
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WhatVan? November 2023
www.whatvan.co.uk
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