Opinion
Joining the dots and unlocking efficiencies
Mike Brown, VP product for VEV explains why integrated digital systems are crucial for fleet electrification
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s carbon emissions requirements and shifting OEM production strategies continue to force fleets to electrify, operators are faced with an array of complex challenges to negotiate. With electrified fleets, power management has shifted from fuel card management systems, to intricate data analysis of multiple parameters – from vehicle energy usage, to charging costs and scheduling. Translating that data into an efficient and profitable fleet strategy is incredibly complicated, and older operational systems simply won’t be suitable for the job.
The headcount overhead of transitioning to EV is also a factor. A major global fleet transition could cost 10 FTEs (full-time equivalents) plus external resources to manage both the electrification programme and the reporting of an electric vehicle (EV) pilot. To alleviate resource demand and ensure an efficient transition in this respect, fleet operators need to focus on implementing an integrated IT system for their electrified fleet. Unlike with a disaggregated approach, combined IT systems can communicate with each other, making it easier for fleet operators to react to findings in pilot programmes, obtain the big picture faster, and accelerate the implementation of the optimum EV operating model for their business.
Multiple facets of fleet operation need to be digitalised and integrated for fleets to achieve maximum efficiency. The priority areas in this respect are: charging infrastructure; asset management; vehicle telematics; route scheduling; facilities management; and energy management. By connecting the dots between
these parameters, big-picture data can be retrieved faster – making it easier to identify where efficiencies can be made, and where costs can be saved.
There are a number of factors to consider when implementing integrated IT systems. Chief among them is timing – and this becomes clear when looking at the importance of putting strong data analysis infrastructure in place. Data, and therefore an effective IT system to manage that data, is the key to unlocking the financial benefits of an EV fleet. Transitioning without first considering the impact on IT systems means missing out on opportunities to optimise operations, save money in the short- term, and create a positive EV TCO. (The total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric vehicles,
compared to diesel has already surpassed parity for many vehicle categories, classes and use cases – particularly for high-mileage fleets.) Using multiple, outdated systems with an EV fleet is not viable. Without an integrated fleet and charging software system, for example, fleet operators will be forced to mitigate risk by obtaining more high battery capacity vehicles and charging points than needed. Simply because, with disaggregated legacy systems, they don’t have the full visibility needed to efficiently allocate business operations to appropriate vehicles. Having an intelligent, integrated system from the outset will give operators the power to do this – and thereby avoid costly delays to operations. Systems integration can also be used to seamlessly connect with drivers and support them through the transition. Automated systems can allow fleet managers to check in with their drivers easily and regularly, to identify issues and act swiftly to remedy. The type of fleet will determine the level of integration needed. For example, local authorities may require a different level of integration for their refuse collection vehicles (RCVs), compared to emergency services running ambulance fleets.
For organisations that still largely use paper- based systems, the first step is to embrace digitalisation and transition to an intelligent platform, where telematics, facilities management, and route scheduling data can be connected and accessed from the one place. For fleets that already use multiple digital systems, the emphasis will be on adopting an integrated facility that can connect with new systems – including charging infrastructure, facilities management, and energy management systems.
For large fleets that run critical operations like emergency services or fleets with a reactive component, a dedicated remote operations centre can ensure maximum efficiency. Having experts in the one room with access to all systems in real time can enable more effective decision making. When looking at the bigger picture, it’s clear that legacy fleet management systems don’t offer the visibility and efficiency needed to meet the complex needs of electrified fleet operations. With the tools and integration in place, fleet operators can unlock cost savings and lower total cost of ownership to make faster, but more informed, decisions – helping them accelerate their shift to full electrification.
www.businesscar.co.uk | April 2024 | 19
Left: Mike Brown, VP product, VEV
Below: Automated systems enable fleet managers to easily connect with their drivers, enabling them to promptly identify issues and take swift action to resolve them.
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