FEATURE ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Fleet tracking software is leading the charge
To successfully transition commercial fleets from fossil fuels to all-electric drivetrains requires the type of detailed data that is available from the latest generation of fleet management systems, explains Alberto De Monte, global catalytix director, Masternaut
T
he electric vehicle market often seems to cover more column inches
than miles; for a long time, interest and speculation have outweighed sales and acceptance. However, the combination of improved range and a reduction in cost is rapidly driving the technology to a tipping point. Nonetheless, uncertainties remain over
its suitability for commercial fleets, as any lingering performance issues could have serious commercial ramifications. This lack of clarity has been a brake on the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles. However, for businesses that have invested in next-generation fleet tracking software, it is possible to remove the guesswork and accurately test the argument for a migration away from the internal combustion engine. The technical case is largely
established by an evaluation of distances travelled in combination with the availability of recharging infrastructure around common routes. For many urban fleets, with short distances and predictable journeys, it may be technically feasible to adopt electric vehicles. However, any accurate assessment also needs to look at
payloads, which have a critical bearing on the accuracy of any appraisal. The current generation of electric vehicle
technology isn’t suitable for transporting heavy loads, especially over distance, and fleet managers must therefore take this into consideration when matching vehicle types to jobs. Once calculations have been made about route and load, it is time to explore the third question: is there a business case for switching parts of a fleet to low emission vehicles? For this review to supply useful insights it needs to address a number of key areas. First is an analysis of the percentage of a
fleet’s mileage that could be realistically covered by electric power, based on the first two constraints. Basically, is it worth the effort? Once this has been established it is a straightforward calculation to determine the volume and cost of conventional fuels that could be realistically displaced by batteries. With this information to hand it will then be possible to estimate the number of electric vehicles a fleet could realistically justify and also the cost of purchasing them. This isn’t the final element for
consideration in the business case. There
are indications that governments around the world are looking at offering tax incentives to businesses that purchase electric vehicles, which will offset the cost of the investment. Moreover, the use of electric vehicles could help firms avoid or minimise the impact of emission zone charges, further balancing out the expense of fleet updates. Once again, telematics data from fleet management software will be able to provide invaluable insights such as details about the number of journeys within emission control zones. There may need to be changes to a
company’s premises to cater for charging points, while a modified power supply could also be necessary. A site survey from a charging specialist is often highly beneficial and some may offer them for free with an assurance of business later on. However, the adoption of next
technology doesn’t just require a careful analysis of costs and benefits – fleet managers may also need to convince staff of the value of the change. It is therefore essential that the benefits are spelt out to all stakeholders, backed up with data from the fleet management software where appropriate. It might also be worth highlighting that eco-friendly practices are often conditions of tenders, while being seen to be green is now a prerequisite for any company with serious concerns for its reputation. The change to electric vehicles could
be disruptive, even with stakeholder buy-in, but adapting to the changing fuel landscape is manageable if appropriate and proportionate planning is commenced well in advance of any implementation. There will doubtless be a wealth of
experience and information within a business that can help inform the final assessments. Couple with the insights provided by telematics, it is possible to turn a fleet green without compromising its commercial effectiveness.
Masternaut 32 NOVEMBER 2019 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
masternaut.com
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