ENERGY EFFICIENT TRANSPORT The evolution of transport is more than a
technological leap, it’s a collaborative quest that will reshape our world and set us on course for a more sustainable future. Richard Parker, Webfleet EV Consultant UKI at Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, explains
TOWARDS A BRIGHTER, GREENER, MOBILITY HORIZON “
It’s not that we use technology, we live technology,” Godfrey Reggio insightfully
remarked. This quote aptly mirrors the paradigm shift currently unfolding in the transport industry. This transformation isn’t just about swapping
out the power source of our vehicles, it’s an overhaul that reimagines our travel routes and redefines the essence of fleet management. Importantly, it also signals a profound shift in how companies perceive and act upon their corporate and environmental responsibilities. This new landscape, however, is filled with
challenges – from a demand for continual technological breakthroughs to the need to adapt to new operational models, charging strategies and protocols. Yet, none are insurmountable, particularly when viewed through a collaborative lens.
CHOREOGRAPHING THE REVOLUTION Imagine for a moment a dance ensemble where each movement and step is critical. This is analogous to our journey to e-mobility.
In this ‘dance’, a troupe of performers – vehicle manufacturers, charge point operators, government authorities, fleet operators and fleet management technology providers – are playing an indispensable role. Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, through its
innovative EV Services Platform, exemplifies how technology can support the dance choreography. The platform is a unique ecosystem that
integrates solutions from different mobility and energy providers into a single platform, helping streamline the integration of EVs into fleets. It creates a seamless connection between the
service providers, based on fleet and energy data. From one platform, businesses will be able to access everything from energy management and battery analytics to fleet management and EV charging, routing and planning solutions. This technological leap not only eases the operational transition to electric vehicles, but also underscores the importance of collaborative solutions in addressing broader challenges in the electrification journey.
A SPOTLIGHT ON THE TRANSPORT STAGE Vehicle manufacturers, akin to lead dancers, are at the forefront of the electric transport revolution, continually innovating to make electric vehicles
www.essmag.co.uk
(EVs) more affordable and efficient. The commercial vehicle arena is notably challenging, but its efforts are already bearing fruit, as evidenced by Webfleet’s record-breaking feat – achieving 311 miles on a single charge with a Fiat E-Scudo. However, fleet operators and the broader technology ecosystem are equally vital. Leveraging the power of data
analytics and insights, fleet management solution providers are instrumental in integrating EVs into existing fleet operations. Sophisticated solutions have been developed for optimising charging schedules and route planning, addressing two major challenges in the shift to electric – efficiency and operational performance. Software tools offer access to vehicle charging and real-time battery status, along with updates on remaining driving range. They can now even empower businesses to plan journeys that take account of their battery levels, capacity, average energy consumption and charge point locations. On the ground, fleet operators are the ones
facing the day-to-day realities of managing EVs. Their insights and feedback are consequently invaluable, not just to their peers but to all industry stakeholders. By sharing their knowledge and successful practices, the benefits and investment returns of EVs become more widely recognised. Moreover, this exchange of information helps in avoiding common pitfalls and in refining EV management strategies.
A COLLABORATIVE JOURNEY OF LEARNING As we confront the urgent issue of climate change, the shift to electric transport transcends economic considerations – it becomes an ethical necessity. When minds from different sectors converge, the potential to overcome challenges and spur innovation increases, propelling us closer to our sustainability goals. This has been recognised and a culture of shared learning and collaboration is extending across a wide variety of platforms and forums. Webfleet’s recent EV Lounge event, for example, was hosted both in-person and online. Riverford,
an organic veg box company, shared insights on the importance of advanced planning for onsite power upgrades for charging infrastructure. Also discussed were strategies to maximise EV range and efficiency through data analysis.
THE JOURNEY DOESN’T END HERE Collaborative efforts also have the potential to lead to innovative solutions, such as smart charging systems, which minimise business downtime and boost operational efficiency. They might also foster the development of a broader range of EVs, practically designed for specific use cases. The importance of collaboration is further
highlighted in the development of electric transport infrastructure, and particularly in helping address the demands on the grid. The transition to electric transport is a gradual
one, but National Grid’s exploration into how the grid will cope with the extra demand from electric cars underscores the need for innovative solutions, such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) infrastructure and bi-directional EV charging. These technologies not only promise to enhance grid stability but they also open up new avenues for energy management, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between electric vehicles and the energy sector. By uniting in this endeavour, industry stakeholders are not merely transforming mobility, they’re championing a sustainable future for our world.
Bridgestone Mobility Solutions
www.bridgestone.co.uk
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Spring 2024 25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
