As fleets across the nation transition to electric vehicles, fleet managers will face crucial decisions about how and when to electrify their operations. Navigating this new space is no simple task – the capability of electric assets is rapidly progressing and it is difficult to anticipate the infrastructure and investment necessary to sustain a fully-functioning EV fleet. There is no precedent for how to organize fleet operations to be ready for the challenges presented by the shifting of the fleet industry. Now, more than ever, data-driven decision-making will be paramount to effective implementation of these emerging technologies.
Why EV Data Is Different—and Why It Matters
Electric vehicles entering the marketplace have a distinct advantage over their ICE predecessors – vehicle data is easier to collect than it ever has been before. Almost all new vehicles are equipped with smart technologies built directly into the vehicle’s onboard monitoring systems, and EVs are no exception. In fact, leveraging this wealth of sensor data and vehicle information is much more streamlined for EVs than it is for ICE vehicles, because the entirety of EV data revolves around one critical metric – electric energy. Understanding how an electric vehicle uses the energy it stores in its battery, and exactly which systems deplete that energy during operation gives users more control to adjust and optimize vehicle use to their needs.
To this end, telematics devices have emerged as a primary technology for effective management of electrified fleets. These devices are capable of delivering in-depth assessments of EV performance, and a detailed understanding for how assets utilize the energy that they require. How can a fleet manager expect to design smart-charging practices, or leverage emerging technologies like vehicle-to-grid charging without an understanding of when and where energy is needed to maintain day-to-day operations? In an industry that is changing at breakneck pace, the insights that telemetry can provide will be crucial to future-proof fleet operations.
Preparing for the Future of Fleet Electrification
As the industry moves beyond light-duty EVs to medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles, the complexity that fleet managers face will only increase. Larger batteries and longer charging times will demand more robust infrastructure and sophisticated strategies for optimizing energy consumption. To navigate this transition smoothly and efficiently, it’s essential for fleets to focus on the impact that EV data can have on effective operations. Fleet managers who begin addressing these challenges now will be better equipped to handle the next wave of electrification, maximize their investment in EVs and build a foundation for long-term success. The future of fleet management is electric, and preparation is key.
