In recent years, the automotive industry has experienced a significant shift towards sustainability, with electric vehicles (EVs) playing a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change. This transition is not limited to personal vehicles; commercial fleets are also embracing the electric revolution, and one key player facilitating this shift is Trakm8 with its cutting-edge EV telematics solutions.
As cities worldwide implement stringent emission regulations and businesses align with green initiatives, the demand for electric vans is on the rise. The advantages of electric vans, such as lower operating costs, reduced environmental impact, and government incentives, make them an attractive choice for fleet managers looking to enhance their sustainability efforts. However, the successful integration of electric vans into commercial fleets requires careful planning, monitoring, and optimisation – a task in which Trakm8’s EV telematics proves invaluable.
Trakm8’s EV telematics is designed to assist fleet managers in seamlessly transitioning to electric vans. One of the primary challenges in adopting electric vehicles is range anxiety. Trakm8’s telematics provides real-time monitoring of the electric van’s battery status, range, and charging data. This allows fleet managers to plan routes efficiently, ensuring that vans are always within range of charging stations, thus minimising downtime, and optimising driving schedules. Within Trakm8’s Insight platform fleet managers can send an EV charge reminder to the vehicle’s driver at 6pm IF their vehicle’s State Of Charge (SoC) is less than or equal to 50%.
Charging infrastructure is a critical component of the electric vehicle ecosystem, and Trakm8’s telematics takes the guesswork out of this equation. The system provides up-to-date visibility of the UK’s network of charge points. Within the insight platform fleet managers can get information on charging station locations, availability, number of posts available, connection types, compatibility, and operators’ details. By strategically planning charging stops, fleet managers can eliminate unnecessary delays and maximise the utilisation of electric vans.
Electric vehicles often require a different approach to maintenance compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles. Trakm8’s telematics monitors the health of electric vans, providing predictive maintenance alerts and ensuring that potential issues are addressed before they become critical. This not only reduces maintenance costs but also enhances the overall reliability and longevity of the electric vans in the fleet.
Furthermore, Trakm8’s EV telematics supports data-driven decision-making by offering detailed reports on energy consumption, driver behaviour, and operational efficiency. Fleet managers can analyse this data to identify areas for improvement, implement eco-driving practices, and optimise overall fleet performance. The ability to access real-time data empowers businesses to make informed choices that align with both economic and environmental goals.
AI Optimisation is another solution that can aid the transition to EV. Trakm8’s award-winning optimisation algorithm goes beyond conventional solutions by calculating optimised schedules that significantly reduce driving distance and time. Its sophistication lies in its ability to consider a multitude of factors, including EV vehicle range, EV charging constraints, capacity, size, weight, width, driver constraints, and various vehicle features.
In urban environments with Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and Clean Air Zones (CZs), the algorithm proves invaluable in strategically prioritising the deployment of the right vehicles. The preference is given to EVs and low-emission vehicles, or, when necessary, reusing the same vehicles to minimise the need for multiple charging sessions. This approach aligns with sustainability goals and operational efficiency.
Furthermore, the algorithm takes into account intricate details such as multi-day map constraints, encompassing factors like road closures and planned events such as sporting activities. Additionally, it adapts to timed LEZ/CZ access requirements, ensuring seamless compliance with regulations and enhancing overall fleet efficiency.
Trakm8’s AI Optimisation doesn’t just optimise routes; it crafts intelligent schedules that consider a comprehensive array of constraints, making it an indispensable tool for modern fleets, especially those incorporating EVs.
Nick Guise, Marketing Manager at Trakm8 said “In conclusion, the transition to electric vans is a promising avenue for reducing the environmental footprint of commercial fleets. Trakm8’s EV telematics & AI Optimisation plays a crucial role in facilitating this transition by providing fleet managers with the tools they need to navigate the challenges associated with electric vehicles. From range optimisation and charging infrastructure management to predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making, Trakm8’s comprehensive solution ensures a smooth and efficient integration of electric vans into commercial fleets, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.”
