Fleet Connectivity & Sustainability

We’ve all heard this common sustainability goal: Net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

The number of organizations implementing a strategy to reduce their impact on the environment is growing each year. When it comes to fleets, the approach to sustainability is a nuanced one. The ability to adopt greener options depends on a variety of factors specific to each individual fleet. Yet one way fleets are making the move is with connectivity tools—through a plug-in device or direct with the OEM.

If you’re unaware of how connected vehicle technology is paving the way for fleet electrification here are common applications:

Vehicle Selection and EVs

Maintaining current cost of ownership levels while making moves toward more environmentally friendly vehicle selections is one of the challenges of many sustainability initiatives.

How do certain electric vehicles perform? What are the range limits? What does the real-time performance of your current vehicles say about your ability to adopt electric vehicles in the future? Is a pilot option with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) the right bet because of distance requirements of your vehicles, or can you instead begin with full battery electric vehicle (BEV) options because of the current charging infrastructure in your operating areas?

The data provided by vehicle telematics, such as driver behavior, odometer readings, trip data, maintenance needs and more can provide answers to your fleet sustainability questions.

EV Performance Tools

Fleets that are already piloting PHEV or BEVs are gaining so much insight from telematics data. There are many concerns about how EV batteries are faring in real time. Connectivity tools are monitoring the performances of batteries and providing predictions in how they behave over time. They’re also providing data into EV temps as extreme weather can impact the range of the vehicle.

PHEV Emission Measurements

How much is your hybrid or PHEV emitting? With fleet connectivity tools, you can get actual greenhouse gas rates of your fleet vehicles. It’s not realistic to transform into a green fleet overnight, however you can track your journey in how greener selections today are paving the way for a more sustainable fleet of the future.

Creative uses of telematics data also facilitate route planning. For example, a more streamlined and less congested route for your drivers uses less fuel than one that requires lots of idle time in traffic. Additionally, you can monitor general idling, which is a high contributor to emissions in fuel-powered vehicles. Through telematics, you can identify vehicles that may be idling longer than necessary. Identifying and breaking these habits now not only helps reduce your greenhouse gas emissions immediately, but also encourages the behaviors you want to see in your fleet ongoing.

Interested in seeing firsthand what connected vehicle tools can accomplish for your fleet? Email me at ssweeney@wheels.com.