New telematics tool shows operators where to electrify fleets

Telematics firm Teletrac Navman has launched a web-based automated AI tool, aimed at supporting fleet operators with the move to electric vehicles.

The EV Readiness Tool integrates with the company's fleet management and tracking platforms and analyses telematics data to provide operators with detailed recommendations of where electric vehicles could be adopted into their operation.

The smart algorithms assess the feasibility of switching and calculate the total cost of ownership of an EV switch versus the existing fleet (purchase price, residual value, taxes, insurance, maintenance, electricity costs), as well as the total CO2 and fuel savings the business would make.

The tool will also recommend the ideal EV vehicles to switch to and advise on how many and what type of chargers are required to run those vehicles. It can calculate the cost of the chargers and where they should be located to ensure no loss of battery based on the trips being undertaken.

The platform works by analysing the average number of trips overall and per vehicle, the distance, regularity, usage times, usage patterns, and time spent moving versus idle.

Having trialled the tool, Nicholas Wilson, environmental project co-ordinator at Stockport Homes, said: “We have targets to have at least 60% of our fleet fully electric by 2025, to reduce CO2 emissions and become carbon neutral by 2038, in line with Greater Manchester. So the opportunity to put the EV Readiness Tool to the test was such a valuable exercise, and the results are strong. It shows we’re able to electrify a large proportion of our fleet, and in doing so prevent CO2 emissions, improve fuel consumption, and make significant cost of ownership savings over five years.

"It also advised us on how many chargers to install and where. What’s more, the ease of the evaluation was really impressive – it took no time at all.”

Barney Goffer, UK product manager at Teletrac Navman, added: “We all know a major EV transition is coming soon but it’s still an unknown space for a lot of operators. However, in the long term it’s best practice to start considering which vehicles are already viable for that switch and where financially feasible, begin the changeover.

“The EV Readiness Tool’s AI functionality takes the headache away for operators; it uses the power of AI to help our customers go from data to decisions and very easily see where they can electrify, making it a quicker, easier, and more informed discussion with internal stakeholders and financial decision makers within the business as to the best road to take towards their future electric fleet.”