June 11, 2024
Telematics and Fleet Management: Integrating Software for EVs
6 Min. Read
From real-time monitoring to data-driven route optimization, telematics unlocks innovative use cases for fleet managers looking to enhance efficiency.
Telematics is especially valuable in the context of fleet electrification, where software solutions can leverage more data points and address potential challenges—for instance, by optimizing charging.
In this article, we take a closer look at the strategic benefits of using telematics in fleet management.
Understanding Telematics for EVs
Dating back to the rise of GPS technology in the 1990s, the concept—and use—of telematics isn’t new. Since then, many fleets have successfully adopted telematics to monitor vehicles, manage cargo, or track driver productivity.
But while this concept may date back decades, it’s application in EVs is only just beginning.
Researchers have predicted a 30% annual growth rate for electric fleet vehicles with as many as 28% of light commercial vehicles and 240 million fleet vehicles globally expected to be electric by 2030, illustrating a clear trend toward fleet electrification. With enhanced data and cutting-edge technology, electric vehicles are taking fleet telematics to the next level, with a broader range of data points available and new use cases emerging.
Electric vehicles (EVs) use advanced sensors to monitor battery health, charging status, cargo load, speed, braking, and more. The rise of big data for fleets also makes incorporating insights from external sources, such as your EV charging network, a partner’s supply chain, and even weather or traffic reports, more accessible and manageable than ever.
Integrating telematics and fleet management is a smart strategy that can optimize your electric fleet at every level by providing comprehensive insights into vehicle and driver performance, EV charger efficiency, and even predictive analytics based on various factors so you can ensure your fleet is operating at maximum capacity while minimizing avoidable downtime.
Fleet managers who are willing to adopt modern solutions can use data from a wide range of sources to address potential hurdles linked to fleet EVs, including monitoring battery levels in real time or incorporating charging sessions into planned routes.
Benefits of Integrating Fleet Management Software for EVs
While telematics alone can provide incredible data and analytics, a successful fleet management strategy also requires fleet management software that centralizes data sources and turns them into actionable, ready-to-use insights for fleet managers and other key players.
With the fleet management market predicted to grow to $71 billion by 2030, more fleets are adopting these modern digital solutions, and staying competitive in this evolving market will require fleet management software to enhance the telematics of your EV fleet.
It’s essential to select an EV-specific fleet management tool to access features that support charging optimization and other use cases unique to electric fleets.
Data-Driven Optimization of Telematics and Fleet Management
Combining telematics and fleet management creates a data-first approach that is particularly relevant for businesses managing multiple locations or decentralized fleets.
It also supports a business culture that leverages data to make better decisions, relying on historical insights and smart predictions to manage risks and identify growth opportunities.
Building a modern data-driven process often reveals insights that would have been overlooked otherwise, potentially resulting in a competitive edge, lower fleet TCO, and higher ROI.
Providing Real Results for EV Fleets
Data-driven EV fleet management also solves the issue of determining and planning an effective EV charging strategy for fleet vehicles based on your driving needs.
A software solution can help identify your fleets’ charging demands and automatically schedule EV charging around routes—identifying the best time and place to charge based on budget and other requirements whether your fleet uses at-home charging, depot charging, public charging, or a mixed strategy.
It’s also ideal for optimizing complex routes with multiple stops, implementing dynamic changes to routes at the last minute, and creating flexible schedules for drivers. This modern approach to route optimization can result in a better experience for everyone involved, from your drivers to key stakeholders within the company.
While this approach is largely beneficial for your employees and the enhanced operations of your company, your customers will also experience a difference in the quality of your services.
Advanced route optimization solutions make deliveries and arrival times more predictable, and you can integrate fleet management tools with communication channels to share updates with customers.
Fleet Telematics Challenges and Considerations
There are many opportunities that come with implementing an EV fleet telematics solution, but it is important to still be aware of potential challenges that may arise as you navigate the complex landscape of electric vehicle management.
Once you understand how to prepare for and overcome these challenges, your business will be able to thrive with the integration of EV fleet telematics.
Changing IT Needs
Adopting a fleet management solution that integrates data from multiple sources will make you more reliant on your IT infrastructure, and as a result, you may require a few upgrades to fully support this technology.
You should consider the associated cost and decide whether it’s best to outsource IT and data management or grow your internal tech team.
Data Privacy and Security
Data is a valuable asset to your organization and you will need a data management process to protect it, with strategies such as secured storage solutions or anonymized data.
It is also essential to clearly communicate with your drivers, partners, and customers about the data you collect, how you protect stored data, and how you utilize collected data to enhance trust and transparency.
Learning Curve
Adopting EV-specific fleet management software comes with a learning curve for your fleet management team and it may be a beneficial long-term strategy to invest in data analysis and data management training for better results.
Choosing the right software vendor for your fleet management solution can go a long way in addressing these potential challenges. Look for a vendor who not only can help with integration but also offers comprehensive training and ongoing tech support to ensure smooth operation and long-term success.
Explore EVs and Telematics With Qmerit
Telematics can enhance fleet efficiency, reduce TCO, and support data-driven fleet management decisions. EVs open new possibilities with more data points than ever, but managers must consider potential challenges linked to integrating data from multiple sources and navigating a complex IT infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, investing in telematics is a smart strategy that enhances the many benefits of EVs.
Developing an electrification strategy for your fleet is more accessible with the right partner by your side. As a trusted installation solutions provider, Qmerit is making the EV ecosystem accessible to organizations such as yours.
As the largest and most trusted electrification network in North America, our network of certified electricians has installed over 450,000 EV charging stations in homes and businesses across the U.S. and Canada.
We’ve earned our reputation as the most experienced and high-quality electrification service and EV charger installation network, and with our experience and commitment to your business paired with our extensive partnerships among leading telematics and fleet management software companies, we can help make your transition easy.
Find out how an electric vehicle fleet can help build your business for the future. With a simple and seamless installation experience and top-quality service you can trust, Qmerit makes driving electric easy.
Contact Qmerit today to learn how we can support your fleet electrification project and help you enjoy the benefits of a seamless EV experience without the typical complexities of EV charger installation.
