The Impact of AI and Machine Learning on Telematics
While the flying automated cars of “The Jetsons” cartoon are still to come, the growing power of artificial intelligence is moving fleet telematics into the future. Smart telematics systems are already in use by many fleets, but the technology is moving to the next level with the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to […]
Best Practices for Managing a Shared Vehicle Pool
How many vehicles does your organization use every day? What about weekly? Monthly? According to Mike Hicks, vice president of marketing for Agile Fleet (www.agilefleet.com), these can be challenging questions for prospective clients to answer. “For many organizations, it can be difficult to track what vehicles are owned, where they are, their condition and mileage, […]
Sizing Up the Electric Pickup Truck
It seems like every time you turn around these days, there’s a new battery-electric pickup truck being unveiled. Iconic American truck builders Ford, General Motors and Ram have begun building full-size electric pickups, while startup manufacturers – such as Rivian and Canoo – are rolling out EV pickups of varying designs. Meanwhile, Elon Musk, head […]
The Latest Developments in the Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Truck Market
Fuel cells powered by hydrogen have become an attractive technology because hydrogen powers an electric motor – without plugging in, as you do with a battery-electric vehicle – and the only emission out of the tailpipe is water. Big-name truck makers including Toyota, Kenworth and Navistar have entered the fray. And then there are new […]
The State of EV Wireless Charging
As utilities adopt electric vehicles for their fleets, they face a fundamental question: wired or wireless charging? The decision could have long-term effects on the success of EV adoption. Electric utilities will be consulting with their customers on the same question. While EV plug-in charging stations are familiar sights thanks to Tesla, wireless charging is […]
Crafting a Telematics RFP
Due to the significant financial investment, fleet managers sometimes make the mistake of basing a telematics purchasing decision on cost alone, according to Steven Berube, senior business development manager for Geotab (www.geotab.com). “While choosing a low-cost provider may seem like an ideal choice at the time, fleet managers risk paying thousands in hidden costs associated […]
Navigating the Surge in Fuel Costs
High fuel prices have made it increasingly difficult for fleet operations to keep costs low – especially utility fleets, whose essential services require daily travel to job sites. According to Dan Remmert, senior manager of fleet services for Ameren Illinois, “Not only are fuel prices at record highs, but pretty much everything else it takes […]
The State of Electric Vehicle Order-to-Delivery Times
Despite manufacturers’ reassurances, vehicle delivery delays are expected. In February, Ford began deliveries of its E-Transit EV van to fleet customers, one of the earliest of the highly anticipated commercial-grade battery-powered vehicles to have its orders fulfilled. It’s a bright spot in the electric vehicle market as fleet managers keep an eye on shifting EV […]
EV Decision-Making: Telematics to the Rescue
A utility fleet manager who is considering integrating electric vehicles into their operation faces a range of questions, including how telematics data will be tapped when running a mix of trucks powered by either internal combustion engines or electric drivetrains. In other words, will it be difficult to blend the data streams from these two […]
Power Ahead: The Coming of Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Trucks
Even as electric utilities and other fleet operators are embracing battery-electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks to move to zero-emission power, another wave of alternative power is rolling in: the hydrogen fuel cell. Just as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) delivers zero-emission power, so does a fuel-cell vehicle (FCV). Thanks to several key advantages of FCV design, […]
Best Practices for Training Utility Fleet Drivers to Cut Engine Idling
Most fleet professionals understand the benefits of idle reduction. It’s the lowest of the low-hanging fruit. Unfortunately, too many fleet managers and drivers still believe certain old-school conventional wisdom, like starting a truck uses more fuel than letting it idle. Up-to-date research pokes holes in those old beliefs, but it can be hard to change […]
Use New Tech to Manage Fleet Fuel Costs More Effectively
Despite all the technology available in today’s utility trucks, the most critical connection is still between the driver’s brain and foot. But OEMs and the aftermarket are also offering tools to monitor driver and vehicle performance, and upgraded equipment can reduce the need for idling. Making smart fleet acquisition decisions can pay off as well. […]