Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) and achieving fleet decarbonisation is no longer a distant goal but a pressing priority for fleet managers worldwide. Teletrac Navman’s recent webinar, Successful EV Transition: Unlock Data-Driven Strategies with Predictive Analytics, offered an illuminating roadmap to simplify this complex journey.
The drive toward fleet decarbonisation
The global drive to reduce carbon emissions is reshaping the transportation landscape. EVs are becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand, and it’s easy to see why: they offer cleaner energy, lower fuel costs, and less maintenance. The Government’s goal of 10,000 EV charge points by 2030 is a strong indicator for this shift. Yet hurdles remain. High EV purchase costs, sparse public charging infrastructure – the range anxiety is real, with New Zealand ranking last in the league table with only 1,200 EV chargers – and uncertainties around emerging technologies.
For businesses with a fleet of vehicles, switching from traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) to EVs isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are upfront costs, infrastructure requirements, and some learning curves for employees along the way. The transition to EVs isn’t instantaneous as it requires strategic planning and time. A key takeaway from the webinar was the importance of planning ahead for a successful switch. Transitioning involves several critical steps. As an example below is the timeline of a Teletrac Navman customer, a UK-based fleet with 40 vehicles.
- Fleet analysis: 2-3 months, depending on availability of data.
- Infrastructure analysis: 2-3 months.
- Financial planning: 6 months.
- Vehicle procurement: 3-9 months, influenced by infrastructure readiness.
- Rollout: Continuous, with regular reassessments to adapt to market and operational changes.
Heading into the new year is a great time for fleet managers to start planning to ensure their electrification efforts are seamless and sustainable. Recognising the complexities of this journey, Teletrac Navman is helping fleet operators navigate the energy transition with expert guidance, predictive analytics and its Electric Vehicle Evaluator (EVE).
Predictive analytics and telematics play a transformative role in electrification, turning high-definition fleet data into actionable strategies. Data on routes, topography, dwell times, and cargo loads provides a comprehensive understanding of fleet patterns. These insights guide operators in determining which vehicles to electrify, where to position chargers, and how to optimise energy usage. For example, by analysing vehicle duty cycles, fleet managers can identify suitable battery and charger configurations, ensuring the most efficient deployment of resources.
Smarter planning with Teletrac Navman’s EVE
Teletrac Navman’s EVE streamlines this process by integrating feasibility planning, financial modelling, and infrastructure design into a single platform. EVE’s predictive capabilities enable fleet operators to assess the practicality of electrifying specific vehicles based on trip and cargo data. The tool also evaluates the financial implications, comparing the total cost of ownership (TCO) for electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. These insights support strategic capital expenditure decisions, paving the way for a commercially viable energy transition.
A standout case study highlighted during the webinar demonstrated EVE’s capabilities. A UK-based fleet with 13 vehicles used EVE to reimagine its charging infrastructure. Initially, the depot planned for 13 chargers to accommodate its fleet, but EVE’s managed charging software reduced this requirement to just five. This optimisation not only slashed infrastructure costs but also ensured operational efficiency, demonstrating the tool’s ability to align sustainability goals with financial realities.
Teletrac Navman’s EVE also addresses infrastructure complexities. The tool models site-specific energy requirements, factoring in variables like weather conditions, charger power levels, and base load fluctuations. This level of customisation ensures fleets can design charging setups that sustain operations without overburdening existing energy resources. Furthermore, EVE’s ability to integrate public charging networks expands operational flexibility and reduces energy demand.
To complement EVE, Teletrac Navman’s Sustainability Dashboard provides fleet managers with real-time insights into their progress toward decarbonisation targets. The dashboard consolidates key metrics, offering a clear score out of 100 to measure achievements. It highlights areas for improvement, tracks fuel cost savings, and simplifies emissions reporting, both internally and externally. This holistic approach allows fleet managers to meet sustainability goals while maintaining transparency and accountability.
The industry’s shift toward electrification is gaining traction, with global EV adoption projected to reach 35% by 2035. The journey to a carbon-neutral fleet is complex, but Teletrac Navman’s innovative solutions simplify the process. Tools like EVE and the Sustainability Dashboard are essential companions, empowering fleet operators to lead the charge into a cleaner, smarter future.
So, is 2025 your year to make the switch? With Teletrac Navman by your side, the road to electrification can look much clearer. Watch the full webinar for a deeper dive into these insights and strategies.