How route optimisation can drive your EV fleet’s efficiency

Route optimisation

Route optimisation helps to make life easier for fleet managers by calculating the most efficient routes for drivers. It doesn’t always mean taking the shortest route between A and B, but more so about minimising mileage whilst considering a range of factors such as traffic conditions, vehicle range and driver schedules.

As we move to electric, routing has even more elements to consider, namely battery power. In the past, direct routing – i.e. taking the most direct route in the quickest time - has worked. But now energy consumption and battery level must also be taken into consideration.

Fast doesn’t always mean efficient

The time it takes for your fleet vehicles to reach each destination doesn’t always mean efficiency. Previously, in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, you’d find efficiency in fast speeds – getting from A to B in the quickest time, regardless of how many traffic lights, roundabouts or turns that route may have. But with an EV it’s quite the opposite – faster speeds will eat away at battery power far quicker, and so too will lots of braking at turnings and stopping at traffic lights. In fact, you’re likely to deplete battery charge far slower with slow acceleration, easing off the throttle early and braking gently.

Using a combination of all available telematics data, fleet managers can expect reduced mileage and saved time, whilst avoiding unnecessary - and costly – delays. Ultimately, saving your organisation money and optimising operations - especially those that work to tight service level agreements (SLAs).

And beyond the bottom-line, route optimisation is right for the planet too, minimising your fleet’s energy use, extending vehicles lifespan, and cutting carbon emissions.

All your data, in one place

Making route optimisation simpler is just one of the benefits of the new platform we’ve just introduced for our EV customers, called My Electric Vehicles. It combines and displays data in real-time for EV charge points, telematics devices and site energy consumption. This helps fleet, facilities and energy managers access the information needed to stay in complete control of their EVs and charge stations.

With all this real-time monitoring, fleet managers can make better, more informed decisions about their routes and how to optimise their operations.

If you’d like to find out more about electrifying your fleet – from initial case to vehicle choice, charging infrastructure and electricity supply – download our 8 steps to electrification guide today.