More efficient routes, batteries and recharging to pollute less

2024 will be a decisive year for corporate fleets in two key areas: safety and decarbonisation. According to Webfleet, technologies such as artificial intelligence, applied to automotive, will create new challenges and opportunities in the industry. Reducing environmental impact has become one of the most important goals for companies. The same applies to achieving increasingly stringent emission targets. One tool available to fleet managers is the progressive electrification of the fleet, although companies that choose to go down this route still have to deal with the uncertainties associated with the recharging network. Decisive will be the massive deployment of systems that ensure the use of clean energy for charging, that optimise charging to improve battery health and increase residual value, or that make it easier to recharge vehicles at times of day when operators offer lower prices, in order to save on energy costs.

Geotab also focuses on sustainability with its Sustainability and Environmental Impact Report 2023, which highlights how data-driven insights are helping companies around the world to more efficiently measure and achieve their climate protection goals. In addition, the report explores more complex challenges related to the urgency of balancing environmental impact with business needs, such as the increase in business travel. The main contribution telematics can make is to harness data analysis and artificial intelligence to guide companies through the transformation process, enabling informed decision-making, reporting and tracking progress at all stages of the journey towards sustainability. Data on fuel consumption, routing, emissions management, optimising driving behaviour (e.g. by reducing hard braking), as well as integrating electric vehicles into fleets also help to contain costs and improve profits.

Another area where the tools offered by telematics can make a difference is the insurance world, thanks to fleet management solutions. Particularly active in this sector is Targa Telematics, which has developed new solutions to give insurance agents and brokers the opportunity to increase their business by expanding their portfolios with innovative telematics products designed for corporate customers. Among the services offered is vehicle tracking. Aimed at better optimising routes and facilitating the allocation of vehicles based on their location and availability, this service also enables maintenance planning and timely reporting on activities, as well as claims management.