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EV charging infrastructure for fleets – Where to start

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The simple fact is that electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of transport. A recent report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that one battery electric car is registered every 60 seconds and that exponential growth in EVs is being accelerated by fleet sales.

It’s clear that those in the fleet industry are well-versed when it comes to the procurement of EVs. However, this is only one part – albeit vital – in any EV transition plans for fleet operations of all sizes and across all sectors.

The challenge often lies in understanding exactly how, and where to start, when it comes to the implementation of effective EV charging solutions that will resonate with both employers and employees.

For those involved, it may seem as though the transition to EV is a huge task. It doesn’t need to be such a daunting journey. Concerns surrounding EV charging simply shouldn’t stall the rollout of cost-effective, efficient and, most importantly, accessible EV charging infrastructure plans.

There may not be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to EV chargepoint infrastructure – but it is simply about keeping the three ‘Rs’ front of mind – right time, right location, and right speed.

The light at the end of the tunnel is that help from EV and electrical infrastructure specialists – such as SMS – is available.  Working with a trusted partner can make the whole EV transition process simple – helping to deploy and optimise successful small and large-scale EV infrastructure projects from start to finish. From supporting a workable plan and advising on the appropriate EV software and hardware to meet individual fleet needs, to advising on energy trade and supply needs.

If you want to learn more about how SMS can help with your fleet’s transition to EV, please connect with the team at Fleet Summit.

The WhichEV View: Stellantis opens 100% EV-only UK manufacturing plant

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There is a lot of talk in the media about the fact that the UK government has put in place provisions to ensure that every electric vehicle sold in the UK must use material sourced in the UK. That amount needs to be 40% of the total production of each vehicle.
This has led to the opening or commitment to open at least three large-scale EV battery plants. Stellantis has taken this one step further, by committing a £100 million investment in Elsmere Port.
This will be the first 100% EV production plant in the United Kingdom and will create a lot of jobs both inside the factory and the surrounding area and along the supply chains for the plant itself. The initial focus will be on van like products either for personal or commercial use…
To read more about this Stallantis initiative, head over to WhichEV.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: ChargePoint for Businesses

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ChargePoint is creating a new fueling network to move people and goods on electricity. Since 2007, ChargePoint has been committed to making it easy for businesses and drivers to go electric with one of the largest EV charging networks and a comprehensive portfolio of charging solutions.

The ChargePoint cloud subscription platform and software-defined charging hardware are designed to include options for every charging scenario from home and multifamily to workplace, parking, hospitality, retail, and transport fleets of all types.

Today, one ChargePoint account provides access to hundreds of thousands of places to charge in North America and Europe. To date, more than 158 million charging sessions have been delivered, with drivers plugging into the ChargePoint network on average every second.

Find out more at www.chargepoint.com.

How to transition to electric fleet vehicles using Fleet Management Software

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By Barney Goffer, UK Product Manager at Teletrac Navman UK

The recent expansion of London’s ULEZ zone, meaning non-compliant cars or vans will face £12.50 daily charge to drive into the zone, has sparked debate across fleets in the UK.

According to recent research, rising operations costs are one of the biggest worries for fleets, and while many are considering changing to alternative fuels, the majority are not ready to make the switch – or simply don’t know where to begin.

Whether they’re being welcomed with open arms or they might take some getting used to, clean air zones are going to be a part of major UK cities, so the sooner fleet managers get educated on their current fleet status and how best to transition, the better and more prepared they’ll be to make the switch in a sustainable and stress-free way.

Although this process may seem daunting at first, electric vehicle management software can simplify the transition process in many different ways. Additionally, this software provides you with a holistic view of a fleet’s transition to electric vehicles by providing actionable data and detailed insights into operational costs and next steps.

To ensure a successful transition to electric vehicles, businesses should take a data-driven approach. The good news is that the information sits within telematics platforms and with the right vehicle type segmentation and an understanding of the key data points to focus on, fleet operators can build a data driven transition plan pretty easily.

Key considerations to be taken into account include fleet vehicle type, separated by weight and size, as well as various data points collected by telematics software – including but not limited to duty cycles, dwell time and trip locations. Once all of the above has been collated and reviewed, practical implications such as cost of ownership, fuel consumption and charging infrastructure come into play, along with government schemes and incentives and driver training to onboard teams onto the new fleet.

While it sounds like a lot, the EV Readiness Tool has been developed by Teletrac Navman, to simplify the process and automate the planning of an electric fleet transition. By using current fleet information to analyse all the key factors, the tool uses artificial intelligence to generate an actionable list of recommendations, suggesting where changes to the fleet will have the greatest impact on business. The software also supports hybrid fleet models, allowing for greater scalability as traditional ICE vehicles are replaced with new EVs.

If you’re ready to learn more about how the EV Readiness Tool can help your fleet transition to an electric vehicle fleet, contact our team today who are ready to talk you through how it all works.

IN FOCUS: Teletrac Navman’s EV Readiness Tool 

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By Barney Goffer (pictured), UK Product Manager at Teletrac Navman UK

With the government bringing the ban on selling new petrol and diesel vehicles forward to 2030 and most major UK cities booming with clean air zones or about to launch one, operators need to have a clear understanding on where their fleet stands, and what exactly can be done to maintain an efficient and compliant operation.

From talking to our customer base, we can see a few fleets have ambitious plans to switch everything to electric, while others are waiting and focusing on immediate issues such as supply chain issues and economic challenges. Making greener choices doesn’t need to be this huge overnight change as that can be unrealistic for many fleets. This is more about being empowered with the right data to make the most informed decision for your fleet and your business. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know.

Fleet operators need to be able to make the switch in the most informed and sustainable way, and that’s where technology has a big role to play. Teletrac Navman’s EV readiness tool gives fleet operators all the information they need to be able to look at the full picture and make an informed choice – to begin transitioning now, or to plan for it in the future.

By using smart algorithms to assess trip data, the tool provides fleet operators with insight into the feasibility of switching to EV, amongst other elements including suitable vehicles in-market, total cost of ownership, fuel savings and environmental impact. It examines whether a fleet is viable for switching and rather than providing a blanket yes or no, the customisable platform can offer a forensic analysis of vehicle use-data to provide a phased approach to transitioning to an EV fleet.

As well as having a huge positive impact on emissions and a company’s eco commitments, switching to EV can also save companies time and money if done correctly.

Visit Teletrac Navman’s website for more information.

The WhichEV View: Affordable EVs now arriving with 300+ mile range

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By WhichEV

This multi-award winning MG4 EV design has now been revised with a much stronger power train/battery combination, with the updated version now offering a 323 mile range. That means the car is is likely to be able to complete London>Manchester without stopping – opening up new possibilities for fleet users.

As WhichEV points out in its Care of the Year guide, theMG4 EV costs less than half as much as a Tesla Model Y, and as a result is the more significant new arrival in the last 12 months.

It probably won’t sell as many units as the Model Y even after a full year on the market, but it draws a line in the sand about EV pricing. While the MG4 EV uses some cheap materials and still needs a little more work in its infotainment (albeit much better than before), in every area it’s more than just acceptable.

In fact, it’s great to drive, immensely practical, and – most importantly – sets a new benchmark for EV value. If any car released in the last year sets the direction for electric cars, it’s the MG4 EV. This car comes close to making EVs better than ICE in every way – including sticker price.

Read WhichEV’s full review of the original MG4 EV.

The WhichEV View: 2023 UK EV sales pass landmark half-year figure

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So far in 2023, almost 600,000 cars have been sold with some kind of electric drive motor inside – compared to only 455,000 with just a petrol engine.

Pure battery electric vehicles have accounted for over 175,000 sales so far – which means the year could end with well over 300,000 new EV sales in the UK.

More EVs were sold in 2021 than in the first 10 years of modern EV sales (from 2010 to 2019).

Now we’re almost seeing that level of sales in one half of a year.

For a full analysis of the data, hop on over to WhichEV.

How to reduce you carbon footprint using Fleet Management Software

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By Barney Goffer (pictured), UK Product Manager at Teletrac Navman UK

More consumers and businesses than ever are expecting brands and suppliers to address climate change in a meaningful way. One method fleet operators are using to reduce their carbon footprint is through software that uses smart algorithms to analyse trip data and identify which vehicles in their fleet are suitable for the transition to EV – even showing the total cost of ownership comparisons to help make the business case.

In fact, 30% of fleet operators are planning to accelerate their transition to electric fleets over the next year according to our recent TS23 Global Telematics Survey.

While this is an excellent solution for many companies, a comprehensive transition can also take time to complete, so there are many steps that can be taken sooner to reduce a carbon footprint, particularly with the help of fleet management software. These proactive measures are not only good for the environment, but also for a company’s bottom line.

  1. More Efficient Travel

Poor route planning results in lost productivity, increased fuel spend and underutilised assets. In terms of carbon footprint, the extra travel results in greater emissions on longer routes and the potential for increased idling as employees wait for additional assignments.

With better vehicle tracking systems and real-time route planning, dispatch teams with large fleets can assign jobs more effectively, eliminating downtime between jobs, as well re-route quickly and efficiently if traffic is becoming a problem.

  1. Decreasing Idling

An idling vehicle is an inefficient vehicle. Heavy-duty diesel engines such as those in long-haul trucks put off a significant number of pollutants while idling. In addition to increased emissions, idling also wastes fuel.

With fleet management software, fleet managers can track engine idle time more efficiently. This data can also be used to create and enforce anti-idle policies within a fleet, leading to an overall reduction in fleet vehicle emissions.

  1. Better Vehicle Performance

Due to their heavy daily use, poorly maintained fleet vehicles are more likely to experience mechanical issues that can result in increased emissions, such as fuel injection problems, sensor issues or faulty exhaust systems.

With fleet management software and pre-trip checklists, your team can spot issues with a fleet vehicle early, preventing faulty vehicles from being in service for prolonged periods.

Fleet management software can have a positive impact on reducing a company’s carbon footprint. By putting actionable data at decision makers’ fingertips, businesses can potentially reduce your fleet’s impact on climate change and increase your profit margins.

Barbie-mania: Barbie’s 10 best cars through the years – and how much the fleet would be worth today!

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She’s finally here, and she is the moment. Barbiemania is gripping the world, with Greta Gerwig’s new Barbie film debuting in cinemas around the world on Friday 21st July. The movie has created quite a stir, from causing an international shortage of the pink used throughout the film, to the viral, madcap interviews done by stars Margot Robbie (Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (Ken).

Since the first Barbie doll was released almost 65 years ago, she’s become the proud owner of a fleet of supercars – everything from Ferraris and Fiats to Porsches and VW Beetles. Here, the vehicle finance specialists at Anglo Scottish take a look at 10 of Barbie’s most iconic cars, and how much they’d be worth today!

Barbie through the years

First appearing to the world on March 9 1959, Barbie has had so many cars over the years that she could start a (very pink) dealership! Full name Barbara Millicent Roberts, Barbie was created by American businesswoman Ruth Handler, and named after her daughter.

Before Barbie’s coming out party, girls’ toys were largely limited to baby dolls, which promoted traditional values of motherhood – but Barbie dolls showed the women of tomorrow to dream bigger. She’s been to space, run for president, and pursued multiple careers in STEM.

And, over the years, she’s had a car collection that would put some of the world’s biggest petrolheads to shame. She’s had plenty of iconic wheels through the years, but which are the best and most popular?

Austin-Healey 3000 MKII

Barbie got her first car in 1962 – an Austin-Healey Roadster. Usually seen with a tasteful salmon pink paintjob, this lively convertible brought a bit of top-down fun to the US highways. Lauded in commercials for its “exquisite precision design,” it had room for Ken in the passenger seat and was even available as a novelty car-shaped alarm clock.

Today’s estimated worth: £60,000

Mercedes-Benz 190SL

The second car in the Barbie garage kept the convertible aesthetic alive. The 190SL is one of the most iconic Mercedes ever made – the perfect for the most iconic doll ever. In today’s money, this would be the most expensive car in Barbie’s collection, and is sought after by motoring enthusiasts around the world.

Today’s estimated worth: £130,000

Star-Vette

In the ‘70s, the Barbie team felt she deserved an all-American muscle car to help really capture the American dream. Cue the Star-Vette – “the dream machine for Barbie doll and all her friends!” Corvette was a natural choice to begin building out the Barbie fleet, and she’s had over 20 more models added to her roster since the Star-Vette was released in 1976.

Sold in purple and pink variations for Europe and the US respectively, the Star-Vette was appropriately adorned with stars and stripes decals.

Today’s estimated value: £17,000

Star Traveller

Admittedly, the Star Traveller wasn’t Barbie’s first holiday vehicle. She’d kicked off the RV range with the Country Camper in 1970, complete with sliding doors, foldable camping chairs and even its own theme tune.

However, the six-wheeler Star Traveller took things to the next level. Based off of a GMC Motorhome, the Star Traveller clocked in at over three feet long, came with a fully-equipped kitchen, improved camping equipment and tasteful décor with go-faster stripes. Perfect for those weekends away with Ken!

Today’s estimated value: £20,000

Ferrari 328 GTS

With the release of the Barbie Ferrari in 1987, the world’s most-popular doll took her wheels to the next level. Marketed as the Red-Hot Barbie Ferrari, it came in red – understandably. The (very 80s) commercial showed Ken jumping in the passenger seat and Barbie taking him for a spin.

In 1988, she added a white version to the collection, and since then, she’s had plenty more exciting Ferraris – more on that later…

Today’s estimated value: £90,000

Jeep Wrangler

Come on Barbie, let’s go… off-road? In 1988, she became the proud owner of a 4×4 Jeep, and added a wrangler to the collection in 1999. Her affinity with these rugged off-roaders has carried all the way through to the present day, with today’s range of Barbie toys even featuring a ride-on battery powered Jeep!

Today’s estimated value: £10,000

Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

The first Porsche in Barbie’s collection, this 911, added in 1992, maintained the convertible tradition. Complete with real working headlights and BARBIE plates, the iconic 911 started our gal’s obsession with Porsches – she later became the proud owner of a Porsche Boxster too.

Today’s estimated value: £70,000

Volkswagen Beetle

Probably the most modest car in Barbie’s garage is the humble VW Beetle – but even when she’s not behind the wheel of a supercar or a hot convertible, she still goes for iconic cars. Her Beetle was first released in 2000, and continues to be manufactured today as one of her most popular cars.

Today’s estimated value: £1000

Ferrari F2003

Barbie’s most expensive and rarest car ever is the Ferrari F2003 F1 car. Specially produced for a Barbie Collectors’ Convention, this Formula One car boasts a whopping 930hp. It’s certainly faster than the Beetle – it’s a good job there’s a Ferrari Scuderia Barbie to try and tame this beast!

And, with the McLaren F1 team collaborating with the Barbie Movie team on Twitter last week ahead of the Hungarian GP, there could yet be another F1 car on the horizon for Barbie…

Today’s estimated value: £13,000,000

Fiat 500

In 2009, Barbie added a Fiat 500 to her extensive garage – perhaps the iconic car for the 21st century woman. The Fiat 500 was her car of choice until 2012, before she returned to the VW Beetle in 2014. In 2021, she was back in the Fiat – convertible of course.

Today’s estimated value: £3000

With all these cars and plenty more in the garage, it seems Barbie would be very, very rich if she ever decided to sell up any of her cars. The combined value of these cars total almost £13,500,000 – even if the vast majority of its value is dictated by her F1 car. That’s not even counting the tens of other models released between these standout sets of wheels!

And, on top of that, there’s the third party brands, who created plenty of unofficial Barbie cars – including a convertible pink Rolls-Royce, which was marketed as suitable for “11 ½ inch fashion dolls, such as Barbie, Sindy, Michael Jackson doll and more…”

With those included, you have to wonder exactly how much Barbie’s entire collection would be worth in today’s money.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ClearInspect ‘Self Inspection’ functionality enables Leasing / Contract hire / Subscription providers to assess vehicle condition remotely

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Unreported damage in leased / rented/ subscription fleets

Fleet owners would like to know the condition of their vehicles during the term of use and just prior to end of lease to assess damages, generate repair estimates and also plan for repairs.

  1. Physical checks sending assessors to customer locations is impractical and expensive and it is inconvenient for end users to bring their vehicles in for inspection on a regular basis.
  2. End users are not trained to carry out inspections and hence quality of the assessment could be poor if not guided properly.
  3. Some end users may want to hide parts of the vehicle while capturing images (where there are damages)
  4. There is significant admin effort required in reviewing these inspections, generating repair estimates and planning for repairs.
  5. They would also like to prepare payment plans to recover repair costs from their end users over a reasonable amount of time rather than postpone it till the end-of-lease

Making remote damage assessment efficient

With ClearInspect self inspection functionality, fleet admins can create custom weblinks and share with their customers via email on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on usage. End users open the weblinks on a mobile browser on their smartphones and are guided through the inspection process. With ClearInspect real time AI, images captured are checked in real time if they meet the necessary criteria so users cannot skip parts of the vehicle. Images uploaded by end users are automatically analysed for damages and a condition report highlighting all the damages is generated for fleet admins to view. Optional feature enables generation of repair estimates based on damages identified.

Weblink based inspections carried out by end users is an efficient way for fleet owners to know the condition of their vehicles during the lease/rental/subscription term (mid term) and towards the end. Combined with automated damage assessment and repair cost estimation it reduces admin overhead significantly.

About ClearQuote Technologies Limited

ClearInspect is a product of ClearQuote Technologies Limited includes clients in Australia, UK, Europe & India and powers several thousand vehicle inspections a day. Visit https://clearinspect.co.uk for more information or write to hello@clearinspect.co.uk for a demo and a free trial.