FLEETDRIVE
Electric fleets are relatively new in Australia and so far , only a few fleet managers are leveraging available telematics technology that can significantly enhance both fleet efficiency and safety through data intelligence and analytics .
The case for telematics
By providing real-time traffic and weather information , telematics solutions can help fleet managers identify the most efficient routes for their vehicles , thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions in the process . This is especially important in Australia , where fleets must operate over long distances , often in remote areas where fuel and maintenance costs can be higher .
Another key benefit of this technology is its ability to track and analyse driving behaviour . With features such as driver scorecards and real-time alerts , fleet managers can identify and address unsafe or inefficient driving practices that put drivers and other road users at risk .
This powerful real-time combination of driver behaviour , vehicle performance , and route planning data provides fleet managers with multiple opportunities to make more informed decisions that improve efficiency , safety outcomes and reduce their fleet ’ s environmental impact , all the while benefiting from reduced fuel and maintenance costs in return for a modest upfront investment .
Telematics , and more specifically data intelligence , is the key to unlocking this sustainability goal as well as multiple bottomline rewards . Unfortunately , many Australian fleet managers are yet to fully embrace the potential of telematics , and their failure to do so could put them at risk of falling behind their peers in comparable developed markets such as the United States .
The Telstra 3G shutdown runway
However , there is a chance for Australian fleets to catch-up , and the runway to change begins now with Telstra ’ s looming June 2024 3G network shutdown , which will mean that legacy in-vehicle modem-based systems that connect with this network will become instantly redundant .
But rather than seeing this as a significant obstacle , I see the switchover to 4G as a oncein-a-generation hardware upgrade opportunity for Australia ’ s fleet managers , enabling them to realise multiple data-led benefits that a more powerful cellular network will bring .
If you ’ re a fleet manager , the first step is to find out if you have a 3G connected fleet , and how long it has been since you did an audit of your needs . This will give you a clearer idea if you could be vulnerable when 3G is switched off .
You should also assess your priorities , and then figure out which 4G technologies might best address them . Do you want to go paperless ? Are your maintenance costs out of control ? Is safety more of a concern ? Do you want to include more EVs in your fleet , and are you looking for a scalable approach to reducing carbon emissions ?
Understanding these priorities will help you best plan for a staggered rollout between now and the 3G sunset so that you are not left in the dark . And by getting ahead of the 3G network switch off and switchover , Australian fleet managers can play a more significant role in helping Australia achieve its emissions reduction targets .
My final word of caution – do not leave your planning too late .
Sean Killen is Vice President for Latin America , Asia , and Australia / New Zealand , Geotab
About Geotab
Geotab and its partners have provided connected transportation solutions to over 3.2 million vehicles globally to date and is committed to helping Australia ’ s commercial fleets achieve their full sustainability potential .
ISSUE 40 MAY 2023 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU 17