Route Monkey’s electric vehicle optimisation software (EVOS) is helping major UK fleets make the switch to EVs.

Gateshead-based Route Monkey has signed up as a partner in the Energy Saving Trust’s Plugged-In Fleets Initiative, along with EDF Energy. The partners are working with 20 organisations across England, helping them develop strategies on how to reduce emissions from road transport by integrating EVs into their fleets.

Participants include Boots, London Fire Brigade, Network Rail, Surrey County Council, Southwark Council, Tristar, the University of Cumbria, Wm Morrisons, York City Council and 11 other organisations.

Route Monkey’s EVOS software will support the programme in two ways: it can identify which existing routes are suitable for EVs before an organisation commits to purchasing electric vehicles; once the vehicles are deployed, EVOS maximises their use, ensuring fleet operators achieve the best reductions in fuel bills and emissions.

Colin Ferguson, CEO of Route Monkey, said: "Route Monkey can help make the integration of electric vehicles painless, efficient and cost-effective for fleet managers.

"Working in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust and EDF Energy, together we can offer a single source solution to fleets, helping accelerate the adoption of EVs with all the environmental and cost benefits they bring."

Route Monkey’s involvement will support the Plugged-In Fleets Initiative’s three key aims:

• To provide a tailored report for each participating fleet, showing how electric vehicles could fit into and benefit their organisation
• To offer wider practical advice for all business fleets: the Energy Saving Trust’s findings and case studies from the initiative will be published in a final report and presented at a fleet event in January 2013
• To enable fleet decision makers to purchase and use electric vehicles where they work best

In addition EDF Energy will be providing advice on vehicle recharging.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "Electric vehicles are an essential part of the low carbon revolution and I am pleased that we have been able to work with the Energy Saving Trust on its new ‘Plugged-in Fleets’ electric vehicles scheme.

"The number of electric vehicles on the market is growing all the time and fleets are already leading the way with adoption of these new technologies – this scheme will make that easier by giving fleet managers the information they need to pick the right vehicle for their business."

Route Monkey’s EVOS solution is the first scheduling and optimisation software specifically designed for electric vehicles. By using existing data from the participating fleets, EVOS clarifies which existing vehicle routes are suitable for EVs, removing range anxiety.

The optimisation software uses complex algorithms to calculate the impact of a wide range of factors on EV range capability. These include payload, average speed, ambient temperature, route topography and driver style.

Optimising the use of EVs helps fleets accomplish the most electric miles possible.

As part of the scheme – which is funded by Transport for London (TfL) and Department for Transport (DfT) – the Energy Saving Trust and partners will provide guidance to the 20 participating companies and a strategic plan for the introduction of electric vehicles into their fleets. Experts from the Energy Saving Trust, Route Monkey and EDF Energy will undertake analysis on each organisation’s fleet to identify where electric vehicles could best be used by the organisations.

Caroline Watson of the Energy Saving Trust, said: "Each of our 20 selected organisations is committed to supporting the environment by building a greener fleet, and with Route Monkey’s help we look forward to helping them make this a reality."

Ian Barnes, of Boots, said: "Being selected to take part in the Energy Saving Trust’s Plugged-in Fleets initiative is a great opportunity for us to learn how we can make savings, and benefit the environment, by introducing electric vehicles into our fleet."

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