Fleet briefs: Latest from Vital EV, Paua and Fleetcor

Vital EV announces variants of Kempower EV chargers

Vital EV has announced that 1000v and 400kW variants of its Kempower electric vehicle (EV) chargers will be available from Q3, 2022.

The new 1000v and 400kW chargers will help deliver faster charging times and increase vehicle uptime, said Vital EV.

The new variant employs liquid-cooled cables to accommodate the increased current and, subject to varying factors, can charge a conventional electric truck with a 260kWh battery (10%-80%) in less than 30 minutes.

Liam Campbell, marketing manager at Vital EV, said: “Both models are crucial to reducing charging times, which is particularly beneficial to vehicles with larger batteries like heavy-duty commercial vehicles.”

The new model increases the S-Series’ power-to-footprint ratio to 400kW from less than 0.1m², which is similar to an A4 sheet of paper.

In addition to the new 400kW S-Series, all Vital EV’s range of chargers will be available in 1000v variants.

Paua adds Connected Kerb to charging network

Paua has added Connected Kerb to its network and drivers using Paua’s EV charging solutions can now find, charge, and pay for charging services on Connected Kerb’s charging network.

Paua’s network now covers 14,800 charge point connectors across England and Wales.

Connected Kerb said recent contract signatures will extend this beyond 2,500 in the coming weeks.

Ben Boutcher-West, chief data officer at Connected Kerb, said: “This is an essential part of enabling a full EV transition, supporting longer journeys and those that travel for work.”

Data providers partner to simplify integration of automotive market data

Cap HPI, Auto Trader and Experian have partnered with a new business to help simplify and accelerate the integration of market data for fleet, dealer, software providers and other automotive websites, apps, and services.

Mark Fretwell, formerly of CAP and Chrysalis Solmotive, has launched One Auto API, which helps reduce the time needed to receive and integrate market data feeds "from months to hours".

The company said One Auto API simplifies integrating data into apps or websites with self-serve instant data access and a single API (application programming interface) which handles data from multiple services through a single dashboard.

The company said the system also makes it easier for businesses receiving data from multiple sources by harmonising parameter naming.

The company said it means fleet managers can access market intelligence from Cap HPI, Auto Trader, Experian and other insight providers while managing billing and technical documentation through a single dashboard and one monthly invoice.

Fretwell said: “We wanted to solve the problem of complex data licensing and integration by eliminating most of the costs in time and energy that make it such hard work for automotive businesses to get up and running then manage their essential data feeds.

"One Auto API achieves that by reducing implementation time from typically several months to as little as a few hours and then making billing and documentation accessible through a single clear dashboard, using a self-service model.

Nationwide Windscreen Services adds Europcar to client portfolio

Nationwide Windscreen Services (NWS) has secured a contract to provide advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration and vehicle glass repair and replacement (VGRR) services for Europcar Mobility Group UK customers.

The contract will see NWS assist Europcar customers across the UK and Northern Ireland 24 hours a day, seven days a week either at the customer’s home or business location or at one of the NWS fitting centres.

The contract with Europcar is the latest for NWS as it extends its services in the vehicle rental marketplace.

Ron Santiago, managing director (MD) at Europcar Mobility Group UK, said: “First and foremost we want to provide our customers with the smoothest journey.

“It’s crucial, therefore, that should they experience a damaged windscreen while using one of our vehicles we can help them get this resolved as quickly as possible.

“The partnership with NWS provides national coverage with expert technicians, giving our customers peace of mind that if they have a windscreen issue it will be dealt with expertly and efficiently.”

Fleetcor recognised by mental health charity

Fleetcor has been credited with a Gold Award in the Workplace Wellbeing Index awards by Mind, the mental health charity.

The Gold Award is given to employers who have embedded mental health into their policies and practices and demonstrates a commitment to staff mental health, said Fleetcor.

The charity’s Workplace Wellbeing Index is a benchmark of best policy and practice, and its awards celebrate the achievements of its participants, recognising employers taking action to prioritise better mental health in the workplace.

Alan King, Fleetcor group Ppresident, global fleet, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised by Mind for the way in which we support our employees and colleagues with their mental health.

“It’s important that the focus is on our staff and ensuring they are advocated for with tools and initiatives now and long into the future.”

In its second year completing the Mind Workplace Wellbeing Index, Fleetcor has been recognised for its commitment to mental health and wellbeing and gone one better from last year, in winning gold.

Fleetcor provides all staff managers training in managing mental health and providing specialised training to more than 20 employees to become Mental Health First Aiders.

The organisation also offers membership to meditation apps, counselling, and mental health support services for all staff, as well as holding webinars and seminars to promote awareness, and a dedicated inbox for mental health enquiries.

Fleetcor’s Wellbeing and Mental First Health First Aiders support employees and ensure the company’s dedicated Mental and Physical Wellbeing Policy is upheld.

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