Opinion: Keeping the fleet moving with EV management software

By Alok Dubey, regional director for western Europe at Monta

Fleets are increasingly utilising electric vehicles (EVs) in order to get across the country, with rising access to DC charge points being spread across motorway service stations, and AC charging being able to be utilised from anywhere. 

As well as making use of affordable EV charging infrastructure, moving away from fossil fuels also demonstrates a social responsibility that customers take into account more often today.

An end-to-end solution for fleet management is vital to keeping charging well connected. Fleet and facility managers, as well as working drivers across an array of sectors, need to be fully assured that their operations on the road can stay sufficiently powered throughout journeys.

The EV infrastructure underpinning charging networks must stay efficient to keep up with growth in vehicle production and operation. This means ensuring full accessibility to charging points on the road for fully operational roaming, as well as self-service and financial elements including reimbursement for drivers.

Fleet management challenges

Fleet managers are always looking to balance the safety and productivity of their drivers.

While goods and services need to get to their designated locations as soon as possible, this also comes with the requirement of monitoring the long periods spent driving and ensuring that breaks are taken in line with keeping vehicles charged. 

Not only is EV battery health top of mind, but also the need to minimise strain on the grid, in order to avoid possible energy outages.
The costs involved in maintaining electric vehicles at scale are also a key consideration for fleet managers. 

With the variety of EV charging network suppliers operating today - all with their own prices for peak and off-peak times of the day - it pays to keep track of expenses. Additionally, there is the challenge of scaling operations with charging in mind, keeping up with rising demand.

Investing in a centralised portal for managing the charging and management of electric fleet vehicles can aid mitigation of all of these challenges, providing fleet managers with peace of mind when remotely overseeing all vehicles out on jobs.

Centralising processes and insights

Access to centralised, 360-degree insights, around the clock, is necessary to ensure that fleet operators and drivers can keep vehicles sufficiently powered while on the road. 

Users can keep track of current battery status, real-time performance and predictive analytics, and regulatory compliance - all in one location.

Drivers can use an app to find the nearest charge points for ease of maintenance on the road, as well as manage payments and invoicing once charging is complete. 

Alongside this, EV charge point platforms need to provide guidance on how to maintain efficiency when going about work and facilitate seamless charging without needing to retrieve bank cards or phone payment apps. 

Self-service software management is accessible for fleet managers and drivers, from anywhere.

Keeping one eye on battery life and health, applications on the market can help to optimise energy usage and reduce possible strain on the power grid. 

With speed being key to fleet operations, reducing steps towards consistent EV maintenance and using a central digital hub can prove ideal for keeping drivers moving in the long run.

Reimbursement and incentives for drivers

As well as travelling long distances to meet customer needs, fleet drivers also need to efficiently reimburse themselves for keeping electric vehicles charged.

Fleet managers can apply for sponsored charging in order to compensate the business for charging the vehicles of all drivers on the payroll. Just by signing up for a scheme, fleet companies can set up reimbursement for every charge going forward. If necessary, monthly reimbursement is also available.

What is more, following the budget announcements, there is continued support from the government to aid the adoption of electric vehicles. There are a number of national incentive programmes out there for reimbursement of fleet-wide charging.

Future-proofing EV fleet management

Taking advantage of a singular data and payment hub for EV charging across growing fleets is sure to reduce the headaches involved in scaling operations. 

Sustaining efficiencies for new and long-term drivers alike, now and in the future, is vital to the continued adoption of electric vehicles for professional use.