Opinion: Route optimisation is key | Day 2

By Aaron Jarvis, associate VP, sales and business development, EMEA, Geotab

With government initiatives and corporate sustainability goals fuelling demand, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum across sectors, from logistics to corporate fleets and public transport. The UK 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles has further accelerated this adoption, making EVs a central component of fleet strategies.

As a result, fleet managers are tasked with navigating this evolving landscape, adopting new technologies to ensure both operational efficiency and alignment with their organisations' net-zero goals.

Evolving role of fleet managers in a sustainable future

As organisations shift toward sustainable fleet management, the role of fleet managers has expanded. No longer solely focused on asset and schedule management, they are now agents of change, implementing sustainable practices that align with their organisation’s environmental targets. They are tasked with ensuring that fleet operations contribute meaningfully to a net-zero future while still meeting operational goals.

Gone are also the days when telematics was viewed only as software for vehicle tracking and safety monitoring. Today’s advanced platforms have evolved to become strategic assets that drive not just operational efficiency but also business growth and profitability. These systems now play a vital role in transforming fleets for a net-zero future by reducing operational costs and enhancing overall resource efficiency.

Route optimisation tools provide insights that enable fleet managers to make informed decisions to strategically reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and manage costs. For instance, fleets leveraging platforms can reduce mileage by 15-30% and increase on-time arrival rates of up to 98%, which enhances customer satisfaction and contributes directly to sustainability goals. This capability allows fleet managers to balance immediate operational demands with longer-term sustainability objectives, positioning them to meet both logistical needs and environmental commitments effectively.

The real-world complexity of fleet management

Optimising routes might sound straightforward, but real-world fleet management is complex, influenced by numerous variables like traffic conditions, driver availability, customer demands, and even weather. Fleet managers must carefully balance these factors to uphold service commitments, manage driver hours, and minimise vehicle wear and tear. This balancing act is especially critical for electric fleets, where factors like range limitations and charging schedules add another layer of consideration.

In this challenging environment, route optimisation becomes essential for maximising efficiency. Rather than simply plotting points on a map, fleet managers use sophisticated optimisation tools to adapt to real-world conditions and make data-informed choices.

By integrating these considerations into the routing process, decisions become both operationally effective and financially strategic, aligning with a company's broader financial objectives.

Supporting the transition to electric fleets with route optimisation

For organisations integrating EVs into their fleets, route optimisation is essential for understanding fleet requirements and ensuring efficient, reliable operations. With drivers working between eight and 12 hours a day, route planning must consider EV-specific constraints like battery range, charging schedules, and infrastructure availability. Optimised route plans not only conserve EV battery life but also reduce downtime, extending vehicle uptime and maintaining driver satisfaction.

Route optimisation platforms provide fleet managers with tools and data to enhance day-to-day efficiency and support long-term strategic planning. The data insights gained through route optimisation allow fleet managers to tackle immediate logistical challenges while also considering the economic impact of their decisions.

Fleet managers who embrace route optimisation technology are better equipped to lead their organisations into a net-zero future. By balancing the needs of customers, drivers, and sustainability objectives, they can transform fleet operations from a logistical function into a strategic element of business growth and help contribute to the sustainable future of their organisations.