Recently we ran a webinar with Anaeko covering Sustainability within the transport sector. During the discussion, our Head of Sales, David Crangle, shared insights on fleet decarbonisation. This covers the initial steps towards decarbonisation and strategies companies can implement even before electrifying their fleets.

Read part 1 of our 2-part series covering Fleet Decarbonisation below:

First Steps to Fleet Decarbonisation

Simplicity Group operates across various industries, including government, transportation, service, and construction. As providers of big data telematics, we receive extensive feedback from these industries.

One of the common concerns we hear from fleet managers is, Where do I start with transitioning to EV vehicles?

There are numerous considerations to this, including timing and decision-making processes.

So, where do I start?

Rather than waiting for manufacturers to reduce costs or make advancements in electric or hydrogen vehicles, some actions can be taken immediately using the fleet you currently run.

With the recent focus on sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions, people can use telematics and vehicle CCTV data to make changes in how they run their fleet. This will help reduce emissions and stand ready for any future trends.

The emission scopes for transport

There are three distinct scopes that we typically encounter in large fleets. Most people fall under Scope 3, which involves non-owned vehicles. This often includes partnerships with companies like pharmaceuticals and supermarket chains.

Companies within that scope place significant demands on the transport and logistics sectors to ensure;

• Timely deliveries
• Meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Adhere to deadlines

Companies should also be interested in understanding the environmental impact of these operations. Including CO2 emissions generated by their deliveries.

How do we calculate emissions?

The method we commonly observe, and obtained by a connected telematics system, is a fuel based approach. This is based on GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Protocol Standards. Telematics will track fuel consumption of vehicles to calculate CO2 emissions. This calculation considers several factors such as vehicle type (petrol, diesel, electric, hybrid, CNG, LNG), with more variables likely to emerge in the future.

When using telematics, accessing this information is not as daunting as it may seem; the necessary data is readily available.

How do I start the transition with accurate data?

Many fleets already have systems installed in their vehicles, but how reliable and accurate the data collected by these systems can be mixed. That’s why the best system should be trusted and reputable.

The data will play a vital role in making informed decisions and ensuring timely access to pertinent information. Especially for financial reporting obligations, which may occur yearly.

An Example

Finance departments may require 12 months’ worth of CO2 data from vehicles. Without the appropriate technology, this process might involve cumbersome methods such as relying on fuel cards and driver-reported odometer readings, making data collection challenging.

Obtaining this information should not be daunting. Much of it is already available through vehicle systems. The key is to ensure that systems are connected to the right vehicles and equipped with the necessary technology to provide accurate and reliable data, facilitating informed decision-making moving forward.

Use Case: How TST Group Enhances Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction

Read TST’s Article on using vehicle telematics and vehicle cctv

TST uses a customer-centric approach that prioritises customer satisfaction, punctuality (ETAs), and compliance. They’ve recently undergone significant growth, marked by multiple acquisitions. However, these acquisitions brought challenges as the acquired companies operated on different platforms, each providing varying levels of information.

This discrepancy made it difficult for them to standardise processes and implement changes effectively. For instance, one platform might provide driver behaviour scores based on specific parameters, while another platform lacked the necessary data or employed a different calculation method. Additionally, inconsistencies arose from using vehicles manufactured by different companies, each with its own calculation methods.

TST- The Strategy

Our initial strategy involved consolidating all data into one platform. From there, we aimed to leverage this data across various aspects of their operations. This included improving productivity, ensuring health and safety compliance, enhancing efficiency, and promoting sustainability initiatives.

Additionally, we focused on ensuring that their data management system was future-proofed and capable of accommodating the evolving needs of their growing business.

What’s the significance of consolidating everything into one platform?

It is all about streamlining operations. When you look at fleets, you’re dealing with diverse customer expectations across different sectors. In government services, the public expects efficiency, while in transport logistics, customers demand timely updates on deliveries.

As we examine the planning environment, it is not just about vehicle data. It involves the entire process from customer jobs being scheduled and dispatched to drivers. This planning phase holds valuable information, especially regarding decarbonisation efforts, which can greatly simplify day-to-day operations.

Integration with CAN (Controller Area Network) data, which pertains to vehicle systems, is crucial here. Unlike standard telematics systems that provide GPS information through a three-wire install, advancements over the past decade have enabled us to access live, credible data directly from vehicles. This allows for more informed, real-time decision-making.