How Telematics Tracks EV Charging Behaviour
Explore how telematics transforms EV fleet management through charging insights, cost savings, and improved battery health.
- Why it matters: Understanding EV charging patterns helps fleet managers cut costs, improve efficiency, and meet sustainability goals.
- Key features: Telematics monitors battery levels, charging locations, session costs, and energy use. It also provides real-time alerts and integrates with fleet metrics.
- Benefits: Save money by scheduling off-peak charging, prevent downtime with battery health monitoring, and optimise routes using detailed data analysis.
- Real-world results: Fleets using telematics have reported up to 15% lower charging costs, 12% longer battery life, and 25% less downtime.
Quick takeaway: Telematics offers actionable insights that make EV fleet management easier, more efficient, and cost-effective.
Read on to learn how telematics works, what data it collects, and how it transforms EV fleet operations.
Electric Vehicle Charging Insights | Ford Pro™ E-Telematics | Ford Pro
Data Points Collected by Telematics Systems
Telematics systems gather detailed insights into EV charging behaviour, turning raw data into useful information for fleet management. By examining these data points, fleet managers can make smarter decisions about charging schedules, cost efficiency, and vehicle upkeep.
State of Charge (SoC) Monitoring
State of Charge (SoC) monitoring keeps track of how much battery charge remains in each vehicle throughout the day. This real-time information ensures fleet managers always know how much power is available before, during, and after trips, making it easier to determine which vehicles are ready for use.
Telematics systems not only track SoC levels but also monitor charging status in real time. This helps prevent vehicles from running out of power mid-route and ensures they are plugged in and charging when needed. Fleet managers can even set up alerts for when battery levels drop below a certain point - usually 20–30% - so they can schedule charging in advance.
"There's so many variables when you get into the world of EVs... Everyone's talking about EVs but ... getting them in the field, getting them useful, and making sure that you're optimizing your fleet for the use of them is really a big challenge." - Erin Cave, director of product management at Verizon Connect
Beyond monitoring charge levels, telematics also records detailed charging session data.
Charging Event Tracking
Every charging session is logged by telematics systems, capturing details like where the vehicle was charged - whether at a depot, a driver’s home, or a public charging station - and when the session started and ended. These records also reveal how often each vehicle needs charging and how long each session lasts.
Additionally, telematics tracks the energy added during charging, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), as well as the change in SoC from start to finish.
For example, Madrid City Council equipped its EV fleet with Geotab GO devices to track key metrics such as distance driven, daily energy consumption, and average energy efficiency. This helped them identify under- or over-utilised vehicles, balance usage, and understand how weather conditions impacted energy consumption.
Energy Consumption and Cost Analysis
Telematics systems go a step further by measuring energy usage and costs. They provide precise data on energy consumed in kWh, covering both driving energy and energy used for auxiliary systems like heating or air conditioning.
Cost tracking adds another layer, breaking down the exact expense of each charging session. With energy prices often fluctuating between peak and off-peak hours, this data is invaluable for cutting costs.
Telematics can also uncover surprising inefficiencies. For instance, idling in EVs can account for up to 6% of total energy use, with some vehicles wasting as much as 28% of their energy on unnecessary idling. Insights like this allow fleet managers to address inefficiencies through targeted driver training.
One urban logistics fleet of 100 EVs used telematics with GPS tracking and saw dramatic improvements in just a year: charging costs dropped by 15% through better scheduling, battery life improved by 12% with optimised charging cycles, and downtime decreased by 25%.
Battery Health Monitoring
Telematics systems also monitor factors that impact battery health, such as temperature and charging habits. Frequent rapid charging or letting batteries drain completely can degrade performance over time. Monitoring excessive heat during charging or operation can flag potential issues before they lead to expensive repairs or replacements.
By tracking battery performance, telematics helps identify when a battery is losing its ability to hold a charge, allowing fleet managers to plan replacements ahead of time. When combined with charging data, this information helps refine both maintenance schedules and usage strategies.
"It's about having a holistic view of what's happening with your fleet. If you don't have your telematics integrated with us, you're only getting half of the picture." - Craig Smith, Product Manager at PowerFlex
Telematics data can also integrate with smart charging management software, offering a complete picture of fleet performance that extends well beyond basic vehicle tracking.
How Telematics Analyses EV Charging Data
Telematics systems don't just gather EV charging data - they turn it into meaningful insights. By processing and presenting this information, modern platforms help fleet managers make smarter decisions. Advanced tools like real-time monitoring, intelligent alerts, and integration with fleet metrics transform raw data into actionable strategies. Here's how dashboards, alerts, and integrated analytics work together to provide a clearer picture of fleet operations.
Real-Time and Historical Dashboards
Telematics dashboards are the nerve centre for monitoring EV charging data. They display live updates and historical trends on charging sessions, battery levels, and vehicle locations. With GPS and sensor data transmitted via mobile networks, fleet managers can track battery levels, charging status, and vehicle positions in real time. These dashboards also highlight trends like peak charging times and cost variations.
WattEV provides a great example of this system in action. At their truck charging site at the Port of Long Beach, they use Ampcontrol for real-time monitoring. CEO Salim Youssefzadeh explains:
"Our operations use Ampcontrol to actively monitor the uptime of chargers and the system, and our management uses the home screen for ongoing monitoring of the Port of Long Beach."
This setup not only ensures smooth operations but also helps fleet managers identify underperforming chargers by tracking failure rates and performance metrics.
Alerts and Notifications
Smart alerts are another practical application of telematics. These systems notify fleet managers via email, SMS, or management platforms when specific conditions are met. For instance, alerts can be set to trigger when a vehicle's battery drops below a certain level - commonly 20–30%. Other notifications might signal completed charging sessions, charger malfunctions, or unauthorised use.
Customising these alerts allows fleet managers to stay aligned with operational needs. For example, notifications can be set up to ensure vehicles are fully charged before scheduled trips or to flag when they're returning to the depot.
Revel, a rideshare company based in New York, uses these features to manage costs effectively. Hart Uhl, Senior Charging Operations Manager at Revel, highlights:
"A key feature we rely on heavily is Ampcontrol's load management functionalities, which we use to control the costs of recharging our fleet."
By combining charger data, smart charging algorithms, and telematics insights, Revel reduced their energy costs by over 55%.
Integration with Fleet Metrics
The real power of telematics comes from integrating EV charging data with broader fleet metrics. This creates a comprehensive view that combines real-time tracking, diagnostics, and driver behaviour analysis with charging management. Platforms pull together data on state of charge (SoC), GPS, diagnostics, energy pricing, and charger status to deliver a complete picture. This integration allows for optimised charging schedules, improved charger uptime, and reduced energy costs - all while keeping overall fleet performance in mind.
Telematics also plays a role in coaching drivers. By analysing acceleration, braking, and idling patterns, fleet managers can identify habits that waste energy. Training drivers on more efficient behaviours can significantly reduce energy consumption. This holistic approach ties charging data to overall fleet performance, making it easier to manage energy use and operational efficiency.
Additionally, integrating charging data helps calculate the total cost of ownership by factoring in energy expenses, maintenance needs, and operational productivity. These insights enable better route planning, considering charging station availability and energy optimisation across the fleet. Adaptive load management systems further enhance efficiency by balancing energy deployment and avoiding peak demand fees. This kind of analysis ensures that fleet managers can maintain productivity while keeping costs under control.
Fleet Efficiency and Cost Management Applications
Telematics transforms EV charging data into actionable strategies that cut costs and minimise downtime. By analysing charging locations, avoiding penalties, and improving driver habits, telematics provides the tools for smarter, real-time fleet management decisions.
Choosing the Right Charging Locations
Telematics data helps fleet managers identify the true cost differences between charging locations, making it easier to shift from expensive public chargers to more economical alternatives. By tracking when and where charging occurs - whether at home, a depot, or a public station - managers can guide drivers towards cost-saving options.
For instance, integrating telematics with fleet management systems enables AI-powered smart charging. These systems deliver real-time updates on vehicle and charger status, allowing fleets to optimise charging schedules and energy usage.
Another way telematics reduces costs is by scheduling charging during off-peak hours. By analysing energy consumption trends, these systems can automatically time charging sessions when electricity rates are lower, leading to significant monthly savings across an entire fleet.
Preventing Unnecessary Costs
Beyond optimising charging locations, telematics helps fleets avoid hidden expenses. Automated alerts, for example, prevent overstay fines at public chargers by notifying drivers when it's time to move their vehicle.
Telematics also detects unusual charging behaviours, helping to uncover energy fraud. Additionally, it can pinpoint depot inefficiencies, such as chargers being occupied by fully charged vehicles, allowing managers to address these issues. Reducing these hidden costs not only improves efficiency but also opens the door for more effective driver training.
Supporting Driver Training
Driver habits play a crucial role in managing charging costs and vehicle efficiency. Telematics data enables targeted training to improve charging practices and ease range anxiety.
For example, fleets using Lightfoot have reported up to a 15% increase in EV range just by encouraging smoother driving styles. As Lightfoot explains:
"Lightfoot helps you get the maximum value from your electric fleet whilst ensuring your vehicles are always ready to go."
Telematics also offers real-time feedback on driving behaviours like aggressive acceleration or excessive idling, allowing for immediate corrective action. Automated reminders further support efficient charging habits, helping to prevent long-term battery degradation.
Charging Location Comparison
Understanding the pros and cons of different charging locations is key to building effective strategies. Telematics insights help compare the main options:
| Charging Location | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Charging | Low cost per kWh; convenient; often offers off-peak rates | Limited to overnight charging; may require home installation; not suitable for all drivers | Drivers with a consistent home base and overnight parking |
| Depot Charging | Centralised; access to bulk energy rates; integrates with fleet operations | High upfront infrastructure costs; limited to depot locations; requires scheduling | Fleets with predictable routes and centralised operations |
| Public Charging | Widely available; fast charging options; no infrastructure investment needed | High cost per kWh; risk of overstay fines; variable reliability | Emergency use; long-distance travel; ad-hoc charging needs |
This breakdown helps fleets balance costs, convenience, and operational requirements, with telematics offering detailed insights into usage patterns and expenses.
Kevin Morency, Senior Product Manager at Geotab, highlights the value of telematics in maximising EV efficiency:
"The more that EVs are driven, the more money they save. If you're managing EVs and you see data that vehicles are starting their charging session with battery left, it's a sign that those EVs aren't being used to their fullest."
Benefits of Telematics-Enabled EV Charging Insights
Telematics, combined with detailed charging data, provides a wealth of benefits for fleet management. From improving visibility and controlling costs to ensuring better battery care and supporting emissions tracking, these insights help optimise operations and meet sustainability goals.
Better Fleet Visibility
Telematics offers real-time updates on battery charge levels, vehicle locations, and charging progress, significantly improving fleet oversight. For instance, Trakm8 Insight highlights:
"Trakm8 Insight allows you to know exactly where your electric vehicles are, their real-time battery charge levels, and alerts you when vehicles are running low on charge."
This level of visibility allows fleet managers to automate alerts for drivers, reducing the risk of downtime. A study by the North East Combined Authority in August 2018 analysed data from 487 charge points and 327,644 charging events involving 7,069 unique EV users. It found that rapid chargers were most utilised between 09:00 and 18:00, with peak usage at 13:00, offering valuable data for planning charging infrastructure.
Better Cost Control
Telematics also helps fleet managers keep a close eye on energy use and associated costs. By tracking charging patterns and locations, businesses can identify cost-saving opportunities. For example, Ampcontrol’s integration with Revel’s shared electric moped service led to a 55% reduction in energy costs by using smart algorithms and integrated charger data.
Interestingly, research shows that 34% of charging sessions for heavy-duty electric trucks begin when the battery’s charge is already above 70%, suggesting many vehicles could travel further before recharging. Additionally, electric vehicles are generally more economical, costing about 7.4 pence less per mile than traditional vehicles. Telematics data can also simplify reimbursement processes for employees who charge fleet vehicles at home, ensuring accuracy and fairness.
Battery Maintenance
Keeping EV batteries in good condition is vital for long-term performance, and telematics plays a key role here. By monitoring parameters like temperature, voltage, and current, fleet managers can take proactive steps to maintain battery health. Research suggests that EV batteries degrade at an average rate of 1.8% per year, meaning they could last 20 years or more under optimal conditions.
For example, Tesla Model S batteries degrade at a rate of 2.3% per year, while Nissan Leaf batteries - using passive cooling - degrade at 4.2%. Maintaining battery charge between 20% and 80% and limiting DC fast charging to avoid excessive heat are key practices for extending battery life. Telematics can track a battery’s performance history, helping distinguish between natural wear and misuse, which is crucial for warranty claims.
Emissions Reporting
Telematics also makes it easier to track and report environmental performance. Automated systems compare the emissions of electric vehicles with traditional ones, providing clear data on carbon footprint reductions. For example, King County Metro uses ChargePoint software to analyse the performance of new vehicles and scale up their eBus operations efficiently.
Conclusion
Telematics has become an essential tool for UK fleet operators aiming to unlock the full potential of electric vehicles (EVs) while keeping costs in check and meeting sustainability goals. This technology reshapes the way businesses manage EV fleets by offering detailed insights into charging habits, battery performance, and operational efficiency.
These insights lead to tangible benefits. For example, one fleet significantly improved utilisation and cut emissions by using advanced telematics solutions. Similarly, an urban logistics fleet operating 100 EVs achieved remarkable results within just a year of implementing telematics with GPS tracking: a 15% reduction in charging costs, a 12% extension in battery life, a 20% boost in route efficiency, and a 25% drop in downtime.
In the UK, where two-thirds of new EVs are purchased for business use, telematics addresses the specific challenges of electric fleet management. Experts highlight that fleet managers striving for optimal performance and sustainable practices rely on telematics to replace guesswork with actionable data - essential for effective decision-making.
With capabilities like real-time battery monitoring, optimised charging schedules, and enhanced vehicle readiness, telematics proves indispensable. As battery electric vehicle registrations in the UK surged by 49% from 2021 to 2022, and with projections indicating over 15 million EVs in US fleets by 2040, the importance of telematics will only grow.
The benefits extend beyond operational efficiency. Companies adopting sustainable fleet management practices have reported a 13% drop in fuel consumption and a 15% reduction in overall operating costs. A standout example is Summit Materials, which leveraged telematics to save £1.4 million in fuel expenses while reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.
For UK fleet operators transitioning to EVs, telematics is not just a helpful tool - it’s a cornerstone of success. By combining telematics data with smart fleet strategies, operators can achieve both economic and environmental benefits. The technology delivers the visibility, control, and insights needed to tackle the complexities of EV management, resulting in measurable gains in cost efficiency, operational performance, and environmental impact.
FAQs
How can telematics help improve the efficiency and cost management of an EV fleet?
Telematics systems are a game-changer for managing electric vehicle (EV) fleets, offering real-time data on vehicle location, charging habits, and driver performance. This continuous flow of information allows businesses to fine-tune routes, cut down on idle times, and create efficient charging schedules - helping to keep operational costs in check.
On top of that, telematics keeps an eye on vehicle health and driver behaviour. By spotting potential issues early, businesses can avoid expensive breakdowns and reduce maintenance costs. Plus, safer driving practices tracked through telematics might even lead to lower insurance premiums. With these insights, companies can run their EV fleets more efficiently, save money, and take meaningful steps towards sustainability.
What data does telematics gather to improve EV charging and battery performance for fleets?
Telematics systems gather comprehensive data that supports fleet managers in managing EV charging and preserving battery health. Key metrics include the battery's state of charge, degradation rate, remaining capacity, and charging status. These systems also track real-time charging patterns and usage trends, providing a clearer picture of energy use and operational efficiency.
With this wealth of information, fleet managers can make smarter decisions to cut costs, prolong battery life, and improve the performance of the entire fleet.
How does telematics help reduce the environmental impact of EV fleets while ensuring efficiency?
Telematics plays a crucial role in lessening the environmental impact of EV fleets by offering tools that optimise route planning, cut down on idle times, and track driving behaviour. By improving energy efficiency and curbing unnecessary energy use, these features help to lower emissions.
On top of that, telematics systems provide real-time diagnostics and detailed charging insights, enabling fleet managers to make smarter choices about energy usage and maintenance. This not only keeps fleets running efficiently but also ensures they stay environmentally conscious, supporting greener business practices across the UK.