Fleets Use Telematics Data to Help Transition to Electric Vehicles
June 3, 2022 - When managers of commercial fleets are considering transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), they need to analyze their current vehicles, the jobs they do and whether electric vehicles could do the same.
In April, Verizon Connect announced a partnership with Sawatch Labs in which the two companies will perform this kind of analysis for fleets that have more than 10 vehicles. Verizon Connect will use the data that it collects from the customer’s vehicles through an added piece of hardware as part of its Reveal fleet management solution
Data can be gathered by means of telematics. This includes the amount of time the vehicle is in operation each day, the number of miles it is driven, the kinds of roads on which it is used and the weight of the loads it carries. This data will help determine whether an EV could perform the same work and how often it would need to be recharged.
What’s Happening with Wireless Charging?
June 5, 2022 - EV owners clearly want the option of wireless charging. Some startups are now trying to do what manufacturers won't. A leading example is WAVE (Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification). WAVE has already demonstrated the potential of wireless charging, using its demo chargers on electric buses.
Another firm making serious strides in the area is WiTricity. WiTricity recently conducted a survey to demonstrate just how eager consumers are for wireless tech. According to the survey 96% of those who responded wanted to at least have the option of wireless charging. Meanwhile 71% find the prospect of wireless charging to be "extremely appealing". The startup recently started working with Hyundai.
Forward Together: AFLA 2022 Corporate Fleet Conference
Join AFLA for its 2022 Corporate Fleet Conference in beautiful Tucson, Arizona
The conference will begin Monday, October 10, 2022 with networking opportunities that evening. All sessions will begin on Tuesday, October 11th with the conference concluding at 12pm on Thursday, October 13th. Mark your calendars now to join AFLA for "Forward Together."
Lean into Change
By Laura Jozwiak
Ch-ch-changes! If you are around my age, you will instantly hear David Bowie’s voice sing out this phrase inside your head. He was right in 1971, and the message still resonates today.
The lyrics say, “Turn and face the strange changes.”
Our new world is based on change. Some changes may be strange and challenging, like supply chain volatility, rising costs, immerging technologies, disruptive innovations, hybrid work, and the “Great Resignation.” These topics, and many more, cause uncertainty and impact the world around us.
As a result, our nights are less restful, and our days are challenging as we work through what these changes mean and how we need to incorporate the trends and even pivot our plans.
But is it really a new world? Or is it just a faster-paced world?
Toyota Considering a Compact Pickup to Fight Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz
June 3, 2022 - The favorable return of the compact pickup truck is under high scrutiny at Toyota, as the automaker is looking at introducing a small unibody pickup of its own to compete against the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Toyota is no stranger to small trucks. The original Toyota Truck was known for its mini shape, reliability, efficiency, and simplicity. But as customers' demands changed and safety regulations got stricter, the Toyota Truck lost its compact shape. The new truck, however, could bring back all those charms, along with Toyota's potent reputation for building rugged, reliable pickups.
Toyota's mini truck likely would share its version of the TNGA platform with the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Venza, and could have the flexibility of offering gas, hybrid and even plug-in hybrid powertrains.
