Musk Disbands Tesla EV Charging Team, Leaving Customers in the Dark
Elon Musk's abrupt decision to lay off employees who ran Tesla's electric vehicle charging business blindsided automakers gearing up to equip new EVs for customers to use the Tesla Supercharger network, industry officials and analysts said on Tuesday.
With sales of Tesla's EVs falling and profit margins under increasing pressure, Musk could be cutting Supercharger network spending to conserve cash for other projects with more growth potential, analysts said.
GM and Ford, in separate statements, said they are not changing plans to equip their EVs with connectors that will allow drivers of Chevrolet, Cadillac or Ford brand EVs to recharge at Tesla stations.
NAFA’s 2024 Institute & Expo: Insights, Innovations and Industry Highlights
NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) recently concluded its 2024 Institute and Expo (I&E), April 22-24, in San Antonio, TX where 2100+ fleet and mobility professionals from around the globe convened to network, learn.
I&E welcomed attendees from 46 states, 6 Canadian provinces and 16 countries, representing all sectors of the fleet industry including corporate, government, law enforcement, education, utility, and more.
"NAFA I&E is truly special, especially amid the dynamic growth and transformation within our industry," shared NAFA Board President Mike Camnetar, CAFM. "Leaving I&E, we're filled with renewed curiosity, a deepened appreciation for our field and a stronger sense of community with our industry peers."
Semi Trucks: Reducing Accidents Through Regular Driver Training
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, semi-trailers account for 53% of all fatal collisions involving large trucks. As a result of the high number of accidents involving semi-trucks, most insurance companies advise carriers to have drivers take driver safety courses regularly to promote safe driving and keep insurance rates low.
The rise of telematics in trucks has helped significantly with monitoring speed and the overall health of the truck. Knowing what is happening with trucks before they go out on the road helps reduce delays and accidents on the side of the road as a result of a breakdown – not to mention any loss of product or transloading that is happening roadside.
UK Research Report: Fleet Managers See Electrification as “Inevitable and Imminent”
A substantial majority (80%) of fleet managers see electrification as both inevitable and imminent, according to new research from Fuel Card Services.
The March 2024 survey gathered data from 250 fleet managers across the UK, with fleets ranging from 1-1,000-plus vehicles and containing a full spectrum of fleet vehicle types including LCVs, HGVs, buses, vans, and cars.
Charging infrastructure at work is also on the rise, the survey found, with the call for businesses to provide EV charging options at home and in the workplace increasing.
Business Flexibility & Use Of Sophisticated Data: Reshaping Fleet Operations In 2024
By Brian Holland, President and CEO, Fleet Advantage
Businesses with heavy duty transportation fleets are no strangers to economic fluctuations. Depending on the day or even the week, the economy is either strengthening or weakening.
Industry analysts are expecting U.S. freight fundamentals to improve this year. Entering 2024, freight demand was below typical trends, but industry observers expect it to recover.
Fleets have talked about using data for many years now, but having data and implementing data for organizational decisions are two entirely different conversations.
As fleets ponder their strategies for the balance of the year, many will certainly be focused on interest rates and how the cost of money will affect their organizations. They must rely on proven data so they can make smart, informed decisions.
