FleetTakes is exactly that — a take on what fleets need to know when it comes to the latest in automotive, transportation technologies, and creative solutions to make fleets more efficient, productive, safe, and sustainable. FleetTakes is brought to you by Chris Brown, associate publisher of Automotive Fleet. Chris covers all aspects of fleets, transportation, and mobility, and is the founder and producer of the annual Fleet Forward Conference.
GM’s EV Live is designed to give immediate customer support for dealers, utilities, GM employees, potential buyers, and fleet customers — from a studio in which users can interact with subject matter experts and live product displays.
At this year’s pilgrimage to Indianapolis, new electric commercial vehicle manufacturers competed for attention with the incumbent OEMs in a growing yet challenged market. Will there be room for everyone?
EV sales to fleets will be an essential part of the equation, though with a higher profitability profile than traditional ICE vehicle sales. Profitability on non-vehicle items such as software will be even more critical.
For 2023, expect higher incentives, volumes, and inventory levels, but by how much?
While the commercial electrification market is growing, it’s not big enough for the number of players looking to sell into it. This is just another added pressure for fleets looking to electrify.
In their quarterly conference calls, Ford and General Motors spoke to the ongoing supply chain strain, vehicle affordability, and commercial vehicle and EV demand. Ford’s Jim Farley also called out “an overlooked benefit” for commercial customers. What’s that about?
Spencer Patton, the de facto leader of FedEx Ground contractors, had his routes terminated and his business sued by FedEx. But the top challenges facing delivery fleets — fuel, maintenance, labor costs, and supply-chain delays — aren’t going away soon.
The California Air Resources Board laid down its most ambitious rule yet, which includes not only passenger cars but light-duty trucks. The rule is phasing out traditional power in fleets’ biggest workhorses.
Harvesting, analyzing, and acting on data is a never-ending requirement in fleet management. With EVs, the need increases exponentially — and requires new systems, networks, and apps to manage and integrate.
With at least two dozen manufacturers ready to serve the commercial vehicle market with electric trucks and chassis, fleets will soon be making tough decisions they never had to with ICE vehicles.
The same challenges to electrify from 10 years ago still exist today. But at this year’s conference in Columbus, it’s clear there is an ecosystem to support Electrification 2.0 that wasn’t in place before.
On the show floor, in seminars, and with a beverage over a highboy, fleet managers shared solutions on sourcing vehicles, overcoming supply chain disruptions, and cost containment — while deciphering how to meet the coming wave of electrification.
While the great majority of fleets are just beginning to electrify, we also must realize that we’re at stage one of an ongoing mission to disseminate the training, grant opportunities, and behind-the-wheel education to foster the process. Human interaction from those with EV experience is crucial.
This year’s show floor was electric — literally — with about 20 manufacturers exhibiting electric vehicles or electric chassis. Connected technologies, product enhancements for the final mile, lightweighting and aerodynamics improvements, and new fleet electrification services also grabbed the spotlight.
Ford is betting on Ford Pro to meet a connected, electric mobility future. What’s the plan?
media brand
The secure and easy all-access connection to your content.
Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices!
Already a member? Log In
