‘EV Enablement Initiative’ to remove EV roadblocks and aid fleet integration

An “EV Enablement Initiative” to develop industry-leading software for the frictionless operation and management of EVs has been announced by EV telematics specialists Smartrak.

Collaborating with a few forward-thinking organisations, Smartrak will form a Special Interest Group (SIG) which includes Griffith University in Queensland and Aurecon.

The EV Enablement Initiative offers an opportunity for SIG members to engage in a co-development process that will ensure the final solution removes roadblocks around EV adoption and streamlines the integration of EVs into fleets, says Smartrak.

“This Initiative is a unique opportunity for us to work closely with these customers to shape the development of EV enablement software,” says Smartrak sustainability initiatives business manager Dr Sharlene Smith.

“The innovative co-development process will ensure that we’re developing the solutions that will advance the adoption of EVs within fleets.

“We see this Initiative as a way to develop the software that makes managing EV fleets as simple and straightforward as any ICE fleet. Our Initiative partners will provide the unique insights into how we achieve that.”

The Initiative will focus on several areas that include EV charge management and prioritisation, reporting and insights, and emissions management.

That’s along with a focus on end-user functionality that facilitates and streamlines the integration of EVs into fleets, Smartrak adds.

Aurecon’s intelligent transport systems ANZ lead Rich Mitchell says Aurecon is delighted to work alongside Smartrak to debcarbonise the vehicle fleet.

“As Griffith University has progressed its fleet to electric vehicles, it was crucial to us to also have fleet management and booking systems that not only effectively facilitated the operations of the EV fleet but encouraged and supported its users in adapting to using electric vehicles,” says Griffith University parking, traffic and logistics acting manager Mitchel Howard.

“This was the driving force behind partnering with Smartrak and engaging in their EV Enablement Initiative,” he explains.

“They are leagues ahead of the market in not only EV fleet management but engaging with customers like us to adapt their system to our needs and priorities.

“The EV Enablement Initiative has allowed Griffith University to vocalise our priorities such as emissions reporting, reporting on FBT (fringe benefit tax) savings due to increased EV use and customising Smartrak’s new Trip Planner to focus on intercampus travel.”

Industry partners will have key roles in setting goals and assessing outcomes as SIG members.

“The primary objective of the initiative is to co-create products and features that address the true needs and expectations of the market,” says Smartrak chief executive Peter Grant.

“We want to remove friction from a fleet’s transition to electric vehicles.”

 Smartrak is inviting organisations (you don’t have to be a Smartrak customer) to join the SIG.