Latest news with #Telematics
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Geotab finds driving speed impacts EV range more than summer heat
Data from Geotab indicates that driving speed significantly impacts electric vehicle (EV) range loss more than summer heat. While high temperatures affect range, the aerodynamic drag from increased speeds is a more substantial factor in range reduction, according to the connected vehicle solutions provider. Geotab said it analysed anonymised telematics data from more than three million trips. The study focused on how temperature and speed influence energy use in light-duty EVs, such as sedans and cargo vans. It found that at speeds between 50mph and 80mph (80.4km/h- 128.7km/h) in temperatures of 30°C, aerodynamic drag has a more pronounced effect on range than air conditioning. For instance, a 65kWh electric van travelling at 50mph in 30°C with air conditioning on has a typical range of 143 miles. Increasing the speed to 60mph reduces the range to 121 miles. At 70mph, the range drops to 103 miles, and at 80mph, it falls further to 88 miles, marking a 39% decrease in range between 50mph and 80mph. Electric sedans, being more aerodynamic, show a similar pattern, Geotab says. At 50mph in 30°C, the range is 277 miles, reducing to 251 miles at 60mph, 226 miles at 70mph, and 200 miles at 80mph, a 28% decline from the most efficient speed. The drop in range is attributed to physics, as higher speeds increase aerodynamic drag, which grows with the square of speed. It requires significantly more energy to overcome than what is used by air conditioning systems. At lower speeds, the impact of heat is more noticeable due to minimal drag, making the constant draw from air conditioning more apparent. However, at higher speeds, the energy needed to maintain speed overshadows the temperature's effect. Geotab's sustainability senior manager Charlotte Argue said: 'Drivers tend to worry about using the aircon in hot weather, but our data shows that your right foot can make the biggest difference, particularly at high speeds. Just slowing down by 10mph or 15mph can extend your range by 20%–30%, depending on the vehicle. 'Modern EVs have increasingly large batteries, and many can comfortably handle most daily driving - including fleet routes - on a single charge. But range, on EVs or ICE vehicles, will always vary with real-world conditions: temperature, topography, traffic, and yes, speed.' Geotab suggests several strategies to optimise EV range without sacrificing comfort. These include reducing speed, preconditioning the cabin while plugged into grid power, efficiently using air-conditioning, avoiding aggressive driving, parking in the shade, and avoiding fast charging during extreme heat. "Geotab finds driving speed impacts EV range more than summer heat" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.


Zawya
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Najm concludes "Telematics" Workshops and paves the way for advanced insurance technologies
Riyadh – Najm concluded its series of introductory workshops on the Telematics system last Thursday, June 26, in Jeddah, with the participation of insurance companies. The series also included two similar workshops held earlier in Khobar and Riyadh, as part of Najm's ongoing efforts to enhance traffic safety and develop insurance services in the Kingdom. The three workshops witnessed broad attendance from insurance officials, technology experts, and individuals interested in digital transformation within the insurance sector. These events highlighted Najm's latest technological initiatives in the field of insurance. The Telematics system is one of the most prominent digital solutions that Najm is working to launch. It aims to bring about a fundamental shift in driving behavior through the analysis of real driver data, relying on accurate indicators such as speed, acceleration patterns, sudden stops, braking, and other behaviors that impact traffic safety. This Telematics system offers advanced opportunities for insurance companies to provide products based on the analysis of actual driver behavior. This approach enhances pricing accuracy, product flexibility, and contributes to improving customer experience and increasing the efficiency of insurance services. Mr. Abdullah Al-Khalaf, Acting CEO of Najm, emphasized that these workshops reflect Najm's commitment to digital transformation and investment in smart technologies to lead the future of the insurance industry in the Kingdom. This aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote innovation and achieve the highest standards of safety and quality of life. Al-Khalaf added that this initiative is part of the company's vision to foster innovation in the insurance sector and activate strategic partnerships with insurance companies to improve road safety and enable modern technological solutions in risk management.


Forbes
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
From Tracking To Intelligence: The Next Leap In Fleet Digitalization
Aliaksandr Kuushynau is Head of Wialon at Gurtam, a fleet digitalization software company that connects 4 million fleet vehicles worldwide. Let me start with a cliché: Not long ago, we lived in a very different world. When shipping goods, we had no idea exactly which route the driver would take or how long the trip would last. If a delivery was delayed, the only way to get answers was a dispatcher's call to the driver—assuming, of course, there was network coverage in the area. And when it came to managing drivers, trust—simple, blind trust—was often the only system in place. But then came GPS tracking. Having worked in the fleet management industry for over 15 years, I can say that GPS tracking didn't just change how fleets operate—it redefined the very meaning of fleet management. It was the long-awaited breakthrough that made some operations visible, measurable and—perhaps for the first time—digital. Taxi businesses and food delivery services were among the first to adopt GPS tracking (and, in my view, they're still leading the way when it comes to embracing new telematics technologies). Then, other businesses followed—ones where knowing the location of assets also made a difference: logistics providers, security companies, construction firms, vehicle rental services, farms and many others. Soon enough, it became clear that nearly everything could be, and was, tracked. And surprisingly, we didn't mind. GPS trackers became increasingly accurate, while GPS monitoring systems grew more capable and multifunctional. Technology evolved in step with market demand, and the market wanted it all: reliable hardware, deeper visibility into fleets and drivers, flexible configuration and instant cost savings. One by one, fleet management system developers started providing a wide range of powerful solutions for businesses: driver behavior monitoring, fuel and maintenance management, video telematics and more. These tools enabled the digitization of key operations and began delivering real results—including improved driving behavior, reduced fuel consumption, theft prevention and, ultimately, optimized operating costs. As one of those software providers, we told businesses: 'We want you to cut costs and grow—just start using new technologies.' But not every business was ready to take that step. As the systems became more advanced, so did the cost and complexity of implementation. With that came something few businesses welcome: a delayed return on investment and more time required to integrate new tools. First of all, there's a natural reluctance to invest in technology when the return isn't immediate. Fuel sensors and dashcams obviously aren't free, and neither is the development of advanced software features. The fear that the investment might not pay off makes some fleet owners pause. The second reason is time. It does take time to understand and start using new features. Telematics and fleet management service providers aim to fill this gap, acting as both the head and hands of business transformation. But not all providers emphasize the true business value of advanced features—many still focus primarily on basic GPS tracking. And not all tailor their solutions to the specific needs of each business. To address the financial concern, proven, relatable case studies that clearly demonstrate the impact of new technologies tend to work well, especially when the example comes from a similar business in the same region. We hear that fleet managers are saying, 'I want the same,' which is a great sign. To help service providers become more targeted and relevant to different industry needs, the most effective approach includes ongoing education on advanced features, hands-on support during the first implementation and encouragement to think beyond standard offerings. It's a gradual process, but in many cases, it's already producing positive results. Despite the slow but steady adoption of new technologies across the industry, a significant—and growing—gap remains between tech-forward companies that have embraced innovation and those still hesitant to move beyond basic GPS tracking. The frontrunners have a powerful advantage: data. By making the most of their fleet management systems, they start accumulating valuable data about their vehicles, personnel and operations—insights that are nearly impossible to capture manually. Armed with this information, these companies can spot patterns, identify seasonal trends, make accurate forecasts and scale their business with confidence. For them, data isn't just a resource—it's a strategic engine powering smarter decisions and long-term growth. 'Can our business boost productivity without adding headcount?' 'How much can I save by servicing vehicles preventively instead of waiting for a breakdown?' 'What does equipment downtime really cost—and what's the profit potential of avoiding it?' These are the questions data-driven fleets are equipped to answer—and act on. Meanwhile, businesses that remain on the sidelines risk falling further behind, missing out on the efficiency, agility and foresight that only data-backed strategies can deliver. So, here's what I wanted to highlight: We've already come a long way from blind trust. At first, it was about simply knowing where our vehicles were. Now, we have the opportunity to understand how the entire fleet operates—and more importantly, how it can operate better. The tools are here. The data is available. And yes, I'll say it again: 'We want you to cut costs and grow—just start using new technologies.' And hopefully, you want the same. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?