Navigating the Landscape of Electric Transportation

Author: Charlotte Argue, Senior Manager, Sustainable Mobility 

Geotab has been the official data partner of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s (NACFE) Run on Less initiative since the first run in 2017. This year’s event focused on scaling electric DEPOTS and profiling real-life use cases of electric trucks from class 2B to class 8. The results reaffirmed something I've suspected for a while: we're well on our way to redefining what's "possible" in the electric vehicle sector. 

Art of the Possible

Run on Less showcases “the art of the possible." While some vocations like last-mile delivery are beginning to embrace electric vehicles, there's still skepticism in other sectors—particularly around Class 8 freight. The myth that electrification is "impossible" for these sectors must be shattered. If the performance of PepsiCo’s Tesla Semi - which covered 1600 miles in under 48 hours - is any indication, Class 8 EVs aren't just viable; they can make a big impact for many applications. 

A Tailored Approach

One assumption to avoid is the idea that there's a one-size-fits-all approach to fleet electrification. Every fleet is unique and requires a tailored strategy for successful electrification. This is where data intelligence comes in. 

The Role of Data

Data acts as a compass for a fleet operator’s electrification journey. Data from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles helps build a strategic entry point into EVs. For instance, understanding how vehicles are being used, how far they are going and how long they stop can help provide a tailored roadmap to electrify. This information helps recommend where electrification would be most suited and where infrastructure will be needed. But the journey doesn’t end with purchasing and deployment; continual data insights can help monitor vehicle performance and optimize aspects like charging and battery health. Data provides the roadmap, but Run on Less also teaches us that strong partnerships are key to propelling us forward. 

Collaboration is Key

Electrification is not a solo mission; it requires industry-wide cooperation. Run on Less exemplified this by profiling the many companies and partners who helped make the EV programs a reality. Sharing lessons learned creates collective insight that doesn't just advance our individual knowledge; it also fosters confidence across the industry that truck electrification is not only feasible but is being successfully achieved today.

Connecting the Dots

In this collaborative ecosystem, I see Geotab as the entity that connects the dots with data. We provide the necessary insights to undertake fleet electrification successfully. As more EVs are deployed on the roads, we can use the data to learn from their real-world performance and better understand where they’ll be most successful. In doing so, we're not just providing insights; we're telling the stories of those who took the plunge into electrification to not only inform but also encourage their peers to embark on their own path toward fleet electrification.  

So, if there's one thing I hope people take away from the Run on Less - Electric DEPOT event, it's this: the "art of the possible" is expanding. With tailored strategies, data intelligence, and collective effort, we're not just running on less; we're running toward a more sustainable and efficient future for all.

Interested to dive into the results? Check out the dashboards for each participant here, and watch NACFE’s video of initial findings.