The Uses of AI for Commercial EV Fleets
Optimising route planning and efficiency
One of the primary concerns for fleet managers is range anxiety – the worry that EVs may not have the sufficient charge to complete their routes. As route optimisation tools increasingly use AI, they will continue to get smarter, providing real-time traffic data and weather updates. Meanwhile, having accurate information about charging station wait times could help to remove queues at depots. These systems can dynamically adjust routes to ensure vehicles complete their journeys efficiently.
Predictive maintenance
EVs, while having fewer moving parts, introduce other maintenance challenges. For instance, the battery is the single most critical piece of hardware within the vehicle, while also being the most expensive. AI-driven predictive maintenance systems could help to monitor battery health, more accurately predict battery degradation patterns and schedule servicing automatically. By spotting issues before they escalate, these systems will help to tackle unexpected breakdowns. As doctors have always said, the best cure is prevention.
Cost management
AI can analyse fuel cost savings, energy consumption and total costs for EVs. Fleet managers with this vital data at their fingertips can make even more informed decisions about when to invest in new vehicles, budget more accurately for operational costs and where to focus on their sustainability efforts.
Improving driver experience and safety
While we think it is unlikely that driverless fleets are coming anytime soon, already there have been strides in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), as well as adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance systems and real time driving behaviour feedback. By promoting smoother driving habits, your drivers will be safer and more efficient than ever.
Challenges and the road ahead
The potential synergies between AI and EV fleets are a tantalising prospect for many commercial fleet operators. However, AI is still an early adopter technology outside of the largest of fleets. High upfront costs and tricky implementation can slow the process down, however, long-term cost savings remedy this. One important thing to note is the higher carbon emissions from the use of AI, so do keep that in mind in your sustainability plans.
“AI has the potential to revolutionise how commercial EV fleets are managed and should be embraced, from optimising efficiency to enhancing sustainability. At Mer, we are leveraging advanced analytics and predictive tools to help businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and achieve their sustainability goals. Our focus is on providing practical, scalable solutions that include route optimisation, smart charging infrastructure, and fleet management insights. Adopting this technology requires careful planning, but with the right support, it can unlock significant long-term value.” Natasha Fry, Head of Sales, Mer UK.
Ultimately, as time goes on these challenges will become less and less important. As AI continues to become more established, dedicated providers and developers will turn their attention to more sustainable turnkey solutions which will help speed up the adoption in your fleet, while also alleviating carbon emission concerns.
Find out more about how we can help you to electrify your fleet.