GREENFLEET SUPPLEMENT
DECEMBER 2020
A unique approach to reducing emissions
A unique pay-as-yougo planning tool
NEW DIRECTION
Build your road map to decarbonisation
CUTTING CARBON
Are you missing out on reducing emissions?
PLUS: Don’t miss our special
offer for all GreenFleet readers!
A Fresh Perspective The clock is ticking for organisations large and small to decarbonise their vehicle operations. While some companies are quite advanced in their plans, others are yet to start making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) – and many more fall somewhere in between. Wherever you are on your journey to electrification, help is at hand. Specialists like The Algorithm People can provide evidence-based answers to the big questions such as when, where, and how to move forward with electrification. This data-based approach eliminates guesswork and ensures that you add EVs in a way which delivers the best possible financial and environmental return on investment. Perhaps the most exciting idea for us is that you can use the company’s route optimisation software to cut costs and carbon emissions from your diesel and petrol vehicles. This creates the financial headroom you need to invest in EVs and their infrastructure, at a time when budgets are tight. There are many elements to successful deployment of EVs. The Algorithm People work with other pioneers such as Mina Energy and Sygic to bring you the full package. Read on to find out more.
Contents 01
Optimise now, electrify next
02 Intro to My Transport Planner 03 Case study: Yorkshire Water 04 Your road map to decarbonisation 06 Into the TTC Continuum 07 Sustainable cold
chain with CoolKit
08 Mina Energy leads the charge 09 Going mobile with Sygic 10 Special offer for
GreenFleet readers
Optimise Now, Then Electrify While switching to EVs remains the ultimate goal, are fleets missing a simple step in the decarbonisation of their vehicle operations? GREENFLEET explores the hidden potential of route optimisation.
s fleets look to meet emissions targets, the obvious strategy is to swap dirty diesels for electric vehicles (EVs). However, technology can also help cut costs and carbon emissions from vehicle operations. This idea is nothing new to fleet managers - after all, most vehicle operators already benefit from telematics. However, many organisations are still unaware that route optimisation can deliver additional savings over and above vehicle tracking systems. Only a small number of fleets currently use route optimisation, meaning many more could be missing out. Colin Ferguson, co-founder of route optimisation specialists The Algorithm People, said: “Our research indicates that only about five per cent of fleets are using optimisation,” he said. “This means that a significant amount of organisations are operating at a commercial disadvantage, because they are not realising its efficiency and cost saving benefits. “There are very clear parallels with the development of the vehicle tracking market. Initially telematics was only
Route optimisation: Are you missing out?
viable for the biggest fleets, as it was quite expensive to install and complex to use. As the costs came down and the technology became more user-friendly, it opened up the market to the small and medium-sized vehicle operators. “Route optimisation is so well embedded in the big players that, today, they couldn’t envisage operating without it. Our strategy is to make it cost-effective and user-friendly enough for the rest of the market, so that it becomes an essential tool for them in their fight to cut emissions and costs.” KEY BENEFITS Route optimisation is powered by intelligent algorithms which calculate the most efficient way for an organisation to complete all of its daily tasks involving vehicles. The algorithms make these calculations in a fraction of the time it would take a team of people – and deliver better results. The achievable benefits can be surprising. “The platform is so efficient that it can reduce total fleet mileage by up to 20 per cent, with the clear reductions in greenhouse gas emissions which that brings,” added Ferguson. “It can also cut total transport costs by up to 30 per cent. These are huge savings and far outweigh the price of using route optimisation, meaning it delivers a rapid return on investment.”
• New platforms are more affordable and user-friendly • The efficiency gains can give you a competitive edge • Achievable savings include: • 30% on total transport costs • 20% on fleet mileage and emissions • Substantial reduction in planning time • These savings are on top of what you get from telematics • Proven to reduce carbon emissions from your current fleet
WHO USES IT? Route optimisation is most effective for planning vehicles which visit multiple sites per shift. This could be multidrop operations such as last-mile logistics, couriers, or home delivery – but equally it could be scheduling site visits for service engineers or community transport such as a minibus for the elderly and vulnerable. “One of the barriers for adoption in the past was that route optimisation might only be applicable to some parts of a fleet and not others,” said Ferguson. “That made it too expensive as the ROI simply wasn’t there. However, new ways of consuming route optimisation, such as pay-as-you-go platforms, create new possibilities. A fleet manager can finally deploy route optimisation for the parts of their business where it is effective, without having to pay for it for the parts where it might not be needed. “For those struggling to adopt electric vehicles, route optimisation offers another way to reduce emissions while also cutting costs.”
“The platform is so efficient that it can reduce total fleet mileage by up to 20 per cent”
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Agility in the New Normal Is the age of the contract coming to an end? Pay-as-you-go route optimisation platforms offer fleets the flexibility they need.
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ow more than ever, organisations need to remain agile in order to meet the changing needs of their clients and stakeholders. For fleet managers, this means full flexibility from the platforms they use. My Transport Planner is unique among route optimisation platforms, as it is available on a proper pay-as-you-go basis – no contract, no minimum monthly spend, and no usage requirements. My Transport Planner was created by The Algorithm People to bring the benefits of route optimisation to small and medium-sized fleets. “I used to be a transport manager, so I understand the pressure that anyone looking after vehicles and drivers is under,” said Colin Ferguson, CEO, of The Algorithm People. “We approached the design and development of our platform from their perspective.” Ferguson’s vision was to create a PAYG platform that was quick and easy to use, at an affordable price, delivering a strong return on investment, and that was fully web-based. My Transport Planner ticks all of these boxes. EV COMPATIBILITY The set-up process is straightforward: Create an account, and import details about your vehicles, locations, and drivers. Users can refer to a library of tutorial videos to help them with any issues, and there is also an online user manual as well as a help desk. To use the system, simply import the jobs to be done, along with any special customer requirements such as time slots. If some of your assets are electric vehicles (EVs), you can enter their range into My Transport Planner so it ensures they have sufficient charge to cover the distance required. Users can click on a job to allocate it to a vehicle or can draw around push pins
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on a map to drag and drop a group of jobs onto a vehicle. If the vehicle is delivering goods, the platform keeps track of weight and dimensions to ensure vehicles are not overloaded. Once all jobs are allocated, the user clicks the “optimise” button and the algorithms calculate the most efficient route and schedule. “It’s a very intuitive and user-friendly system,” said Ferguson. “You don’t need any previous experience of route optimisation to get up and running very quickly.” PRICING MODEL Users simply use a credit card to buy credits, for 99p each. One credit pays to optimise one vehicle for one day, making My Transport Planner very competitive compared to other route optimisation platforms. Other payment options include PAYG invoiced monthly in arrears, while customers who want a contract are incentivised with substantial price discounts. They can also upgrade to a contract version packed with additional features such as a driver app. “The pay-as-you-go model enables anyone to try it out without having endless rounds of sales calls or signing a long-term contract,” said Ferguson.
“Software is increasingly available on a monthly subscription model, called Software as a Service (SaaS). However, in many cases you have to remember to cancel it in advance if you don’t want it; meaning it limits your flexibility. True pay-as-you-go means you only ever pay for what you need, when you need it.” SME BENEFITS My Transport Planner was specifically designed to unlock the benefits of route optimisation for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). Its customer base runs from family-owned businesses with a handful of vehicles, through to nationwide chains like Selco Builders Warehouse. “There is no difference in the benefits whether you have ten vehicles or a thousand,” said Ferguson. “Our smaller customers can achieve the same percentage savings as the national fleets.” The PAYG model also presents the opportunity for companies to regularly optimise milk round-style operations, where vehicles typically travel the same route and visit the same locations every day. “Once in a while it really pays to reassess your routes in order to make sure you’re still efficient,” said Ferguson. “My Transport Planner makes this type of regular review affordable and accessible.”
Case Study: Yorkshire Water Fleet analysis by The Algorithm People is helping Yorkshire Water make data-based decisions on its strategy to decarbonise its fleet.
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orkshire Water is committed to achieve net zero carbon by 2030, which includes electrifying the 1,400 vans in its fleet. The utility company, which has secured Go Ultra Low fleet accreditation, has made a strong start, investing in Nissan e-NV200 electric vans. It estimates that the vehicles will reduce total fleet emissions by five per cent and generate savings over their seven-year life span. Yorkshire Water is developing a 10year plan to decarbonise its fleet, including introducing electric vehicles and piloting the use of CNG and hydrogen power. In order to identify the most appropriate next steps in its strategy, the water company turned to EV fleet analysis specialists The Algorithm People for assistance.
Using its unique EV toolkit, the company analysed journey data from a sample of 100 vans in Yorkshire Water’s fleet. Drivers take the vehicles home after their shifts, so the analysis was based on recharging the EVs overnight. The conclusions surprised everyone: Based on the real-world range of electric vans, 88 per cent of all vehicles in the sample were suitable for electrification. Furthermore, 95 per cent of all daily routes could be achieved without the need for a top-up charge.
r “88 pe all f cent o in t he es v e h i c l l e we re s a m p l e fo r suit ab cation” ifi electr
Natalie Hughes, Director of Partners and Corporate Accounts for The Algorithm People, said: “Yorkshire Water is deeply committed to sustainability, as shown by its pledge to reach net zero by 2030 and its use of renewable energy. Our role is to provide analysis to support that vision, by providing the data that can enable our client to make clear, evidence-based decisions on the next steps.”
David Hibbs, Head of Fleet for Yorkshire Water said: “The analysis from The Algorithm People gave us exactly what we wanted – clear, evidence-based answers to the question of how much potential there is to electrify our fleet.”
The company has been working to reduce carbon emissions since 2014 and in 2019 it reported an 80% reduction in operational emissions, compared to 2005. It has made substantial investment in anaerobic digestion technologies to generate renewable energy from sewage sludge that is used to power its operational sites, as well as committing to buying only certified renewable energy. This means that its electric vehicles will deliver the best possible reduction in emissions. “The results really gave us food for thought,” added Hibbs. “There is further work to be done to get the complete picture from our entire fleet, but it is a fantastic start.”
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DECARBONISE YOUR FLEET - A unique approach to reducing emissions
Your Road Map to Decarbonisation Deadlines for electrification could be as close as a decade away. While organisations are aware of the targets they have to hit, very few have robust plans in place to meet them.
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he clock is ticking for all vehicle operators to make the switch to EVs. However, only the largest organisations, with dedicated sustainability teams, have put plans in place to meet these targets. For most other organisations, they know where they have to go, but not how to get there. The Algorithm People has come up with the solution – a Road Map to Decarbonisation. This innovative blend of consultancy and route optimisation aims to help fleets develop and implement a robust, evidence-based electrification strategy. Natalie Hughes, Director of Partners and Corporate Accounts for The Algorithm People, said: “It became apparent to us from conversations with fleet and transport managers that many simply do not know where to start. They were spending a lot of money on electric vehicle consultancy that told them which vehicles to buy and what infrastructure they need - but didn’t help with how to use those vehicles to their full potential.”
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“Our Road Map to Decarbonisation creates a stage-by-stage strategy, enabling them to set achievable goals and time frames, which act as milestones on the journey to full electrification.” SET A BASELINE In line with the company’s ‘optimise now, electrify next’ ethos, the first step is to decarbonise the existing fleet. This begins with a benchmarking exercise, to create a baseline. “Our analysts take a couple of weeks’ worth of data from a fleet to understand its existing operations and create metrics such as mileage, cost, and emissions,” said Hughes. “We then use our algorithms to crunch that data and identify the potential savings against those KPIs if the fleet was optimised. This gives our clients an accurate picture of the specific savings they could make by using our route optimisation platform.” OPTIMISE Once the benchmark has proved that My Transport
The Algorithm People / GreenFleet supplement
Planner can generate significant savings, the client signs up and begins to use the platform. As a fully web-based system, there is no requirement for installation or complex set-up, meaning that users can get started immediately. Initially this is often on a pay-as-you-go basis, which enables fleet managers to get to know the system without being tied into a long-term contract. GENERATE SAVINGS The platform is proven to generate total cost savings of up to 30 per cent, including a reduction in total fleet mileage of up to 20 per cent. “The mileage saving is particularly important as it obviously has an impact on emissions from vehicle operations,” said Hughes. “In this way, it can help fleets set and meet short-term targets on decarbonisation while preparing a medium- and long-term strategy for electrification.” BUILD THE BUSINESS CASE While The Algorithm People’s entire approach to decarbonisation is unique, the
DECARBONISE YOUR FLEET - A unique approach to reducing emissions
most innovative element is how it helps fleets to adopt electric vehicles (EVs). Its analysts take the benchmarking data from step one, but instead of asking the algorithm to optimise the existing vehicles, they ask it which vehicles and routes are ready for electrification. “Sometimes this is simply replacing a diesel or petrol vehicle with an EV,” said Hughes. “However, by looking holistically at all vehicle movements, the algorithms can rewrite work schedules to increase the number of vehicles that can be electrified. All tasks are still completed, but perhaps by different vehicles, in order to optimise the use of EVs.” PURCHASE EVS AND INFRASTRUCTURE “Another unique feature of the Decarbonisation Road Map is that optimising your existing fleet creates the financial headroom to invest in EVs,” said Hughes. “If an organisation has already allocated investment for EVs then this additional funding can help accelerate the process. However, for most companies it will be a welcome war chest to get them started.” The Algorithm People has an extensive network of partners who can help at this stage, from leasing or purchasing EVs, to acquiring charging infrastructure, to innovative EV ‘fuel’ cards which streamline the processing of employees’ expenses claims. “One of the headaches for fleet managers is finding and managing different suppliers for the various elements they need to electrify,” added Hughes. “We can help take the hassle out of this
process by bringing in our partners where appropriate.” SWEAT YOUR ASSETS Once you have added EVs to your fleet, My Transport Planner can optimise them along with conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. The platform is designed to ensure that the EVs are used as close to their capabilities as possible, with complete confidence that they won’t run out of battery charge. “Electric vehicles have a much higher ticket price than diesel or petrol equivalents,” said Hughes. “The return on investment comes from much lower ‘fuel’ costs, meaning that the more miles the EVs travel, the faster and better the payback. Similarly, every electric mile is one less mile covered by a fossil fuel vehicle in the fleet, so the return on investment is an environmental one as well as financial. “My Transport Planner is configured to maximise the number of electric miles without pushing any EV beyond its realworld range capabilities.” REPORT AND REPEAT The Algorithm People can provide regular reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) which can feed into management meetings and sustainability reports. This ensures that performance is monitored, and emissions targets are met. With the entire fleet now optimised, the cycle begins again, as the savings generated can be put aside to pay for the next round of electrification. “A plan for decarbonisation which essentially becomes self-funding is a win-win scenario for any vehicle operator,” said Hughes.
The Algorithm People
can help you create a clear, cost-effective strategy for fleet decarbonisation. Ensure you electrify your fleet in the most effective and efficient manner by following these seven simple steps:
1. Benchmark your existing operations
Identify what savings optimisation could generate for your existing fleet
2. Optimise your existing fleet
Use the My Transport Planner platform to optimise your fleet operations
3. Generate savings My Transport Planner can deliver cost savings of up to 30%
4. Build the business case Algorithms identify your vehicles and routes most suited for electrification
5. Purchase your vehicles and infrastructure Use your savings to invest in the right EVs and charging infrastructure
6. Optimise again
Optimise your full fleet, including your electric vehicles, to maximise efficiency
7. Repeat the process
Use the cost savings generated by optimisation to fund the next round of electrification
DECARBONISE YOUR FLEET - A unique approach to reducing emissions
Into the TTC Continuum Driver Risk Management The TTC Continuum – Dynamic Data Engine platform now incorporates My Transport Planner route optimisation, bringing even more benefits to fleets:
Users of one of the UK’s most advanced driver risk management platforms can now also benefit from route optimisation, thanks to an exciting new partnership.
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n the age of Big Data, one of the dangers for fleet managers is data overload. Extracting the right information from multiple systems can be an arduous task and when those systems are not integrated, it can create data silos. TTC Group is addressing this issue for fleets, through its innovative TTC Continuum platform. Continuum brings together all the elements of fleet risk management, including compliance issues such as licence checks; risk management using in-vehicle technology such as telematics; and driver training. The Group is further expanding its offering, by working with The Algorithm People. This will see the My Transport Planner route optimisation platform integrated within the TTC Continuum. Colin Ferguson, CEO of The Algorithm People, said: “We believe that TTC Continuum is the future of driver and fleet risk management solutions. It integrates data from many sources including telematics, driver behaviour and in-vehicle technology, to deliver unparalleled insight into driver risk and compliance management.” While route optimisation is known for cutting costs and reducing total fleet emissions, it can also help with
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compliance. My Transport Planner contains compliance safeguards to protect fleets and drivers, such as ensuring that the loads assigned to vans and trucks do not breach a vehicle’s payload limit. It can also make sure that vehicle schedules factor in driver working hours and mandatory breaks. From a risk management perspective, smarter route planning is proven to reduce total mileage by up to 20 per cent. Fewer miles travelled means lower risk of road traffic incidents. Accurate planning also ensures that drivers can fulfil their tasks without coming under pressure to break speed limits in order to hit deadlines. This also improves driver welfare by reducing stress and fatigue. TTC Group believes that My Transport Planner is a compelling proposition for fleet and logistic operators, as it offers faster and smarter planning; heightened productivity: lower mileage; reduced costs; and fewer emissions. All of these elements support organisations’ environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) credentials.
• Compliance such as grey fleet management and driver licence checks • Risk management such as driver behaviour and telematics technology • Training to address driver issues or to achieve driver qualifications • Optimised routes to reduce total mileage and fleet emissions • Enhanced compliance for driver working hours and vehicle loads • Reduced risk of road traffic incidents and speeding
ensures sustainability remains at the heart of operations’ activity.” The TTC Continuum – Dynamic Data Engine is a first for the fleet sector, integrating data from many sources including telematics, driver behaviour and in-vehicle technology, to deliver unparalleled insight into driver risk and compliance management through real-time dashboards and management information.
Oliver Raisbeck, commercial director, TTC Group said, “Providing clients with access to My Transport Planner via the TTC Continuum platform is another major step forward in our journey of connecting the industry under a single touch point and providing users with a truly holistic view of their fleet and drivers performance.
It enables fleet managers to easily and quickly manage their entire driving community from a single online platform and ensure real-time compliance with HSE legislation. Natalie Hughes, director of partners and corporate accounts at The Algorithm People said, “This is a really exciting opportunity to be partnering with TTC Group and connecting My Transport Planner together with their world leading TTC Continuum – Dynamic Data Engine platform.
“It provides commercial fleet operators with the ability to quickly and accurately optimise the overall performance of their vehicles, and creates a more dynamic environment – vital in today’s fast-moving business world – that
“Our intelligent planning tool will help provide fleet operators with an even greater holistic view of real time data insight to assist in optimising efficiencies, decarbonising fleets and, ultimately, lower costs.”
The Algorithm People / GreenFleet supplement
DECARBONISE YOUR FLEET - A unique approach to reducing emissions
Enhanced Sustainability As the largest refrigerated van manufacturer in the UK, CoolKit plays a vital role in keeping temperaturecontrolled logistics moving during a pandemic. Now it is adding more value to the cold chain by identifying more ways for fleets to reduce their emissions.
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he pandemic has accelerated the trend for home delivery, in particular for food and pharmaceutical goods. During the first lockdown, some supermarkets reported a doubling in delivery demand, and the online grocery market is due to grow by more than a quarter in 2020 overall. CoolKit has pulled out all the stops for businesses exceptionally affected by the pandemic, including a national food charity as well as numerous van rental specialists who have seen demand soar. Rupert Gatty, chief executive officer at CoolKit, said: “We are morally bound to join the national effort during this unprecedented time. Arguably, some of the most important things needed around the country right now are medicines and food supplies - and we are helping our customers increase the safe transportation of these products with improved efficiency and reliability.” As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of temperaturecontrolled vehicles, CoolKit also has a strong focus on sustainability. It has developed a solution which eliminates the need for timber reinforcements that are traditionally used extensively in the vehicle conversion process. This alternative solution is lightweight and durable - increasing vehicle longevity and improving vehicle productivity by substantially reducing unladen weight. Cameron Javed, Head of Technical Development for CoolKit, said: “By continually incorporating new materials and methodologies into our designs, we have been able to create refrigerated panel vans capable of transporting industrybest panel van payloads in excess of 1,200kg. In practice this means that fleet sizes can be significantly reduced, leading to a reduction in fleet operating costs, traffic congestion and roadside emissions.” Building on this success, Burnley-based CoolKit is offering its customers a further way to reduce fleet emissions, after signing a partnership agreement with The Algorithm People. The deal enables CoolKit to introduce its clients to My Transport Planner,
“My t or Transp is an er P l a n n t i ve t o o l innovat hey can t h at r e d u c e use to ns while io emisso saving als .” m o n ey
a unique pay-as-yougo route optimisation platform developed by The Algorithm People. Through smarter planning of routes and schedules, My Transport Planner can reduce total fleet mileage by up to 20 per cent, cutting costs and carbon emissions for fleets.
Gatty said: “At first glance, a partnership between a refrigerated van manufacturer and a software specialist might seem odd. However, many of our customers are involved in home delivery or last-mile logistics, which is precisely the type of operation that can benefit the most from route optimisation, though many don’t know it. My Transport Planner is an innovative tool that they can use to reduce emissions while also saving money.” Colin Ferguson, CEO of The Algorithm People, which created My Transport Planner, said: “CoolKit is a trusted partner for many operators of refrigerated vans. The company has a strong ethos of using innovation to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, which of course is an objective we share. We both want to help fleets operate more efficiently and more sustainably.” Crucially, route optimisation can help refrigerated van operators keep pace with other van users when it comes to cutting emissions. “All companies with home delivery operations are under pressure to cut emissions,” added Ferguson. “Therefore, if fleets want to reduce emissions from their refrigerated vans, they have to think outside the box. CoolKit is already innovating with its pioneering use of lighter materials, helping to increase payloads and take surplus vehicles off our roads. The next logical step for its customer base is route optimisation to reduce mileage, enabling them to cut emissions and save money at the same time.”
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DECARBONISE YOUR FLEET - A unique approach to reducing emissions
Leading the Charge Mina Energy is another company with a unique approach to fleet electrification. It is joining forces with The Algorithm People to help fleets accelerate the switch to EVs.
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hile The Algorithm People can play a key role in helping fleets adopt electric vehicles (EVs), there are other challenges that optimisation can’t overcome. “We recognise that we don’t have all the answers,” said Colin Ferguson, CEO of The Algorithm People. “If we can’t solve your problem ourselves, we will recommend one of our trusted partners who can.” One of the latest companies to join its partner network is Mina Energy. The Sheffield-based business helps encourage fleet adoption and management of electric vehicles (EVs) with its innovative EV charging platform. Mina’s software integrates with charge points installed at employees’ homes, as well as the homeowner’s energy supplier, to manage payment of energy used by an EV. A web portal enables drivers to split business and private mileage, which ensures that employers only reimburse drivers for business mileage. It also ensures that employees do not end up paying for work trips as part of their domestic energy bill. Mina is working with leading facilities management and professional services company Mitie, which already has more than 500 EVs. As part of its Plan Zero pledge, Mitie has committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2025, including turning its entire fleet of 5,500 vehicles electric. While its EV rollout is on track, one of the challenges Mitie has faced was how to easily pay for employees’ home charging. Mitie is now using Mina’s revolutionary EV ‘fuel card’ system within its EV fleet. Ferguson added: “We were delighted to sign up Mina Energy to our partner network. The UK has ambitious targets for electric vehicle adoption, but barriers still exist for businesses to adopt EVs. Innovative solutions from companies like Mina help to remove those barriers and will accelerate fleet electrification.” The companies are already working closely to make adopting and managing EVs even easier for fleet operators. Chris Dalrymple, co-founder and director of Mina, said: “By
partnering with The Algorithm People we can create an even more compelling proposition for fleet operators. Together we can offer a fresh perspective on the entire process, from identifying the right vehicles to electrify, and optimising their use; to simplifying EV charging, energy billing and employee expenses.” Mina enables employees to charge their electric cars and vans at home, then easily claim the costs back from employers. Fleet managers get one single invoice for the energy used and have complete visibility via Mina’s fleet dashboard. By encouraging home charging, fleet operators also benefit from lower energy costs compared to the prices at public charge points. Furthermore, Mina streamlines the expenses claim process and can extend the solution to cover public and workplace charging. Ashley Tate, co-founder of Mina Energy said: “Going electric doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With our unique home charging solution, drivers are able to charge their vehicles at the home with no cost or impact on their household electricity bill.”
EV Energy Made Easy Mina Energy makes it easy for employees to charge their company cars and vans at home. • Mina’s software integrates with charge points installed at employees’ homes • It also links to the homeowner’s energy supplier • Drivers can access a web portal to split their business and private mileage • This ensures that they don’t end up paying for work travel • Fleet managers have complete oversight of all energy use • Mina also streamlines the expenses claims process • Home charging saves companies money compared to using public charging posts
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The Algorithm People / GreenFleet supplement
Chris Dalrymple and Ashley Tate of Mina Energy
Going Mobile The developer of a unique navigation app for electric vehicle drivers is integrating with a pioneering route optimisation platform.
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ygic created the world’s first navigation app to integrate both charging station locations and mobile payments. Charging points database, charging stalls availability, navigation, and integrated service payments are all available in one single app. It provides information about pricing, what types of connectors are available at a given location, how powerful they are, and their availability. The app already includes over 150,000 charging points in Europe. The Algorithm People has been working closely with global GPS navigation pioneer Sygic for over a year. The companies are integrating their technology platforms to help fleets reduce their emissions and make the most of electric vehicles (EVs). Colin Ferguson, CEO of The Algorithm People, said: “Sygic is a leader in its field and continues to innovate when it comes to EVs. Combining our products will help more fleets to make the most of their electric vehicles.” The Algorithm People is integrating Sygic’s solution into its route optimisation platform, My Transport Planner. My Transport Planner can optimise EVs as part of a wider fleet, by accounting for factors such as vehicle
range. Sygic’s mapping of electric vehicle charging points means that an EV’s schedule can easily include a topup charge during a shift. Miroslav Remecky VP of Enterprise Business Unit of Sygic, said: “My Transport Planner is a route optimisation platform with unique qualities. The capability to optimise electric vehicles as part of a wider fleet makes it a great fit with our own innovations in the EV segment. Together we can help fleets to get the best possible financial and environmental benefits from their electric vehicles.” Along with blazing a trail in the EV sector, the two companies are also creating a comprehensive, all-in-one fleet solution on a mobile device for My Transport Planner. This will include features such as daily vehicle checks, and optimised routes with turn-byturn navigation – for HGV operators, this also includes a safety feature to ensure trucks avoid roads spanned by low bridges. Other features include communication of arrival times to customers, and electronic proof of delivery. Uniquely, it will also mean that My Transport Planner will offer what will be one of the world’s first ondevice optimisations. This innovation will enable users to optimise routes in
real-time on their mobile devices, then navigate to their destination. Remecky added: “The combination of route optimisation and GPS navigation is perfect for any company engaged in logistics or delivery operations. Reliable and accurate multiple waypoints optimisation is the backbone of timely and efficient delivery, especially in these times of higher demand for such services. My Transport Planner represents an innovative and unique approach to the technology, which will help van and truck operators to manage daily jobs better, spend less time planning and lower their costs.” Founded in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 2004, Sygic is a Deloitte Fast 50 Company and features on Deloitte’s Fast 500 EMEA list. Sygic developed the world’s first satnav solution for Apple and the second for Android devices. It has more than 200 million users worldwide. The partnership will therefore open up My Transport Planner to a global audience. “We are really excited about the possibilities for global expansion,” said Ferguson. “Having a trusted partner like Sygic, which already has a strong position in many markets, will help us bring the benefits of My Transport Planner to vehicle operators worldwide.”
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SPECIAL OFFER
FOR GREENFLEET READERS Get a full day of fleet consultancy for FREE from The Algorithm People The Algorithm People has a unique approach to fleet decarbonisation. Its innovative pay-as-you-go route optimisation platform, My Transport Planner, helps fleets to cut costs and carbon emissions from their existing diesel and petrol vehicles. It is proven to reduce total fleet mileage by up to 20 per cent and transport operation costs by up to 30 per cent. The Algorithm People is also an expert in fleet analysis. Its pioneering use of data provides evidence-based answers to the big questions on when and how you should electrify your fleet. This helps you build the business case for EVs, by ensuring that they provide the best possible environmental and financial return on investment. It also enables you to properly map out milestones and achievable targets on your road to zero.
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GreenFleet is teaming up with The Algorithm Peop le to give readers a un ique special offer – a full day of FREE fleet consultancy, worth at least £500*!
All you have to do is follow these steps: ● Email contact@thealgorithmpeople.co.uk ● Use the subject line “GreenFleet offer” ● Include the following details ● Name of company ● Fleet size ● Nature of business ● Tell us whether you would prefer to be contacted by email or phone We will then contact you to confirm you have qualified for the offer and to discuss next steps. *Terms and conditions apply.
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