IFW_Update_FW_Jan22.qxp 02/02/2022 13:57 Page 1
Your essential global fleet update
HERE partners with Digital Charging Solutions
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ocation data company HERE Technologies and Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS) have announced plans to work together on charging networks. DCS already boasts payment solutions that are used across nearly 300,000 units in Europe and Japan. In addition, it is already the provider of charging services for a number of OEMs, including BMW, MercedesBenz and Hyundai.
Battery-as-a-Service technology arrives in Norway LeasePlan and NIO have announced that LeasePlan will become the preferred leasing partner for NIO electric cars in Norway. The deal will initially see LeasePlan offering NIO’s ES8 – which has a range of up to 500km (311 miles). The lease can be combined with a ‘Battery-as-aService’ subscription, enabling drivers to easily swap and upgrade the EV’s battery. “I’m delighted to announce our exclusive partnership with NIO, which will empower every driver to dump the pump and fight the worst effects climate change,” beamed Tex Gunning, CEO of LeasePlan when announcing the deal. “NIO’s innovative battery swapping system will eliminate range anxiety, and encourage even more drivers to make the switch to electric. Together, LeasePlan and NIO will offer some of the cleanest, greenest and smartest EVs ever produced, and we’re excited to be bringing the next generation of electric vehicle technology to the European market.”
STATS Light vehicle sales December 2021 Region United States Canada Western Europe Eastern Europe Japan Korea China Brazil/Argentina
Sales 1.2 million 100,000 1.01 million 358,000 334,000 150,000 2.79 million 210,000
+/– (% year on year) -26.4 -9.0 -19.2 -18.8 -10.9 -6.9 -0.6 -16.8
(Source: LMC Automotive)
Top 10 vehicles* in Europe December 2021 Model
Units
Tesla Model 3
27,358
Peugeot 208
20,186
Renault Clio
18,397
Dacia Sandero
18,020
Peugeot 2008
16,330
Volkswagen T-Roc
14,449
Dacia Duster
14,405
Mini Hatch
13,541
Fiat/Abarth 500
13,230
Renault Captur
12,855
(Source: Jato) *Registrations
18 fleetworld.co.uk
The collaboration aims to provide “an end-to-end, seamless, in-car experience for EV drivers” according to the duo, who will lean on each other’s expertise. For example, DCS brings charging station access, session authentication and payment and billing services. Meanwhile, HERE will use its automotive-grade mapping, points of interest and routing capabilities. “Together with HERE, as leading mapping and navigation partner for car manufacturers, we see enormous potential to take the in-car charging experience to the next level,” said Jörg Reimann, CEO, Digital Charging Solutions GmbH. “We can help drivers find a reliable charging station along the route which can be used with their charging service. Drivers will be able to search for the most reliable, the nearest or the most affordable charging station on their way.” Jørgen Behrens, chief product officer at HERE Technologies, added: “By bringing our technologies together, we intend to make finding, booking, using and paying for EV charging directly available from the vehicle navigation system or mobile companion application. It is another important step on our journey to make EV driving a seamless end-to-end experience.”
Tesla Model 3 Best-selling EV reflecting the shift to electrification in Europe
Image: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.