Why you should consider switching to electric fleet vehicles

Electric vehicles are becoming a bigger part of the conversation across the vehicle industry, and for good reason. Traditional gas and diesel engines produce emissions that carry real environmental and public health costs, and regulatory pressure to reduce those emissions continues to grow across Canada and beyond.

Beyond the environmental case, electric vehicles can offer real savings on fleet maintenance and running costs for commercial fleets, particularly when paired with the right telematics system.

That said, switching to electric isn't without its concerns. Fleet managers considering the move often worry about range anxiety, the upfront cost of switching, and how to keep track of a vehicle that's running low on charge or due for servicing. This guide covers what electric vehicle telematics actually is, what it can tell you, and the key benefits worth knowing before you make the switch.

What is electric vehicle telematics?

Electric vehicle telematics combines GPS systems, onboard diagnostics, telecommunications, and vehicle technology to enable effective fleet tracking. These systems give fleet managers the data and insight needed to run a safer, more efficient operation, adapted specifically for how electric vehicles work.

What data does electric vehicle telematics provide?

A good telematics system gives fleet managers visibility into current battery levels, driver routes, average speeds, and overall driving behavior, along with a range of other metrics specific to keeping an electric fleet running smoothly.

How do electric vehicle telematics systems work?

Telematics systems combine in-vehicle hardware with a cloud-based platform. Hardware is either hardwired into the vehicle or connected through the onboard diagnostics port, and journey and driver data is relayed to the cloud platform via the cellular network, similar to how a mobile phone stays connected.

The benefits of electric vehicle telematics

Insight into driver behavior

Electric vehicles represent a significant investment, which makes driver behavior worth monitoring closely. Telematics tracks routes taken, total distance traveled, driving time, average speed, and harsh acceleration or braking, giving fleet managers the information they need to step in if unsafe or inefficient driving is putting the driver or the vehicle at risk.

Full visibility into journeys and vehicle activity

Real-time GPS vehicle tracking means fleet managers always know where a vehicle is and how it's being used. That visibility helps with everyday planning and customer updates, without needing to rely on drivers calling in with their location.

Vehicle health updates

Electric vehicle hardware sits at the center of a fleet's operations, which is part of why telematics is so effective here. Through the cloud-based system, fleet managers get insight into tire pressure, battery health, and any fault codes that suggest something needs attention before it becomes a bigger problem.

Charging schedules and alerts

Charging is one of the biggest concerns for fleet managers new to electric vehicles. Since charging infrastructure varies by region, telematics helps by supporting data-led charging schedules and providing ongoing updates, so managers can plan routes and stops with confidence rather than guessing.

Cost savings

A good telematics system tends to pay for itself over time. Savings typically come from reduced maintenance costs, lower running costs, and the potential for reduced insurance premiums, all adding up alongside the environmental benefits of running an electric fleet.

Getting started with RAM

If you're looking to improve your fleet with EV tracking, dash cams, or job management software across the US and Canada, RAM is here to help. We work with businesses of all sizes to improve safety, reduce costs, and increase productivity, whether you're running a fully electric fleet or just starting to explore the switch.

Book a demo with our team today to find out how RAM can support your electric fleet.

FAQs

Is it more expensive to maintain telematics on an electric vehicle than a gas vehicle?

Not typically. The tracking hardware and monthly service work the same way regardless of fuel type. If anything, electric vehicles tend to have lower overall maintenance costs, since there are fewer mechanical parts like oil systems that need regular servicing.

Can telematics help reduce range anxiety for fleet managers new to EVs?

Yes, to a real extent. Real-time visibility into battery levels and charging status means fleet managers aren't relying on guesswork to know whether a vehicle can complete its route, which is often the biggest source of anxiety when first switching to electric.

Does switching to electric vehicles mean retraining drivers on new habits?

Some adjustment is usually needed, mainly around charging routines and driving style, since harsh acceleration and braking affect EV battery life more than they do a traditional engine. Telematics data helps identify which drivers need coaching on this early on.

How does telematics data differ for a mixed fleet of electric and gas vehicles?

Both vehicle types can be tracked within the same system, though the specific metrics differ. Gas vehicles are monitored for fuel consumption, while electric vehicles are monitored for battery health and charge status, giving fleet managers one combined view rather than two separate systems to manage.

Are there Canadian incentives that help offset the cost of switching to electric fleet vehicles?

Incentives exist at both the federal and provincial level, though they vary and change over time. It's worth checking current programs directly rather than relying on a fixed figure, since these are updated more frequently than most other fleet related regulations.