by Ranju Singh | Sep 30, 2024 | Autos, Energy & Charging, Fleets, Popular, Press Releases, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
Smartcar, the leading API platform for mobility businesses, today announced a partnership with Lyft, one of the largest transportation networks in North America, to tackle range anxiety and to increase EV drivers rides with confidence.
Lyft’s ‘Rides in Range’ feature ensures EV drivers only receive ride requests within their current battery range. It’s now available for EV drivers on the platform with a 20-mile buffer on an EV’s battery range to accommodate different driving styles or route obstacles.
With EV battery level data retrieved via Smartcar, Rides in Range can also alert drivers to charge after completing a trip if their battery level is expected to fall below 20 percent. By combining automatic trip-matching and proactive EV charging reminders, Lyft aims to build an efficient and convenient experience for EV drivers and passengers using the platform.
Range anxiety is the #1 EV pain point for drivers on Lyft
Range anxiety is the uncertainty of whether a vehicle has enough battery to complete a trip. It remains the leading concern for EV drivers on the platform who want to avoid the risk of interrupting trips to charge or struggling to look for chargers during longer trips.
With Rides in Range, EV drivers on Lyft don’t have to deal with the cognitive burden of evaluating battery range for each request or deciding to pass on longer trips. Accurate and automated ride assignments with EV battery data retrieved via Smartcar help Lyft drivers take on more trips with confidence, boost ratings, and increase tips from customers.
“At Lyft, we’re all about making life easier for drivers on our platform, and we know that range anxiety is a big deal for those with electric vehicles. That’s why we’re so excited about our new ‘Rides in Range’ feature, thanks to our partnership with Smartcar,” said Ciara Chow, Lyft Product Manager.
“Now, our drivers can take on rides without constantly worrying about their battery levels. It’s a game-changer that helps them focus on what they do best – providing great rides for people who need them.”
Secure, no-hassle EV range checks for drivers
The feature is automatically enabled for future rides once drivers connect their EVs to Lyft via Smartcar. Lyft’s evaluation criteria included technical capabilities, the overall user experience for drivers, and the ability to scale this feature across the most popular EV models on Lyft and on the road today.
With Smartcar’s consent-based API and immediate onboarding, Lyft can roll this feature out to most of their EV drivers without adding the burden of technical dependencies and security concerns. This one-time setup ensures drivers only share the necessary data permissions with Lyft, maintaining privacy while improving the driver experience.
“One of the greatest challenges of our time is addressing climate change, and it’s inspiring to see companies like Lyft make impactful commitments to grow electrification on the platform significantly,” said Sahas Katta, CEO and co-founder at Smartcar.
“Smartcar is thrilled to partner with Lyft to accelerate this shift by enhancing the EV experience. With our API, Lyft can ensure drivers are matched with rides that allow them to reach their destination comfortably. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to building more solutions that make the transition to EVs seamless and efficient.”
Building a reliable and emission-free future for rideshare
By optimizing ride assignments based on battery range, Lyft hopes the ‘Rides in Range’ feature will increase matching speed, enhance the passenger experience, and reduce charging interruptions during trips.
This partnership underscores Smartcar and Lyft’s shared commitment to a sustainable future by supporting EV adoption and addressing the pain points that deter drivers from going electric. With more EVs on the platform providing seamless trips, Lyft can further its goal of reaching 100 million EV rides on the platform by the end of 2025.
by Grace Dawes | Sep 25, 2024 | Autos, Business, Energy & Charging, Fleets, MOVE America, Popular, Resources, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
The push towards electric vehicle (EV) adoption is gaining momentum, as highlighted by a diverse panel at day two at MOVE America 2024. Industry leaders discussed key factors driving confidence in the EV space, focusing on consumer behavior, infrastructure challenges, and the future of transportation.
Marcy Bauer from EVgo emphasized that residents of multi-unit housing signal the transition from early adopters to mass-market consumers. With 38 new EV models priced under $35,000 expected in the next 18 months, and advancements in battery technology offering longer ranges and faster charging, the outlook is promising.
Thomas Bartholomew from the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) highlighted growing demand for EVs, but noted that infrastructure remains a challenge, especially for those without access to off-street parking. He pointed out issues like residents running cords across sidewalks to charge their vehicles.
Sean Waters from Daimler Truck North America brought a unique perspective as a heavy-duty truck manufacturer. Given the diversity of applications in the trucking industry, he sees a future with multiple propulsion solutions, including battery-electric, hydrogen, and fuel cells, while acknowledging that diesel will remain a key player for some time.
Kari Birdsall of Hertz underlined the importance of offering choice to consumers, making EVs a prominent option in their fleet, ensuring a broad range of vehicles for varying needs.
Jay Joseph from Honda stressed that electrification is not the end goal—carbon neutrality is. While electrification is the most practical path, Joseph reminded the audience that transitioning from over a century of internal combustion engine dominance will take time and require a holistic approach to the ecosystem.
As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that while the path to widespread EV adoption is filled with challenges, there is strong momentum and innovation across the industry to overcome these hurdles.
Panel – Driving confidence in EV adoption
- Marcy Bauer, Senior Vice President, EVgo
- Thomas Bartholomew, Associate Director, Department Of Energy & Environment (DOEE)
- Michael Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Octopus Energy US
- Sean Waters, Vice President of Product Integrity, Daimler Truck North America
- Jay Joseph, Vice President, Sustainability, American Honda Motor Co Inc
- Kari Birdsall, Vice President of EV Strategy & Operations Excellence, Hertz
- Moderator: Sam Abuelsamid, Senior Contributor, Forbes
by Grace Dawes | Sep 24, 2024 | Autos, Business, Energy & Charging, Fleets, MOVE America, Popular, Resources, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
In a forward-looking keynote session at MOVE America 2024, experts from Ford, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Keolis, the USDOT, and North Carolina’s Department of Transportation gathered to discuss the shifting landscape of mobility. As the industry pivots toward electrification, automation, and sustainability, these key players shared their strategies and perspectives on how the future of transportation will unfold.
Jennifer Brace, Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company, emphasized the importance of preparing for the future, rather than attempting to predict it. “People need to keep moving, and our job is to make that easier,” she said. While acknowledging the advancements in autonomous vehicles, Ford remains committed to supporting its customers on their journey toward electrification. However, Brace was clear that not everyone is ready for electric vehicles, and there is still work to be done in bridging that gap.
At the USDOT, Chief Financial Officer Victoria Wassmer highlighted the exciting advances in safety technologies. She also pointed out the critical role transportation plays in addressing the climate crisis, particularly advocating for increased investment in rail infrastructure.
Aravind Kailas, Advanced Technology Policy Director at Volvo Group North America, underscored the need for a multi-faceted approach to zero-emissions mobility. While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are a significant part of the solution, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (ICEs) will remain essential for heavy-duty and long-haul applications. He stressed that electrifying smaller vehicles is easier, but for larger ones, the process is more complex, and public-private collaboration will be key. Kailas also noted that one of the biggest obstacles to widespread adoption of electric trucks is the lack of readiness in charging infrastructure.
From a mass transit perspective, Keolis is optimistic about the role public transportation will play in reducing carbon emissions. The company believes that continued investment and innovation in mass transit will be crucial to its success as mobility evolves.
Julie White, Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation at North Carolina DoT, sees intercity rail as the “sweet spot” for the future of mobility. The state is focused on resilience planning and infrastructure development to support electrification efforts.
Philipp Skogstad, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to accelerate progress. “How quickly we get there depends on how well we work together and meet customer needs,” he stated.
Looking ahead, predictions for the future of mobility include a variety of zero-emissions solutions, highly automated systems (Volvo), reduced friction in transportation and resilience planning (North Carolina), and giving consumers more options for their transportation needs (Ford). Keolis envisions a future where private car use becomes a choice rather than a necessity for most Americans.
The consensus is clear: the future of mobility requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, from government agencies to private companies. As electrification and automation continue to advance, industry leaders are focused on making transportation safer, more sustainable, and more accessible for all.
Panel – “Future mobility trends” with Ford, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Keolis, USDOT & North Carolina DoT
- Jennifer Brace, Chief Futurist, Ford Motor Company
- Aravind Kailas, Advanced Technology Policy Director, Volvo Group North America
- Phillipp Skogstad, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America
- Victoria Wassmer, CFO, USDOT
- Julie White, Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation, North Carolina DoT
- Moderator: Kris Van Cleave, CBS
by Grace Dawes | Sep 24, 2024 | Autos, Energy & Charging, Fleets, MOVE America, Popular, Resources, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
At MOVE America 2024, the “Autonomous Now” panel hosted executives from Pony.ai, DHL Supply Chain, Daimler Truck, May Mobility, and Oxa who all explored the future of autonomous vehicles (AVs), highlighting both the opportunities and challenges in the path to widespread adoption.
Anna Brunelle, CFO of May Mobility, emphasised AVs’ potential to provide reliable transportation for those in need, while Joanna Buttler, Head of the Global Autonomous Technology Group at Daimler Truck North America, discussed Daimler’s goal of introducing autonomous trucks to U.S. roads by 2027, aiming for greater safety and sustainability in logistics.
Jason Gillespie, Sr. Director at DHL Supply Chain, stressed that autonomous technology must work in tandem with human drivers, rather than fully replacing them. Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxa, pointed out that while last-mile deliveries are challenging, progress is being made in the first and middle miles. He also emphasiaed the responsibility to roll out AV technology that meets society’s needs.
Public skepticism remains a hurdle, particularly around the safety of autonomous trucks. Andreas Reschka, Sr. Director at Pony.ai, and Buttler from Daimler both highlighted the role of pilot trials in building trust and familiarity with AV technology. Brunelle noted that people often resist new technology until it becomes routine, with AVs promising safer, and positively “boring”, journeys.
The panel also touched on cybersecurity concerns. Jackson of Oxa emphasized the need for some independence from connectivity to avoid hacks, while Reschka from Pony.ai pointed out the vast amounts of data AVs collect, potentially increasing vulnerabilities.
Panel: “Autonomous now” with Pony.ai, DHL, Daimler Truck, May Mobility & Oxa
- Andreas Reschka, Sr. Director Product, Systems & Saftey, ai
- Jason Gillespie, Sr. Director & Head of Continuous Improvement and Innovation for Transportation, DHL Supply Chain
- Joanna Buttler, Head of the Global Autonomous Technology Group, Daimler Truck North America
- Anna Brunelle, CFO, May Mobility
- Gavin Jackson, CEO, Oxa
- Moderator: Kris Van Cleave, Senior Transportation & National Correspondant, CBS
by Grace Dawes | Sep 24, 2024 | Fleets, Guest Opinions, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
Article written and supplied by Kyndryl, Platinum Sponsors of MOVE America 2024 at the Austin Convention Center, 24-25 September, Austin, TX. Get more exclusive insights from Kyndryl at the event and make sure you meet them there.
Kyndryl the world’s largest technology infrastructure services provider, and Microsoft today announced a joint effort to enable the adoption of enterprise-grade generative AI solutions for businesses on The Microsoft Cloud.
Leveraging the partnership’s Joint Innovation Centers, Kyndryl’s growing patent portfolio in data and AI, and its access to Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure OpenAI Service and Microsoft Fabric, the two companies will rapidly design, develop and drive new generative AI innovations and solutions across their enterprises. To further the advancement of new AI capabilities, Kyndryl is also committing to utilize the Kyndryl University for Microsoft to educate thousands of Kyndryl employees on new Microsoft AI technologies.
Advancing Customer AI-Readiness
Central to enabling the expanded collaboration, Kyndryl is launching an AI-readiness program within Kyndryl Consult that is dedicated to responsibly exploring the adoption of generative AI solutions. Highly skilled Kyndryl experts will help new and existing customers build a trusted data foundation and navigate the complexity of using new generative AI technologies.
Leveraging its deep domain and enterprise-grade AI expertise — spanning across industries and solution areas — the company will help customers evaluate the benefits of generative AI through key service areas, including:
- Collaborative Innovation: Customers can tap into Kyndryl Vital and the Microsoft and Kyndryl Joint Innovation Centers to explore and co-create custom use cases and identify unique ways to leverage generative AI in their enterprises and unlock business value.
- Enhanced Customer and Employee Experience: Using its expertise in managing complex IT environments, Kyndryl will pilot new technologies and develop industry specific models, use cases and solutions that further build on its existing capabilities to help customers improve enterprise automation and workplace productivity.
Of note, Kyndryl has supported several customers, as well as itself, in leveraging AI and a virtual assistant to automatically summarize problem descriptions and dynamically surface relevant information to improve efficiency and response rates.
- Build a Strong Data Foundation: Kyndryl will work with customers to provide end-to-end services — from building a trusted data foundation and architecture, to managing customers’ data from the point of creation to the time of consumption, enabling higher quality data and improved reliability.
- Execution & Management: Leveraging its data and AI architectural expertise, Kyndryl will deploy bespoke frameworks for customers to derive value from data and generate AI insights at scale, in a responsible and optimal manner.
“With over three decades of experience in delivering data services, advanced security capabilities and managing complex IT environments, we are well-positioned to work alongside Microsoft to help organizations confidently apply generative AI at scale and positively impact their businesses while being mindful of known risks,” said Stephen Leonard, Global Alliances and Partnerships Leader, Kyndryl.
“Kyndryl is creating a trusted environment for organizations to explore the benefits and value it can bring to organizations as they look to drive efficiencies, grow and deliver greater business outcomes,” said Stephen Leonard, Global Alliances and Partnerships Leader, Kyndryl. “With over three decades of experience in delivering data services, advanced security capabilities and managing complex IT environments, we are well-positioned to work alongside Microsoft to help organizations confidently apply generative AI at scale and positively impact their businesses while being mindful of known risks.”
“Together with Kyndryl, we have a shared vision to responsibly enable our customers to jointly explore, design and deploy generative AI solutions across their enterprises, and to do it in a way that enables them to realize business value,” said Stephen Boyle, GM Global Partner Solutions, Microsoft. “As a leader in the delivery of generative AI and data platforms, we believe partners such as Kyndryl are critical to the successful use of emerging technologies for business.”
“As a leader in the delivery of generative AI and data platforms, we believe partners such as Kyndryl are critical to the successful use of emerging technologies for business,” said Stephen Boyle, GM Global Partner Solutions, Microsoft.
Together, Kyndryl Consult, Kyndryl Bridge and Kyndryl Vital represent a cohesive approach to helping customers envision the outcomes they want, design and implement solutions, and assess results, while continuously evolving their IT infrastructures for the future.
As greater volumes of data and analysis require more computing power, Kyndryl Bridge will enable customers to easily manage their complex technology estates through services such as AIOps and FinOps, and will leverage AI to help customers achieve their business goals in a cost-effective, insightful and security rich manner. Kyndryl also will continue to enrich its advanced delivery capabilities through additional generative AI services.
The strategic partnership with Microsoft was Kyndryl’s first global strategic alliance upon becoming an independent public company. Together, the companies continue to unlock new areas of innovation that drive better business outcomes for customers, and taps into incremental multi-billion-dollar revenue opportunities in fast-growing areas such as data modernization, governance and AI.
Kyndryl is uniquely qualified to offer customers a first-hand perspective on AI implementations as it continuously tests, innovates, improves, and becomes an expert in AI and other technologies before they are integrated into customers’ businesses. For instance, after becoming an independent company, Kyndryl embarked on its own technology transformation journey and has integrated AI across its operations, on Kyndryl Bridge and through its workforce productivity tools. The company plans to continue to develop new use cases for deploying generative AI internally and for its customers across industries.
Don’t forget to catch Kyndryl, Platinum Sponsors at MOVE America 2024 at the Austin Convention Center, 24-25 September, Austin, TX.
by Grace Dawes | Sep 19, 2024 | Autos, Business, Energy & Charging, Fleets, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
Global auto-manufacturing giant General Motors (GM) has announced it will be opening up access to more then 17,800 Tesla Superchargers for its customers with the use of adapters.
Customers driving a GM electric vehicle (EV) – including electric Chevys, Cadiallacs and GMCs – will now be able to plug in at Tesla’s chargers using a GM-approved NACS DC adapter.
This move will allow GM EV drivers to have access to more than 231,800 public fast chargers in North America. The adapters will first be made available to customers in the U.S., then Canada.
To access the Tesla Supercharger Network, U.S. customers will be able to purchase an adapter through GM mobile apps for $225 USD. Customers will also be able to also use the same apps to locate available Tesla Superchargers, check station status, initiate a charge, and pay for charging sessions.
However, Tesla has said that non-Tesla owners would have to pay extra payment to charge their vehicles compared to Tesla owners.
Following GM, Tesla has said that it will co-ordinate next with Volvo, Polestar, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz to also grant their customers access to Superchargers, according to The Verge.
Additional information about how to purchase and use the adapters and GM’s public charging options is available on the company’s public charging webpage.
by Grace Dawes | Sep 18, 2024 | Autos, Energy & Charging, Fleets, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
Uber and Waymo have announced an expansion of their existing two-year robotaxi partnership to two new cities: Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia.
This means the two cities will now use autonomous ride-hailing via the Uber app, starting in early 2025. Uber will manage and dispatch a fleet of Waymo’s fully-autonomous, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.
“Waymo’s mission is to be the world’s most trusted driver, and we’re excited to launch this expanded network and operations partnership with Uber in Austin and Atlanta to bring the benefits of fully autonomous driving to more riders,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO, Waymo.
The two mobility giants have already been carrying out autonomous ride-hailing operations in Phoenix, Arizona since last year.
Their latest expansion however will function slightly differently as Waymo’s robotaxis will be available to hail for rides on the Uber app “only” in Austin and Atlanta. That means Waymo’s own ride-hail app, Waymo One, will not be operational in either city.
Waymo and Uber will reportedly share the responsibilities of operating the fleet of ride-hail robotaxis: Uber will take care of fleet management services, including vehicle cleaning, repair, and other general depot operations, and Waymo will provide the driverless vehicles while handling roadside assistance and customer services.
by Grace Dawes | Sep 11, 2024 | Autos, Energy & Charging, Fleets, Guest Opinions, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
Article written and supplied by SHAED, Platinum Sponsors of MOVE America 2024 at the Austin Convention Center, 24-25 September, Austin, TX. Get more exclusive insights from SHAED at the event and make sure you meet them there.
The Current State of the Commercial Vehicle Industry and Its Challenges
The commercial vehicle industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional fuel-powered vehicles are giving way to electric and hybrid alternatives, driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. However, this transition is not without challenges. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the transport sector accounted for 24% of global CO2 emissions in 2022, with a sizable portion coming from freight and commercial vehicles. While electrification presents a huge opportunity, fleet operators face issues like high upfront costs, infrastructure limitations, and fragmented support networks. Moreso, the industry’s complexity—where manufacturers, service providers, energy companies, and policymakers operate in silos—further impedes progress.
The Need for Change: Why Traditional, Siloed Approaches Are No Longer Sufficient
Historically, the commercial vehicle sector has operated within siloed ecosystems where manufacturers focus on producing vehicles, energy providers manage fuel and charging infrastructure, and fleet operators handle logistics. This fragmented approach limits the efficiency and innovation needed to advance sustainable mobility. The introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) has amplified the challenges, exposing gaps in collaboration between stakeholders. Without an integrated approach, businesses struggle with vehicle procurement, charging infrastructure access, maintenance, and ensuring grid resilience.
Defining the Ecosystem Approach: What It Means and Why It is Crucial for the Future of Mobility
An ecosystem approach involves creating a network of interconnected players—including vehicle manufacturers, energy companies, software providers, infrastructure developers, and regulatory bodies—working collaboratively to enable smooth transitions to new mobility models. Unlike traditional linear models, where each entity works in isolation, an ecosystem fosters synergies that enhance the overall value proposition.
Key Participants in the Sustainable Mobility Ecosystem include:
- OEMS, Upfitters, and Distributors: Starting with the vehicles, these companies ensure vocation-specific, ICE alternatives are readily available for a variety of commercial trucking needs.
- Energy Providers and Grid Operators: The backbone of EV adoption, these entities ensure that charging infrastructure is resilient and widely available.
- Charging Infrastructure Providers: From EPCs to full-fledged CaaS providers, these partners are crucial for deploying both private and public charging solutions.
- Telematics and Software Providers: Fleet management software integrates telematics, vehicle diagnostics, route optimization, and predictive maintenance to maximize efficiency.
- Regulators and Policymakers: Their role is to create supportive policies that encourage electrification and provide the necessary financial incentives to drive adoption.
These stakeholders – and often many more – must operate in harmony, ensuring that every element of the mobility chain is efficient and future-proof.
Benefits of an Ecosystem Approach: Efficiency, Sustainability, Innovation
An ecosystem approach offers several key advantages:
- Efficiency: By bringing stakeholders together, businesses can streamline operations and reduce friction in vehicle procurement, maintenance, and energy management.
- Sustainability: Effective collaboration will expedite electrification, reducing the carbon footprint of fleet operations. According to BloombergNEF, adopting EVs and integrated charging solutions could reduce global CO2 emissions from road transport by up to 60% by 2050.
- Innovation: Ecosystems foster collaboration and the exchange of knowledge, driving technological innovation to unimaginable heights.
Potential Impact of Widespread Adoption of an Ecosystem Approach
As more stakeholders embrace an ecosystem approach, the commercial vehicle industry is poised for rapid change. Widespread ecosystem collaboration could lead to up to a 40% reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) for EV fleets by 2030, according to research by Deloitte. This could be a tipping point for global fleet operators to fully transition to electrification, driven by not just regulatory pressures but also by clear financial benefits.
Call to Action for Industry Collaboration
The future of mobility hinges on the commercial vehicle industry’s ability to adopt an ecosystem approach. A shift away from siloed thinking will empower stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and drive meaningful change in a rapidly evolving landscape. SHAED, a leader in innovative commercial vehicle procurement, exemplifies this with its holistic solutions that integrate vehicle financing, charging solutions, and telematics under one umbrella. The industry must follow suit, embracing collaboration and co-creation to realize the full potential of electrification and innovation.
As the commercial vehicle market moves toward zero emissions, now is the time for fleet operators, manufacturers, energy providers, and policymakers to join forces and power the future of mobility.
Don’t forget to catch SHAED as the Platinum Sponsors at MOVE America 2024 at the Austin Convention Center, 24-25 September, Austin, TX.
by Grace Dawes | Sep 4, 2024 | Energy & Charging, Fleets, Guest Opinions, Popular, Smart Cities |
Article written and supplied by IBM, Platinum Sponsors of MOVE America 2024 at the Austin Convention Center, 24-25 September, Austin, TX. Get more exclusive insights from IBM at the event and make sure you meet them there.
The travel and transportation industry is a complex web of interconnected systems, relying on a vast array of assets to keep people and goods moving. From cars and airplanes to trains and buses, the efficient manufacturing and operation of these assets and the surrounding infrastructure is critical to ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience. However, managing these assets across their entire lifecycle is a daunting task, requiring careful planning, execution, and maintenance.
Market Condition and Challenges:
Transportation and Automotive leaders are experiencing unprecedented challenges:
- The transportation sector is under increasing pressure to reduce its contribution to nearly 24% of global CO2 emissions1
- Preventive maintenance and run-to-failure are still common: 56% of the market today either run their assets to failure or practice traditional, time-based preventive maintenance2
- The cost of unplanned downtime soared 50% in just two years from 2020 to 20223
- 50% of transportation CEOs identify IoT, mobile and connected devices as the technologies that will help deliver results over the next 3 years4
What’s the solution?
This is where Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) comes in – a holistic approach to managing the whole lifecycle of your assets – including planning, deployment, operation, optimization, and disposal make it possible to reduce operational cost and risk, improve workforce productivity and asset reliability, while reducing environmental impact.
IBM’s ALM solution brings together core technologies such as Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), Asset Performance Management (APM), Reliability Center Maintenance (RCM), sustainability reporting and MRO IO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations Inventory Optimization) to fully equip organizations with the data, AI and tools to unify operations and mitigate risks.
A prime example of the power of Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) is Transport for London’s (TfL) initiative to optimize the city’s public transportation fleet, encompassing buses, boats, bicycles, and the tube. By leveraging ALM technology, TfL can proactively identify and address potential issues, thereby extending the lifespan of its existing assets and reducing the need for replacement parts. This proactive approach also minimizes the risk of catastrophic failures, which can have significant consequences for commuters and the city’s economy. According to TfL’s estimates, the implementation of ALM is expected to yield net savings of £21 million over the next decade, specifically for its London Underground operations.
We would love to hear what your challenges are
On Day 1 of MOVE, from 12:10 – 12:50 PM in Theater 4, we’ll be hosting a dynamic workshop led by transportation and automotive experts. We invite you to be part of this discussion to explore solutions to the pressing issues you face in the field. To make sure your specific concerns are addressed, we invite you to send your challenges in advance to Connor.Russell@ibm.com.
Want to learn more about asset lifecycle management, AI and how IBM Maximo can support the travel and transportation industry? Check out Day 1 of the Tech, Data and Innovation track where you can hear from IBM SMEs across Automotive, Aerospace, Fleet and Infrastructure. Join us at booth 545 to see our new Gen AI assistant in action.
1 International Transport Forum, 2023.
2 IDC SaaS Path, IDC, 2023.
3 The True Cost of Downtime, Siemens, 2023.
4 Alicke, Knut, Tacy Foster, Katharina Hauck, and Vera Trautwein. Tech and regionalization bolster supply chains, but complacency looms. McKinsey & Company. Nov 2023.
by Grace Dawes | Aug 22, 2024 | Autos, Energy & Charging, Fleets, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
Uber has hired Rebecca Tinucci, the former head of Tesla’s Supercharger team.
Tinucci has been taken-on by the ride-hailing company as their new global head of sustainability and will reportedly oversee Uber’s transition to a zero-emission platform.
She will also aid Uber in working towards their key goal of a fully-electrified fleet by 2040, which she described as “an audacious, important challenge to attack,”
The former Tesla employee announced the new job role in a LinkedIn post and said: “Autonomy, electric vehicles, and robotics will reshape our world in the next 20 years and usher in an unprecedented opportunity for a more sustainable future. And Uber sits at the intersection of it all,”
Ending the post with an optimistic confirmation of her role: “So yeah, I’m all in.”
by Grace Dawes | Aug 21, 2024 | Autos, Energy & Charging, Fleets, Guest Opinions, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
Article written by Christopher Ahn, US connected vehicle and electrification leader, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Platinum Sponsors of MOVE America 2024 at the Austin Convention Center, 24-25 September, Austin, TX. Get more exclusive insights from Deloitte at the event.
Electric vehicle adoption hasn’t yet met industry expectations, but the growing emergence of software-defined systems could help improve functionality—and boost momentum for EVs.
The cost of maintaining an electric vehicle is lower than internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which is the top reason people cite for wanting an EV, according to the 2024 Deloitte Global Automotive Consumer Study. But consumers remain concerned about driving range and insufficient charging infrastructure.
With advanced software, vehicles can manage the charging process, optimizing it for speed and battery health, which can extend battery life. The software is also continually updated to automatically find the cheapest or quickest charging options by analyzing electricity rates and grid demand in real-time. This kind of intelligent charging management not only saves money, but also creates a hassle-free fueling process.
State-of-the-art software and features tailored to consumer experiences offer another significant benefit. Imagine your car automatically increasing the suspension height because it knows you are approaching rough terrain or dynamically managing the tension in the steering wheel to stabilize turns in icy conditions. Traditionally, these vehicle aspects could only be upgraded by purchasing a new model or through aftermarket modifications. Now these performance updates are facilitated by software updates sent over the air, which allows consumers to personalize their vehicles to their individual mobility behaviors.
Shifting to a new mindset
The rise of software-defined vehicles presents a major opportunity for auto companies: the opportunity to sell to consumers no longer ends at the vehicle transaction. Instead, it extends throughout the vehicle’s life cycle, requiring ongoing support and updates.
This shift underscores the need for automakers and retailers to adapt their business models to incorporate both digital and traditional services. Examples include combining physical and digital service lanes as well as leveraging monetization strategies throughout a vehicle’s life cycle. Moreover, automakers must master the deployment of over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Excelling in this area is essential to continuously improve vehicle software, resolve issues and introduce new features, thus boosting the long-term value of vehicles.
In order to make these organizational changes, auto companies should focus on a top-down approach. A company’s board, executive leadership team, and shareholders need to adopt a software-centric strategic focus and prioritize the capital investments necessary to drive enterprise transformation and create industry advantage. Overall, automotive companies should rethink their role in the ecosystem and filter their strategies through the lens of a software company—not a traditional automaker.
Want to learn more about a software-driven future for the automotive industry? View our panel on the EV Stage on Day 1: ‘The Vehicle as a Connected Hub’ where we’ll discuss advanced technologies that transform vehicles into interconnected platforms. And get in the driver seat with our SDV demo in booth #419. For more details or to schedule a demo visit Deloitte at MOVE America 2024.
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by Grace Dawes | Aug 20, 2024 | Autos, Energy & Charging, Fleets, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
Neom, the urban city development project being built by Saudi Arabia, has ordered an initial batch of eight electric hydrofoil ships from Candela to service their planned sustainable water network.
The $500 billion tourism development project ordered the flying electric ships, named Candela P-12, to reduce energy consumption in their waterways. The ships reportedly use 80% less energy than conventional ships.
Candela is an automaker of electric boats and ferries that combine long range with high speed using hydrofoil technology to build zero-emission vessels.
The ships launched last year and are set to debut in Stockholm’s public transport during autumn 2024.
The Candela P-12 flies above the waves on computer-guided underwater wings when it reaches a take-off speed of 18 knots and can reach up to 25 knots.
Back in November, Neom also invested in Pony.ai to develop, manufacture and deliver autonomous driving services, advanced vehicles, and smart vehicle infrastructure in Neom and key markets in MENA.
by Grace Dawes | Aug 15, 2024 | Autos, Business, Guest Opinions, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
Article written and supplied by Kerri Stewart, Chief Strategy Officer at Miller Electric Company, Platinum Sponsors of MOVE America 2024 at the Austin Convention Center, 24-25 September, Austin, TX. Get more exclusive insights from Kerri Stewart at the event.
Recent U.S. Chamber analysis describes escalating electricity prices across the nation have become a pressing concern. High Energy consuming technologies such as AI, data centers, and advanced manufacturing, paired with the growth of electric vehicles (EVs), are putting tremendous pressure on our existing grids. This trend highlights the urgent need for innovation and alternative energy solutions to mitigate costs, increase reliability, and improve grid resiliency.
At Miller EV Solutions, we are on the front lines of this energy revolution. We witness firsthand the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving landscape. The increasing demand for energy is not just a technological issue; it is a public policy spotlight that requires immediate attention.
The Distributed Energy and MicroGrid Solution
Distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrid systems as well as battery storage are proving to be a potent combination for energy and redundancy. They are positioned to transform our energy ecosystem. Distributed energy resources like solar panels and wind turbines create a needed shift away from our standard power generation systems. Thus generating energy closer to where it is consumed, which would allow DERs to alleviate strain on the current grid and enable consumers to become active participants in the energy landscape.
Then there are Microgrids. These are self-contained energy networks capable of operating independently or in combination with the grid. These systems act as a safety net during grid outages. They ensure uninterrupted power supply to critical facilities such as hospitals, data centers, and other emergency services. The integration of battery storage for these systems is crucial. They are able to capture excess energy generated by DERs during off-peak hours and dispatch that energy during high peak hours. This also offsets the need for the consumption of fossil fuels. Redundancy, achieved through multiple energy sources and backup systems, ensures a continuous power supply even if one component fails.
The Benefits
This approach would generate:
- Cost savings by reducing energy costs through localized generation and efficient energy use.
- Energy reliability through redundancy and an uninterrupted power supply.
- Sustainability by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
- Consumer empowerment by providing greater control over their energy sources and patterns of consumption.
- Energy independence which would reduce dependence on centralized power generation and fossil fuels.
- Resiliency by providing the ability to maintain power during extreme weather events or similar.
A Call to Action
With the combination of government incentives, corporate sustainability commitments, and the easing of supply chain constraints, we are presented with a unique window of opportunity.
It is time to seize the opportunity to accelerate the adoption of DERs and microgrids. By investing in these technologies now, we are truly able to address growing energy issues. We are able to build a future where energy is decentralized, more resilient, and extensively more responsible.
The time to invest is now. The advantages are clear! From cost savings and reliability to environmental sustainability and economic growth. Embracing DER solutions and microgrids creates a more resilient and prosperous future. Lets capture this opportunity to transform our energy infrastructure and ensure a reliable energy supply for generations to come.
Don’t forget to catch Miller EV as the Platinum Sponsors at MOVE America 2024 at the Austin Convention Center, 24-25 September, Austin, TX for more exclusive insights on the future of energy.
by Grace Dawes | Aug 13, 2024 | Business, Energy & Charging, Fleets, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
The City of Boston has partnered with Google on a smart traffic project to optimise traffic signal timing and improve traffic flow in the city’s highly congested areas.
The Project Green Light technology uses AI to model traffic patterns and creates signal timing recommendations that can reduce stop-and-go traffic and emissions.
For the past five months, the project team have been analysing traffic at hundreds of signalised intersections using AI and Google Maps driving trends to provide recommendations for optimisation of traffic signals and patterns.
“We are just starting to realise the potential of machine learning and AI in some of the City’s core operations,” said Michael Lawrence Evans, Director of Emerging Technology for the City of Boston.
Green Light, a Google Research initiative, uses AI and Google Maps driving trends to model traffic patterns and make recommendations for optimising the existing traffic light plans.
They then identify adjustments to traffic light timing to improve the efficiency of an intersection, such as improving the synchronisation between lights at nearby intersections or shifting “green time” between lights to better match demand.
The same Google project is now live in 14 cities on four continents. Boston and Seattle are the only U.S. cities included in the program.
“The success of Green Light is only possible thanks to the partnership we have with cities like Boston. We’re encouraged by the initial results we’ve seen in Boston and look forward to working closely with the city to scale this technology to more intersections,” said Matheus Vervloet, Product Manager at Google.
by Grace Dawes | Aug 12, 2024 | Business, Energy & Charging, Fleets, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
This week China carried out another successful test of its T-Flight “high-speed flying train”, a maglev hyperloop system designed to reach maximum speeds of 1,000 kilometres per hour.
US-based HyperloopTT’s CEO Andrés de León, shared the below comment in response to this:
“China’s recent success with their T-Flight high-speed maglev system is a clear demonstration that hyperloop technology is not a distant dream, but a rapidly emerging reality. This breakthrough underscores the immense potential of hyperloop as the future of transportation, offering unparalleled speed, efficiency, and sustainability.
In Europe, our ‘Hyper Transfer’ project in Italy, backed by government support and industrial partnerships continues to advance swiftly. This progress highlights the growing international commitment to hyperloop development and its potential to reshape transportation as we know it.”
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) is an transportation and technology company focused on realising the hyperloop, a system that moves people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably by bringing airplane speeds to the ground.
In February the company announced its move from the research and development center in Toulouse, France to Italy. The company has also announced plans to construct the high-speed rail network between Italy’s major cities.
Venice hopes to see its first Hyperloop network in place by 2030.
by Grace Dawes | Aug 7, 2024 | Business, Fleets, Interviews, MOVE, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
In this exclusive interview with the iconic Michelin Man “Bibendum” and Christopher Stokes, UK Country Manager for Michelin Mobility Intelligence, you could learn where the next big invest lies in smart cities.
Michelin Mobility Intelligence, Platinum Sponsor of MOVE 2024, reveals the game-changing tech that could help to revolutionise roads.
Joined by the legendary Michelin Man, Chris uncovers how Michelin’s cutting-edge data tools are set to help governments unlock the secrets of their roadways, directing billions in smart city investments.
Don’t miss Michelin’s exclusive insight to where the future of urban innovation is headed and how the company is paving the way for the cities of tomorrow.
by Grace Dawes | Jul 31, 2024 | Autos, Energy & Charging, Fleets, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
Uber and BYD have announced a multi-year strategic partnership designed to bring 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles onto the Uber platform in Europe and Latin America.
The partnership is expected to expand across the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand aiming to bring down the total cost of EV ownership for Uber drivers, accelerating the uptake of EVs on the Uber platform globally.
The two companies have also hinted at possible future collaboration on future BYD autonomous-capable vehicles to be deployed on the Uber platform.
“As the largest global agreement of its kind, we’re thrilled about the benefits this partnership will deliver for drivers, riders, and cities,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber.
“When an Uber driver makes the switch to an EV, they can deliver up to four times the emissions benefits compared to a regular motorist, simply because they are on the road more. Many riders also tell us their first experience with an EV is on an Uber trip, and we’re excited to help demonstrate the benefits of EVs to more people around the world.”
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD and CEO of BYD Americas, also commented, “This collaboration marks a new era in the electrification of urban mobility, and we look forward to seeing our cutting-edge EVs become a common sight on the streets of cities worldwide.”
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by Grace Dawes | Jul 25, 2024 | Autos, Energy & Charging, EVs, Fleets, Interviews, MOVE, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data, Video, Videos |
Back in January, Sainsbury’s launched Smart Charge, its very-own electric vehicle (EV) charging company, led by Patrick Dunne, Director of Group Property, Procurement, and EV Ventures.
We sat down with Dunne at MOVE 2024 to discuss how the national supermarket chain is making strides toward their 2035 net-zero emissions goal through both fleet operations and store output.
The supermarket giant claimed to have reduced its carbon footprint by 50% over the last 3-4 years. But how can they maintain this momentum and continue to cut emissions down to zero?
Dunne emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability, particularly in reducing emissions from their heavy goods vehicle fleet, grocery online fleet, and the Argos business.
“We’re confident we’ll get there,” he stated.
Watch the full interview for more exclusive insights into how the company is achieving this and fostering confidence in EV adoption.
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by Grace Dawes | Jul 23, 2024 | Autos, Fleets, Popular, Smart Cities, Tech & Data |
General Motors (GM) has announced it will be scrapping plans to build an autonomous vehicle model, called “Origin”, produced by the carmaker’s subsidiary Cruise.
The automaker’s CEO, Mary Barra, said in a letter to shareholder’s Cruise will be “focusing their next autonomous vehicle on the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt, instead of the Origin,” due to regulatory uncertainty.
In addition, the chief executive noted the costs per-unit will be much lower for the battery-run Chevrolet Bolt, helping their autonomous subsidiary, Cruise, to “optimise its resources”.
In October, the robotaxi subsidiary came under fire after a pedestrian was hit by one of their vehicles. This triggered the California Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend all of Cruise’s self-driving vehicle operations.
Shortly after, the GM-owned company to temporarily pause production of the Origin model.
Barra reassured in her letter to shareholders that Cruise vehicles have since returned to roads in Houston, Phoenix and Dallas, after briefly halting operations.
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by Grace Dawes | Jul 19, 2024 | Autos, Fleets, Popular, Press Releases, Smart Cities |
ZeroMission, the leading provider of an EV fleet management platform for commercial electric vehicles (EV’s), has today announced new investment to continue its growth and expansion strategy.
The round was co-led by European venture capital companies Delta Partners and Greencode with participation from Vireo Ventures and leading industry angel investors.
Founded in 2022 by Leah O’Dwyer and Kevin Christopher who bring a combined 30 years’ experience in the EV space with global companies including ChargePoint, Siemens & ABM, ZeroMission’s vision is to accelerate zero-emission vehicle adoption with smart and practical software solutions.
Fleet decarbonization is at the core of emission reduction strategies, and commercial fleet operators are facing regulatory and commercial pressure to transition quickly to EV’s.
Since its inception ZeroMission has been at the forefront of fleet electrification through development of a fully integrated software platform, designed to ensure commercial and industrial fleets can efficiently deploy and manage EV’s at scale.
The company is already providing transit bus operators in California and leading US technology companies operating electric vehicles for employee commuter services with the tools they need.
The platform provides single sign-on, real-time, on-the-ground visibility into vehicles, charging stations and scheduling systems, optimizes energy usage and costs, and streamlines daily operations for mission success using Electric Vehicles. With this new investment, the company has plans to enhance product development as well as expand its commercial reach.
On announcing the investment, Founder and CEO Leah O’Dwyer said: “Our fleet operator clients use ZeroMission as a single platform wherever they are on the journey to transition to electric vehicles. While of the majority of existing fleet operators plan to continue electrifying their fleets, we know that more than 80% are curtailed by an absence of integrated systems to manage daily operations and smart tools to plan and transition their fleets. These missing parts are what we provide for our customers and today’s announcement will enable us to expand our client base significantly.”
Terhi Vapola, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Greencode Ventures said: “We are impressed by the deep industry expertise of the team and the innovative approach of ZeroMission. This enables the company to offer an outstanding end-to-end solution in heavy vehicle fleet management, encompassing planning, operation, and reporting, with seamless integration to other fleet stakeholders.”
Amy Neale, General Partner at Delta Partners said:“The ZeroMission team are building the most comprehensive and integrated EV operating system for commercial fleets, based on true industry insights and access. At Delta, we’re thrilled to be going on this journey with them, tackling an immediate and urgent industry need.”
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