麻豆传媒

Peering into a vehicle鈥檚 future requires a little more than a crystal ball. Predictive maintenance relies on telematics to collect and process data points from vehicles of all models across a fleet. These can then be used to pick out patterns from previous failures while generating real-time information from major components like the engine, transmission and brakes.

Maintaining peak engine performance can require a delicate balance. For example, low oil levels can create friction between components and place additional strain on the engine, resulting in reduced fuel mileage. Conversely, too much engine oil can cause oil churning and spin losses 鈥� leading to reduced fuel economy.

Engine data from telematics helps fleet managers to keep that balance, tracking changes in everything from engine revolutions per minute (RPM) and odometer readings to the number of hours an engine has been in operation for.

This enables fleet managers to closely monitor engine fault code information and engage in predictive maintenance 鈥� dealing with engine issues before they lead to failures that require costly repairs. It also keeps engines running more smoothly, helping to improve vehicle uptime and drive overall fleet efficiency.

With supply shortages on parts causing maintenance issues for fleets, it is essential for them to maintain the good health of their vehicles.¹ Also, as businesses transition to low- and zero-carbon alternatives, extending the service life of existing fleets unlocks the opportunity for fleet managers to focus investment into the technologies that will help to future-proof their business.

As well as offering insights into vehicle health, telematics also enables fleet managers to better manage their preventative maintenance needs through proactive scheduling and reminders. Also, by combining diagnostic faults with engine data and the ability for drivers to flag issues as they arise, it supports the development of effective preventative maintenance practices.

For example, a telematics solution with an 鈥楨ngine Light On鈥� feature can identify the vehicles being driven with the 鈥楥heck Engine鈥� light on. This can then be used to schedule maintenance and prevent serious issues.² When the average time to clear the light is 90 days, that represents roughly three months of performance optimisation that fleet managers with access to this scheduling reminder can achieve.²

Another example is a feature like a Dynamic Vehicle Maintenance Report, which enables fleet managers to prioritise their maintenance resources and improve utilisation by highlighting vehicles that are approaching their service date. Drivers can also play a role in managing vehicle maintenance.

Making the economic case for transitioning a fleet to EVs is not easy, no matter how sure businesses are that it represents their most viable route to decarbonisation. As research from Shell and Deloitte shows, 95% of fleet managers see EVs as the long-term solution for their business.³ However, 42% also say that uncertainty around the costs of such a transition presents a major barrier to their progress.³

The good news for fleet managers is that, with fewer moving parts and no build-up of particulates, EVs typically have lower maintenance costs. Regenerative braking systems also create less strain on brake pads, further reducing the need for repairs and replacements. That leaves batteries as the major components requiring attention 鈥� and predictive maintenance offers the opportunity to keep them running optimally.

For example, battery degradation is one of the key maintenance issues that EV fleets face. Just as fleet managers need to keep a watchful eye on the engine health of their internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs), monitoring battery health is critical to maintaining EV fleet performance. This is where the data from predictive maintenance practices 鈥� providing insights via the Electrical Systems Rating (ESR) report 鈥� can help to identify issues ahead of time, enabling fleet managers to avoid disruption to their operations while gaining greater control over the costs of their EV transition

These are just three examples of how telematics-led predictive maintenance can deliver performance benefits for fleets of all sizes and types.

By using connected, digital solutions (such as Shell鈥檚 Telematics solution) that ensure timely maintenance reminders, fleet managers can reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns 鈥� helping to increase the productivity of their fleet, lower maintenance costs and improve their total cost of ownership (TCO).

¹ _{GeoTab. 鈥淓xtend Vehicle lifecycle with maintenance reminders and reporting.鈥� 2020}

² _{Shell & Deloitte. 鈥淣avigating Fleet Decarbonisation: A guide to driving a successful transition.鈥� 2022.}