The demands of electric vehicle (EV) driving are unique, focusing on practices that maximize battery life, reduce energy use, and leverage regenerative braking. This is where high-frequency telematics, like GoMetro’s EV-CAN, plays a crucial role, delivering real-time insights to help fleet managers train drivers for optimal performance in electric buses.
Understanding Regenerative Braking and Driver Behavior
One of the most critical aspects of EV driving is regenerative braking. Unlike traditional braking systems, regenerative braking captures energy during deceleration and redirects it back to the battery, enhancing efficiency and extending range. High-frequency telematics tracks every instance of regenerative braking in real time, providing clear insights into driver habits. Fleet managers can identify drivers who are actively engaging regenerative braking as well as those who are underutilizing this feature.
By pinpointing drivers who rarely engage regenerative braking, fleet operators can target specific training to help drivers understand how to use it effectively. This not only improves battery efficiency but also creates smoother driving experiences for passengers, reducing wear on the vehicle and conserving energy.
Optimizing Energy Use and System Efficiency
Heating, ventilation, and other energy-intensive systems can quickly drain an electric bus’s battery if not used efficiently. High-frequency telematics data enables fleet managers to monitor exactly how and when these systems are being used, identifying drivers who may be over-relying on heating or cooling, or using these systems inefficiently. This data-driven approach helps managers provide tailored guidance on energy-saving practices, such as turning off HVAC systems when doors are open or minimizing energy use during low-demand periods.
This level of insight is invaluable for driver training. By educating drivers on how energy-intensive systems affect battery performance, fleet operators can foster more energy-conscious habits that contribute to battery longevity and lower operating costs.
Identifying Driving Habits That Impact Battery Life
The way drivers handle an electric bus can have a significant impact on battery performance. High-frequency telematics captures data on acceleration, braking, and even the amount of energy drawn by the vehicle during operation. With this data, fleet managers can identify drivers who are accelerating too aggressively or braking too harshly, both of which can quickly drain the battery and reduce vehicle range. Drivers can also be monitored for adopting or neglecting one-foot driving, a technique that uses the accelerator for both speeding up and slowing down, maximizing efficiency.
By understanding each driver’s habits, fleet managers can implement targeted training programs that promote smoother, more efficient driving styles. Training drivers to accelerate gradually, use one-foot driving techniques, and avoid excessive energy draw can significantly improve battery efficiency, extend the range of electric buses, and reduce wear on the vehicle.
High-Frequency Telematics as a Powerful Training Tool
In the world of electric buses, traditional telematics with low-frequency data simply isn’t enough. High-frequency telematics, with data sampled every second, provides fleet operators with the granular detail needed to assess driver behavior in real time. This level of insight enables precise training interventions that can make a meaningful difference in fleet performance and battery longevity.
With high-frequency data, fleet operators can ensure that drivers are fully equipped to manage electric buses effectively, making the most of regenerative braking, managing energy-intensive systems wisely, and driving in ways that support battery health. By investing in high-frequency telematics like EV-CAN, fleet managers not only enhance driver training but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and efficiency of their electric fleets.
Advanced telematics is not just about data; it’s a powerful tool to empower drivers, optimize operations, and make the transition to electric buses as smooth and efficient as possible. In the rapidly evolving world of electric transportation, high-frequency telematics is a game-changer, setting the standard for how fleets should be managed and operated for a sustainable future.
