20 December 2022

AI helps eradicate biggest EV concerns, including range

AI helps eradicate biggest EV concerns, including range

Technology can influence more eco-friendly driving

The global call for urgent action to fight climate change and plans for vehicles to reach zero emissions by 2035 is putting individuals, mobility operators, and fleets under pressure to switch to electric vehicles (EVs). However, preparing for the adoption of EVs brings multiple challenges. Thankfully artificial intelligence (AI) is addressing some of the biggest concerns around the EV transition, including range.

The future of mobility is EV

To reduce transport-related emissions, many governments around the world are planning to ban purchases of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035. This, added to the existing United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals’ urgent call for environmental action, and a growing commitment to tackling climate change, means the EV transition is well underway.

For companies which own or lease large volumes of vehicles – think delivery, service, and sales fleets as well as mobility companies – switching to EVs can be complex. Battery range, charging infrastructure, and maintenance are just some of the common concerns. Yet AI can help organizations to address these concerns so they can successfully play their part in fighting climate change.

Battery range anxiety

One of the biggest worries among individuals and companies relates to EV battery range. Many people driving for work purposes travel long distances. Not only do they need to achieve as many miles as possible from each charge, but they need to minimize charging time and frequency. After all, time is money.

Battery technology has developed significantly since the early EVs, so range is improving all the time. But the impact of driver behavior on range should not be underestimated. Driving energy efficiently can result in more mileage from each charge which can significantly affect climate impact. With AI, individuals and companies can easily see how driver behavior affects battery life. Even better, they can influence behaviors which are better for the environment.

Concerns about EV charging infrastructure

Individuals who have already chosen to go electric will have considered how to adopt EV charging into their lifestyle. For example, a charge at home might be adequate for the distance they travel each day. If making longer trips, they might incorporate a lunch break into a charging stop. For companies, it’s not as simple.

Although EV charging infrastructure continues to improve, it might be necessary for some companies to consider workplace charging stations. Another consideration is how to plan driver schedules around charging breaks. With AI to optimize battery performance, organizations can reduce time spent charging vehicles. Fewer charges not only helps maximize productivity, but is better for the environment since many charging stations themselves emit carbon pollution.

Specialist EV maintenance

EVs are heavily computerized and require different skills to those of regular mechanics. That’s why, generally, there’s a skills gap in EV maintenance. Because of that, EV maintenance and repair can be more costly. As the EV transition progresses, it’s likely that this will be less of a problem. But even now, organizations can take steps to minimize EV maintenance requirements.

Encouraging drivers to reduce vehicle wear and tear is important. As is reducing incidents that result in vehicle damage. This brings us back to driver behavior, and how incentivizing safer driving techniques has a huge influence on successful EV management.

Putting the EV driver in control

Evaluating some of the biggest concerns related to EV adoption, it’s clear that the control is in the hands of the driver. That’s why, for companies looking to transition to EVs, AI is invaluable. Greater Than’s AI turns GPS data into deep insights, enabling organizations to compare usage, increase range and optimize performance.

Greater Than’s AI is different to telematics in that it doesn’t just measure driving events. Instead, it analyzes the whole driving trip to provide predictive insights on overall driving style, including focus and anticipation. More importantly, how the driving style relates to EV battery range.

Going beyond in-vehicle technology

Greater Than’s globally unique pattern-AI technology has been trained through over 7 billion real-world trips. It has been empowered with entirely new and detailed driving data from EVs in real-time. As a result, Greater Than can provide an individual Climate Impact Score to help drivers identify CO2 and EV battery savings.

For organizations, our Climate Impact Score provides consistency across vehicle type and location, regardless of fuel type. It also facilitates unbiased, transparent management of EV driving, supporting organizations in their safety and sustainability efforts.

To discover more about our Climate Impact Score please contact Greater Than or book a meeting.