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Managing driver risk across mixed fleets
As organizations accelerate their shift toward sustainability, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a common addition to corporate fleets. The result is a growing number of mixed fleets comprising both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs.
While this transition supports environmental goals, it also introduces new complexities in risk management. From differing maintenance needs and infrastructure requirements to EV-specific risks and varying driver behaviors across vehicle types, managing safety and performance across such diverse fleets is more challenging than ever.
The hidden risks in EVs
Many fleet managers report an unexpected trend: when EVs are introduced into the fleet, overall driver risk appears to increase. This isn’t necessarily because EVs are riskier by nature, but several factors are thought to contribute to this rise in risk:
Differences in vehicle handling and driving dynamics
EVs handle differently, and drivers are inclined to adapt their behaviors in response. Since EVs deliver power quickly – and quietly – drivers can be tempted to accelerate faster. And, with more reactive braking, drivers might delay slowing down until the last moment. The quieter ride in EVs may reduce awareness of speed and vehicle presence, especially around pedestrians.
Lack of driver training specific to EVs
Fleet drivers are not always given adequate training when transitioning to EVs. Without understanding the unique characteristics of EV handling and braking, as well as charging management, drivers may unknowingly take risks. These could range from misjudging acceleration or stopping distances, to making unsafe choices when it comes to planning charging stops.
Different cognitive load
Driving an EV can involve a heavier mental workload, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the technology. Monitoring battery levels, planning charging stops, and mastering new interfaces can distract attention from the road.
Overconfidence in EV safety features
Because EVs are typically newer and loaded with advanced safety technology, some drivers may develop a false sense of security. Studies suggest that this overconfidence can result in complacency or over-reliance on driver assistance features, leading to riskier driving behavior.
The challenge of measuring risk in EVs
Fleet managers frequently report difficulties in measuring driver risk in EVs, especially when comparing it across mixed fleets.
Traditional telematics systems were built for ICE vehicles and often fail to capture or accurately interpret EV-specific behaviors. Most importantly, many fleets lack a standardized, comparable method for scoring risk across different vehicle types, making consistent evaluation and driver benchmarking almost impossible.
How AI makes data within mixed fleets comparable
AI-based risk intelligence transforms this challenge into an opportunity. By harmonizing driving data across all vehicle types, AI enables fleets to compare driver risk fairly and consistently, regardless of whether the vehicle is an EV or an ICE model.
Trained on real-world driving patterns spanning 20+ years across diverse vehicle types, AI doesn’t rely on predefined “events.” Instead, it analyzes complete trip behavior to assess how drivers influence outcomes, identifying both safe and risky behaviors across every trip.
Key advantages of using AI risk intelligence in mixed fleets
For fleet operators, integrating AI into their risk management approach unlocks several key benefits:
- Comparable risk scores and benchmarking across the entire fleet: AI harmonizes driving data regardless of vehicle type, providing personalized risk profiles for every driver, in every vehicle.
- Behavior-based insights: AI doesn’t rely on traditional “event” triggers; instead it measures the full spectrum of driving behavior, providing a more complete picture of risk.
- Personalized, contextualized feedback: Because AI works across all types of vehicles, it can generate highly tailored insights for driver coaching, whether it’s addressing specific risk patterns or recognizing consistently safe performance.
- Works across all solutions: AI changes the game for telematics providers, fleet software companies, resellers, and insurance firms, since it can be seamlessly integrated into all solutions, ensuring comparable risk scores across mixed systems.
As fleets evolve to include both ICE and EVs, the need for harmonized, intelligent risk assessment has never been greater. The unique characteristics of EVs can lead to increased driver risk, as well as new challenges in managing risk across mixed fleets.
AI-powered risk intelligence bridges this gap. By standardizing data, comparing risk fairly across vehicle types, and focusing on actual driving behavior, AI empowers fleet managers to make informed decisions, coach drivers effectively, and foster safer, more sustainable operations across mixed fleets.
Schedule a demo of our solutions to step up risk management across your mixed fleet.
