Connected Vehicle Technology and Applications

Logan Joseph, Application Manager, IT, Genuine Parts Company

A connected car is one that is outfitted with mobile technology and, as a result, is ‘connected to the internet. Telematics is also used to connect cars, either by a small device that connects into the car or embedded technology.

The advent of connected cars has opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for improving vehicle performance. It is not a phone or a watch that has changed the game in recent years; it is the car. Businesses, governments, and individuals worldwide are installing internet connections in their automobiles, and the leading automakers are including telematics devices in their newest models.

The telematics device functions as an Internet of Things (IoT) hub, sending vehicle data to a cloud service where the vehicle owner or fleet management may process and retrieve it.

Connected Vehicle Technology and Applications

Rich GPS and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) data can be processed and provided on an online fleet management platform once vehicles are connected. Fleet managers can use this data to make crucial business choices, assess their efficacy, and compare their performance to that of other fleets.

Here are a few ways connected car technology can help fleets:

Productivity: Idling time, driving time, customer visits, and ignition sites are all elements that influence fleet productivity.

Safety: Risky driving behavior, such as forceful braking, speeding, or sharp cornering, should be detected. Install dash-cam solutions to obtain visibility into on-road activities, or set up driver coaching and advanced driving assistance.

Maintenance: Access vehicle health data during maintenance. Set up predictive maintenance with a connected fleet management platform to reduce the risk of unexpected and potentially dangerous vehicle failure.

Sustainability: Get detailed statistics on fuel use and wasteful activities like idling. Charge levels, range, and battery deterioration may all be monitored in fleets made up of EVs or a combination of EVs and conventional vehicles.

The Impact of Connected Car Technologies on The Fleet Industry

Asset tracking tools today go well beyond just giving location data. Driver behavior, fuel usage, severe events, and engine condition may all be easily viewed and monitored by connected fleet management. This data can be utilized to create complete plans to improve fleet safety, productivity, and sustainability, among other things.