As the need to fight climate change grows, businesses are working harder to make their products and services greener. The use of electric transportation is starting to solve many environmental problems, such as reducing air pollution and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
In this article, we’ll look at the world of electric vehicle (EV) tracking. We’ll cover the different types of EVs and their special features, the benefits of using EVs, the key features of GPS trackers for EVs, and why tracking EVs is so useful.
Join us to see how technology is helping create a more sustainable future.
The environmental and economic benefits of Electric Vehicles
Driving electric vehicles (EVs) is one significant way individuals can help the environment.
For instance, using an e-scooter daily for ten years can save enough energy and resources to plant trees equivalent to 34 to 34.5 years’ worth.
EVs have low operating costs and produce minimal pollutants.
Research shows that charging an electric vehicle costs 40% less than fueling a gasoline-powered car for the same distance. Analysts predict that electric vehicles will make up about 20% of total vehicle sales by 2026, presenting a significant market for customers interested in EV maintenance and safety.
As more people adopt electric vehicles, ensuring their safety and security becomes increasingly important. By using advanced monitoring technology, EV owners can protect their vehicles and contribute to a greener future.
Types of EVs and their unique Features
There are several types of electric vehicles, each with its own unique features:
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): BEVs are fully electric vehicles, meaning they’re only powered by electricity and don’t have a petrol engine. BEVs are quiet, cost-efficient to run and eco-friendly, but are more expensive to buy than a comparable petrol fuelled car.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): This type of EV is powered by both petrol and electricity. The amount of driving that can be done in ‘electric’ mode depends on the capacity of the battery. The advantage of PHEVs over BEVs is that if you can’t get to a charging point, you can keep driving using fuel alone. The downsides are that the car needs two systems – fuel and electric – so maintenance costs can be higher than for a BEV.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): Combine an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, but cannot be plugged in to charge.
Understanding these distinctions is essential for fleet managers to optimize costs and manage their fleets effectively.
Key Parameters for effective electric Vehicle Monitoring
So, what exactly is important to monitor in electric vehicles, and what parameters are crucial for effective tracking?
How does this differ from tracking conventional vehicles, and what should you pay attention to?
Of course, first and foremost, it’s everything related to the battery—the heart ❤️ of electric vehicles.
Knowing their battery’s charge level and estimated time remaining is key for EV owners to avoid any travel surprises.
The State of Charge (SOC) and the State of Health (SOH) are crucial for rechargeable batteries, determining their performance and lifespan.
- (SOC) The State of Charge calculates the battery’s current capacity as a proportion of its maximum capacity. It can be compared to your car’s fuel gauge in simpler words.
It informs users about the remaining charge and when a recharge is needed, which is essential for managing energy usage effectively.
Whether it’s an electric vehicle, a smartphone, or a home energy storage system, SOC is a fundamental characteristic for any battery-powered device. Even during periods of inactivity, batteries experience self-discharge, causing a gradual loss of SOC over time.
- SOH (State of Health), on the other hand, provides information on the battery’s general health while the SOC indicates how much charge is still in the battery.
It represents a comparison between the battery’s present capacity and its initial capacity at purchase. Lower SOH indicates reduced capacity to store electronic charges at a given voltage, diminishing battery availability.
Specialized trackers for electric vehicles play a vital role in transmitting essential parameters related to SOC and SOH.
For instance, the Teltonika FMB930, integrated into our platform, sends parameters such as battery.health and can.battery1.soc.
Depending on the specific tracker model, additional parameters associated with SOC and SOH may also be available, further enhancing monitoring capabilities and ensuring optimal battery performance.
Installing GPS trackers in EVs requires careful consideration of several factors:
Power source: Trackers should draw power from the vehicle’s battery or auxiliary power outlet.
Placement: Installation should ensure optimal satellite reception while minimizing interference from electronic components.
Waterproofing: Trackers should feature durable, waterproof enclosures to withstand the rigors of EV operation.
Partner spotlight: GetGPS and their Innovative Use of Electric Transport with Ruhavik
Our partner, GetGPS, has developed an innovative approach to integrating electric transport with our Ruhavik application in their business model.
Their goal was to create a turnkey solution that allows easy installation of a tracking device into a scooter, bike, car, or even a pocket, enabling tracking for at least three years with a one-time purchase.
Inside their solution package is a GPS device, three years of data traffic, and a personal account on the GPS-Trace platform (Ruhavik app).
Three years ago, GetGPS installed a GPS device in a Xiaomi M365 scooter and tested it across various services. They found that GPS-Trace was the best option:
“The GPS-Trace service is the best fit: it’s simple, convenient, and free,” says GetGPS. “There’s also a mobile app available.”
The scooter, equipped with this device, has traveled to different countries, remained idle for 11 months, endured rain, and rode through puddles.
Despite these conditions, the device has performed excellently. The antenna, which is oriented towards the ground, effectively works with reflected signals. The device is directly connected to the battery and goes to sleep when not in use. After installation, the battery discharge rate of the scooter increased by only 3%.
GetGPS’s solution, which will be available on Amazon this year, showcases the robustness and reliability of our GPS tracking technology in diverse conditions.
In conclusion, as more people adopt electric vehicles, ensuring their safety and security becomes increasingly important. By using advanced monitoring technology, EV owners can protect their vehicles and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
That’s why at GPS-Trace, we focus heavily on adapting our solutions for electric vehicles.
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