A major new fleet electrification project for Oxford City Council is pushing ahead with the help of infrastructure maintenance provider Oxford Direct Services (ODS) and Webfleet Solutions.

ODS has already purchased 50 electric vehicles for its inner-city fleet and is deploying Webfleet telematics data to pinpoint the most suitable vehicles to swap next

ODS manages a fleet of over 300 vehicles for council work and is aiming to replace at least 25% of its ICE fleet by 2023, with further targets planned for the next few years.

It’s already purchased 50 electric vehicles for its inner city fleet and is deploying Webfleet telematics data to pinpoint the most suitable vehicles to swap next for electric models.

Owain Pearce, transport manager at Oxford Direct Services, explained: “The published ranges of EVs, based on dynamometer testing, can often be lower in ‘real-world’ conditions, with load, temperature, terrain and driving behaviour all affecting performance.

“With Webfleet reporting, we can see what daily ‘real-world’ mileages are being achieved by both ICE and electric vehicles, along with criteria ranging from road types to standstill times, signposting vehicles’ true EV potential, total cost of ownership and emissions savings.”

The move supports Oxford Council’s forthcoming launch of the UK’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) – a pilot for the scheme started this week in the city – and could be used by other local authorities to support their own electrification work.

Data is being fed via the Webfleet API into Oxford’s Fleet Reporting Database, with outputs used to support learning and evaluation at Energy Superhub Oxford, due to open in Q4 this year and providing a model for cities around the UK and the world to cut carbon and improve air quality.

The software will also optimise EV charging efficiencies.

“Drivers returning to our depots at the end of the day might be prone to plug in immediately – but 4pm to 7pm is usually the most expensive time to charge,” said Tina Mould, capital programme project manager, Oxford City Council.

“Webfleet is helping us to educate our team and to predict how many charge points will be needed in the future.”

It’s also optimising workflow planning for existing EVs thanks to data on real-time battery levels, remaining driving ranges and pre-emptive maintenance alerts.

Fuel usage and CO2 for current vehicles is also being cut through Webfleet’s integral OptiDrive driver behaviour monitoring, highlighting incidents such as harsh cornering, braking or speeding, and pinpointing which drivers need extra support and training.

ODS has also signed up as an official Webfleet Solutions research partner to help shape the company’s ongoing fleet electrification research and development programme.