Connectivity refers to the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) among people, computers, and vehicles. In the fleet management industry, connected vehicles have created numerous new opportunities.

Vehicle connectivity allows fleet managers to monitor a vehicle remotely. For example, they can check diagnostic information, observe fuel levels or battery range and perform a range of other tasks directly from a mobile device.

Types of vehicle connectivity

Connected vehicle capabilities can be categorised into several types:

  1. Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I): This type of connectivity captures data from a vehicle and provides information about the surrounding infrastructure to the driver.

  2. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V): V2V connectivity enables the wireless exchange of information, such as speed and position, between vehicles in close proximity.

  3. Vehicle-to-network (V2N): This type involves the exchange of data between a vehicle and external networks, often using cloud-based systems.

  4. Vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P): V2P connectivity gathers information about a vehicle's surroundings and communicates it to connected devices, increasing safety for pedestrians.

  5. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X): V2X connectivity allows a vehicle to communicate with all types of ICT devices in its environment, including other vehicles, infrastructure systems, and more.

Benefits of vehicle connectivity for fleets

Connected vehicles offer real-time GPS and on-board diagnostics (OBD) data, which can be processed and displayed on a fleet management platform. Fleet managers can then leverage this information to make informed business decisions. Here are several key benefits of connected vehicle technology for fleets:

  • Productivity: Productivity is significantly enhanced with vehicle connectivity. It enables route optimisation to reduce travel time and allows for precise tracking of idling and driving hours.

  • Driver safety: Safety is also greatly improved through connected vehicles. Fleet managers can monitor risky driving behaviours, such as harsh braking and overacceleration, and implement in-cab devices to provide real-time feedback.

  • Vehicle maintenance: Maintenance benefits from real-time vehicle condition data, which aids in predicting and preventing potential issues before they escalate, ultimately decreasing the risk of costly unexpected breakdowns.

  • Sustainability: Sustainability is increased by tracking fuel usage and identifying inefficiencies, such as excessive idling. For electric fleets, connectivity facilitates monitoring of battery health and range, helping to optimise performance.

  • Compliance: Regulatory compliance is streamlined through detailed data recording and reporting. Connected vehicles help maintain accurate records to meet industry regulations and simplify compliance with legal requirements.

Connected vehicle technology from MICHELIN Connected Fleet

Current fleet tracking capabilities offer much more than just location data. With connected vehicle technology, fleet managers can easily monitor a range of variables, including driver behaviour, fuel consumption, and engine health. This comprehensive data is integral for developing effective strategies to improve fleet safety, productivity, and sustainability.

At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, we recognise the growing importance of these advanced technologies in fleet management. It’s for this reason why we’ve made our fleet management solutions seamlessly integrate connected vehicle technology, thanks to our OEM partnerships that enable easy integration without additional hardware.

If you’re interested in enjoying the benefits of vehicle connectivity for your fleet, then feel free to contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business.