Electrification: Where Transportation is Headed
Electrification of fleets has been a growing focus in the Commercial Transportation Industry. While electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for a while, we are starting to see their popularity increase significantly in both on and off-road commercial applications as the technology continues to improve and charging infrastructure expands. Most leading manufacturers, and several new players have announced their EV models, showcasing their efforts to bring electric vehicles to the masses. These new models boast longer ranges, faster charging times, and more advanced features to make them even more practical and convenient for everyday use. Plus, the Small Business Owner fleet market is vast.
But, while electrification and its surrounding ecosystem is becoming more mainstream, what other technological innovations can the industry expect to see in 2023 and beyond?
Move with the Current
Each year, Las Vegas plays host to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s largest technology event and the perfect platform for companies to showcase their latest tech advancements. The event spans across practically all industries—including Commercial Transportation. And this year’s show saw some exciting developments in electrification and other cutting-edge technologies that are transforming the sector, including artificial intelligence, telematics, and sustainability.
Also, largely evident at CES 2023 was the increasing use of autonomous tech in Commercial Transportation. Automated vehicles are becoming more sophisticated, and companies are exploring new ways the industry can capitalize on this tech. From self-driving delivery trucks to driver-optional tractors (who are mostly Small Business Owners), the potential benefits of this technology are great—including increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved safety.
Tech for Farther Reach
CES also showcased several other exciting possibilities from emerging tech in Commercial Transportation, like the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize transport networks. With the help of machine learning algorithms, companies can analyze vast amounts of data to improve the efficiency of their operations. This can help to reduce costs, minimize downtime, and enhance the overall customer experience.
Plus, telematic systems with the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) allows Brands to collect millions of datapoints from many sources—like sensors, GPS systems, and cameras. This data can be analyzed to gain insights into how vehicles are being used, how they are performing, and what can be done to improve their efficiency. Many manufacturers can use this technology to develop new revenue streams by monitoring customer usage and identifying when a unit experiences mechanical failure or needs service. They can dispatch a technician without the customer needing to call for support or they can even send alerts with visual repair instructions. With the help of IoT, companies can optimize their operations in real-time, making it easier to respond to changing market conditions and customer needs.
Sustainability Means Efficiency
Lastly, sustainability took a spotlight role at CES as many companies explored ways to reduce the environmental impact of Commercial Transportation. This included the development of cleaner fuel sources, such as hydrogen, plus, the use of more environmentally friendly materials in vehicle construction that are lighter, stronger, and more durable to improve the efficiency. There was also a lot of talk around green and alternative energy, such as solar power, to power electric vehicles and charging stations.
Energy in the Right Place
In conclusion, while electrification may be the headliner of current trends, CES displayed that there’s much more to it, from autonomous tech to AI, IoT, and sustainability. The transportation industry is undergoing a major transformation. These advancements are not only helping to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience, but they are also contributing to a more sustainable future. Whether you are a transportation manufacturer, fleet owner, technology enthusiast, or simply someone who is interested in the future of mobility, there are several impressive trends that will revolutionize the industry in the next several years.