Ford Pro has introduced several new digital tools, such as E-Switch Assist, Charging Software, and Circuit Load Management to help businesses electrify their fleets. In particular, E-Switch Assist helps fleets evaluate their energy usage from the gas-powered vehicles versus how a comparable electric vehicle (EV) would perform based on several parameters.
“Smart tools informed by data like E-Switch Assist are opening up many new conversations with our commercial customers large and small about EV readiness; we’re already using E-Switch Assist regularly in consultations to help organizations determine if electric trucks and vans are right for them,” said Nathan McDonald, EV strategy and brand manager at Ford Pro. “The importance of these tools and technologies goes beyond selling a customer a new vehicle—it changes mindsets about whether electric vehicles will work for their business while potentially saving them time and money.”
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The tool is a complimentary, web-based tool that uses Ford Pro’s algorithms to analyze connected vehicle data. The program uses this data to compare the energy consumption of gas-powered vehicles with the estimated energy needs of comparable EVs, and then recommends which of the analyzed vehicles are suitable to switch to electric powertrains. Some of the factors the algorithm considers are the distance a vehicle drives, its cargo load and efficiency, the terrain it travels, the behavior of its drivers, the external climate, and the cabin heating load. E-Switch Assist also estimates the required number of daily charges a vehicle will need, and can do so on an individual basis or for fleets of various sizes.
E-Switch Assist is now available in the U.S., UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Norway, and the Netherlands.
Another tool available to fleets looking to electrify is Ford Pro’s Charging Software. This can help monitor the charging activity of both electric vehicles on-site and those employees may take home with them. Usable across many vehicle makes, the software monitors usage, can provide energy reimbursement reports, set automated charging schedules, and monitor real-time household utility rates to help schedule charging for non-peak hours.
Finally, subscribers to Ford Pro’s Charging Software can also access the program’s Circuit Load Management features. This allows users to leverage their existing electrical capacity to charge EVs by automatically balancing the site’s circuit breaker capacity while charging.
