As the logistics industry navigates the shift toward electrification, GoMetro has received a significant boost through a grant from the Freight Innovation Fund (FIF). This funding will support the deployment of its Bridge and EV-FIT solutions in collaboration with two major UK fleets, Maritime Transport and Welch’s Transport. This initiative aims to facilitate the decarbonization of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fleets while positioning these companies towards a sustainable future.

A Strategic Partnership for Decarbonization

Selected as a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) partner in FIF's Accelerator Cohort 3, GoMetro aims to enhance efficiency in UK cargo and freight transport. The Accelerator, managed by the Connected Places Catapult, is part of a broader £7 million initiative launched in 2023. GoMetro’s grant will fund a six-month trial focusing on fleet decarbonization and insights into electric vehicle (EV) transitions.

Justin Coetzee, the founder and CEO of GoMetro, expressed enthusiasm about the grant's significance in validating the company’s impact on the UK freight market. “Implementing our solution with major logistics players is a valuable opportunity,” he stated.

The trial will utilize the Bridge fleet management platform alongside the EV-FIT solution, which is designed to analyze fleet movement data from a specific depot. This data will assist in optimizing routes, determining vehicle specifications, and addressing charging infrastructure needs.

Leveraging Telematics for EV Transition

GoMetro’s Bridge telematics aggregator plays a pivotal role in facilitating fleet data collection and processing. By consolidating data from multiple sources into a single user interface, Bridge empowers fleet managers to respond promptly to operational challenges. This visibility is crucial for minimizing delays and improving efficiency within logistics operations.

Dr. Christopher de Saxe, GoMetro’s Head of EV Transition, emphasized the complexity of transitioning to EVs in lorry operations. He noted that each fleet requires a tailored transition plan that reflects its unique operating conditions. “Telematics data is the key to unlocking this,” he explained. The partnership with Maritime Transport and Welch’s Transport will allow GoMetro to refine its solutions based on real-world data, aiding in the EV transition of these major logistics providers.

Addressing Future HGV Needs

With an estimated 2,000 HGV fleet depots in the UK needing annual EV transition assessments leading up to 2050, the financial implications are substantial, with around £2 billion of annual vehicle investments at stake. Each transport and cargo company presents distinct fleet profiles and route challenges that necessitate specific assessments and insights.

The recharging infrastructure is vital to ensuring that battery-powered HGVs can operate efficiently and meet delivery schedules. Legacy freight companies face challenges due to technology apprehension and uncertainty surrounding EV specifications and the necessary charging infrastructure.

GoMetro's trial will utilize the Bridge and EV-FIT platforms to generate actionable data that will help transport companies make informed decisions regarding their future EV needs and fleet requirements.

GoMetro is at the forefront of electrifying heavy-duty vehicles, committed to reshaping fleet management for a more sustainable future. By leveraging data analytics, the company aims to provide valuable insights that enable fleet managers to transition to greener technologies effectively. As the trial with Maritime Transport and Welch’s Transport unfolds, the results will not only accelerate the EV transition for these companies but also contribute to the broader goal of sustainable logistics in the UK. Through initiatives like this, GoMetro is dedicated to creating a smarter, safer, and eco-friendly transportation landscape, benefiting millions worldwide.