Soon after the recent launch of FleetCard +Electric, Fleet EV News spoke to Bridget Molan, EV Product Manager at FleetCard, to find out how this innovative product can cater to the evolving needs of fleet managers by integrating payments for petrol and diesel at service stations, and facilitate payments for electricity on the Chargefox EV charging network.
Molan has a rich history in the fleet and fuel industry, having worked with FleetCard and its predecessor companies in various capacities. Currently, she is focused on managing future fuels and sustainability initiatives.
Molan explained, “I’ve always been involved in the fleet industry. I worked for FleetCard when I was with the New Zealand business prior to Fleetcor taking over. We established a product function within our organisation about two years ago, and that’s when I moved into the role managing future fuels and sustainability initiatives.”
Global and local perspectives
FleetCard’s integration of electric vehicle (EV) charging is part of a broader global initiative, reflecting trends in the UK, Europe, and the emerging US market.
“Our UK operations are quite advanced in this area. They’ve done a lot of work around the consolidation of charge point operators and managing those payment solutions. The market in the UK is fragmented, so they’ve had challenges to overcome and have led the way across Europe,” Molan explained.
“FleetCard +Electric is the only product currently available in Australia to manage both fuel and EV charging, as well as other vehicle purchases such as tires and servicing,” Molan stated.
The partnership with Chargefox was strategic, aimed at providing extensive coverage and seamless integration. Molan noted, “We wanted a partner that had coverage across Australia and could provide our customers with the largest number of EV sites. Chargefox was our first choice because they offered the network coverage we needed and were able to integrate easily, allowing us to get the product to market quickly.”
Benefits for Fleet Managers
FleetCard +Electric offers several benefits that streamline fleet management:
- Comprehensive reporting: All of your charges come through a separate sub-account so you can easily see which expenses are coming from which vehicle and what the drivers are purchasing. This allows for clear visibility and control over fleet expenses.
- Ease of use: The product provides consolidated tax invoices and the controls required to restrict some purchases which is crucial for managing fleet expenses.
- Cost efficiency: FleetCard +Electric offers competitive card fees and fuel discounts, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses.
- Future-proofing: By managing both fossil fuel and electric vehicles on a single platform, businesses are well-prepared for the transition to electric fleets.
Future developments and market insights
FleetCard plans to expand its EV charging network partnerships to provide universal access across multiple charging networks. Molan emphasised the importance of early market positioning, “It’s very early days yet, but we are committed to exploring the extension of our EV offerings.”
The data collected from FleetCard +Electric will provide valuable insights into driver behaviours, charging patterns, and cost efficiencies.
“We think it’ll give us quite a lot of insights into not just driver behaviours but also the behaviours of fleets when it comes to the transition of vehicles from fossil fuels to EVs,” Molan explained.
FleetCard +Electric represents a significant advancement in fleet management, offering a seamless integration of fuel and EV charging payments. This product supports businesses in managing their mixed fuel fleets efficiently and positions them for a smooth transition to electric vehicles. With ongoing efforts to expand partnerships and enhance digital solutions, FleetCard is committed to leading the way in fleet management solutions.
