Telematics and Zero Emissions Vehicles Fleet Assessment

The District of Squamish (Squamish) is looking to: (1) install telematics into its fleet, and (2) utilize telematics data to inform a fleet assessment regarding procurement of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs).

Squamish will be applying for PluginBC funding to support this initiative. This program covers 50% of costs up a total maximum rebate of $10,000 (i.e., $20,000 program total), and eligible costs include: telematics tools for up to 12 months; a ZEV suitability assessment using data collected from telematics tools; and a business case analysis using data collected from telematic tools. The total cost for the telematics and fleet assessment is anticipated to be significantly more than the $20,000 funding program maximum.

Interested parties are encouraged to partner to provide both the telematics and perform the assessment, if appropriate. The Fleet assessment proportion of the contract must be conducted by a vendor in the Plug in BC Vendor Directory. (Information about consideration for inclusion on the vendor directory is available on the link.)

Additional information about the two parts of the contract follows:

1. Additional information regarding telematics:
   
   Squamish has a mixed fleet of 89 different vehicles that would require different types of telematics equipment. Requirements and preferences are as follows:

• Need telematics to be compatible RTA (fleet software) and prefer for compatibility with Chevron Fleetpro (fleet fuel system).  
• Should get the latest 4G, with a 3G backup, system so equipment does not become obsolete if there is a network upgrade.
• Prefer for units to be hidden behind the dash so operators don’t remove them and fleet techs can use the diagnostic port without having to disconnect the GPS unit.
• Prefer adjustability so the administrator can set over idle limits (e.g., over 10 minutes sets an alarm) and same as poor driving habits (e.g., hard braking/ acceleration/ over speeding for posted road speed).
• Potentially would consider adding recordable camera systems later (likely only for the snow removal equipment).

As Squamish will be using the telematics equipment beyond just for the EV assessment, it is likely to be most cost effective for Squamish to purchase the equipment. Anticipated equipment requirements are:

1. Automotive engine diagnostics-44 units, typical automotive vehicle captures all engine/ chassis inputs. Example- 2018 Ford F-150 pick up. Route tracking, speed, hard acceleration, hard braking, check engine light, idling, odometer reading, etc. Unit plugs into the OBD 2 data connector underneath the dash, GPS Insight unit is called the PNP-3000. (Existing EVs will be included in this category.)
2. HD truck engine diagnostics only-3 units, used for heavy duty trucks that don’t have snow removal equipment. Example- 2014 Isuzu NRR flat deck crane truck. Route tracking, speed, hard acceleration, hard braking, check engine light, idling, odometer reading, etc. Plugs into the J1939 data connector, GPS Insight unit is called GPSI-3900E.
3. HD truck with plow up/down-7 units, used for snow removal equipment, same truck info but adding PTO on/ off tracking and up to three movement switches to indicate plow up/ down, salt, sander, brine on/off. Example- 2014 Freightliner 108SD. Route tracking, speed, hard acceleration, hard braking, check engine light, idling, odometer reading, etc. Plugs into the J1939 data connector, GPS Insight unit is called GPSI-4000.
4. Trailer location only-22 units, usually uses a rechargeable batter to power the unit (may have a solar panel). Reads location only, no other readings. Used to track or more expensive generator trailer, if they go missing where are they located? Example-2015 Cummins C60CR 60 KW generator trailer. GPS Insight unit is called ST-1100.
5. HD equipment-13 units, HD construction equipment like John Deere (loader/ grader), Caterpillar backhoe, Hitachi excavator. Very limited engine/ chassis  readings but need route tracking. Example 2019 Caterpillar 420E backhoe. GPS Insight unit is called AT-3000.

2. Additional information regarding the fleet assessment

The fleet assessment must be done by a vendor on the Plug IN BC vendor directory. The purpose of the fleet assessment is to develop a business case for zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs), using the information from telematics.

The fleet assessment will evaluate existing fleet usage, perform a technical cost-benefit assessment for each vehicle in the fleet, and project a plan for further ZEV adoption. Additionally, Squamish requires an assessment of existing EV fleet vehicle usage to be conducted, in order to inform and strengthen the business case scenario.

The fleet assessment must include at least three months of telematics data (preferred 12 months to cover seasonality), and a clear and sourced overview of assumptions, data and methodologies applied. Applicants must agree to share data with the Fraser Basin Council and the BC Ministry of the Environment.