Michelin’s Connected Solutions Division (CXS) has added 19 electric vehicles (EV) to its fleet as the organisation drives forward its sustainability plans.
The move saw three Ford Transit Custom and 16 Ford Transit Courier EVs are equipped with MICHELIN Connected Fleet technology to reduce incidents and optimise range.
The vehicles replace diesel-powered equivalents and will be used by its team to support customers in the passenger transport sector.
The Ford vans were selected after road-testing by Michelin’s team, with the specification and range impressing, it said.
An electric van saves approximately 2.2 tonnes of CO2 a year compared with a diesel equivalent. Michelin estimates the expanded EV fleet will save the equivalent of 79.5 tonnes of CO2 annually.
The new arrivals are fitted with a mix of the MICHELIN Agilis 3 and the all-season MICHELIN Agilis CrossClimate tyres.
Following an initial wave of EVs in 2024, 36 of the operational fleet’s 56 vehicles are now EVs. Michelin plans to replace more of its diesel vans during the next year as it transitions to 100% electric energy by 2030.
Michelin held a training day in Stoke-on-Trent to familiarise drivers with their new vans, the onboard technology, and how to charge them with tips on maximising their range through refinements to driving technique.
Each van features an audio-visual light bar that alerts the driver to their driving style and acts as a self-coaching tool. The vans are also fitted with forward and rear facing cameras supplied by MICHELIN Connected Fleet. These monitor the situation outside the vehicle and can provide evidence in the event of an incident, as well as allowing the driver to record a dangerous situation.
Drivers with MICHELIN Connected Fleet equipped vans can also participate in the incentive scheme EcoStar, which rewards safe and economical driving. Measurement includes metrics such as fault accidents, non-speeding fines, complaints from other road users and vehicle inspections.
Andrew French, B2B Sales Director at Michelin UK & Ireland, said:
“Michelin is committed to a sustainable future, and the use of telematics data has supported this journey for several years.
“MICHELIN Connected Fleet technology has allowed us to improve road safety and driving style through measurement of harsh braking and acceleration, reducing accidents and helping us maximise our fleet utilisation.”
