Vehicle technology has quite recently bounded into the realms of futuristic possibilities, with autonomous and connected vehicles being tested around the world and smart tech inside new cars providing the driver with everything they could ever need for a smooth journey. But how is this technology changing the way businesses operate, whether they hire their commercial vehicles from Lease Van or own a fleet?
Things are getting us there faster
The luxury of sat navs allow delivery drivers to get to their end destinations quicker and with fewer detours or missed junctions on the motorway. Of course, satellite navigation has been around since the 80s (even earlier if you consider the scrolling map sat nav created in 1930!) but it’s a technology that has changed the way businesses operate. Businesses are adapting operations and taking advantage of this, with the tempting offers of quicker shipping and tracked delivery that entices more customers to buy.
Also, no longer do commercial drivers need to learn routes off by heart, they can now be sent all over the country – or even internationally – now that we have the technology we need.
It’s saving lives
Car technology is doing its best to encourage businesses to operate safely; black box insurance monitoring the speed and braking of commercial drivers ensures vehicles are being driven correctly and saves money when it comes to insurance.
Sensors are also keeping lorries in check, notifying drivers when something is behind them while reversing or if they need to check something when they come to a stop – changing how they approach navigating the road.
It’s saving money
Electric cars are a revolutionary invention and are saving businesses money, allowing them to put these savings into new and exciting means of operation. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a full charge costs around £2-£3 and this will take you up to 100 miles, whereas the same distance in a petrol car will cost between £9-£13 – four times the cost.
Plug in vehicles are also exempt from road tax and if you are a business based in London, you’ll also enjoy a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge – which can cost up to £2,900 a year.
Electric vehicles never really took off like their creators expected, with issues such as limited charging points available compared to petrol stations perhaps deterring people, but in the future they will continue to impact on how businesses manage and save their money.
When it comes to businesses adapting the way they operate to include car technology, it’s safe to say a lot has changed in the past few years with many more exciting changes to come.
