Geotab Opens Automotive Innovation and Research Hub

Geotab's platform provides near real-time data on battery charge, range, energy, and fuel usage and charging history for over 300 different electric vehicle (EV) makes and models. 

Now, Geotab has opened its new Innovation and Research Hub in High Wycombe, England. The facility, which has been active since 2020, is dedicated to advancing the data intelligence required to support the electrification of the transportation sector at scale. The hub was created as a way to develope cutting-edge technologies to support connected vehicles of all kinds.

"We understand how the quality and richness of the data captured from the vehicle can define the success of analytics that support the fleet's operations and sustainability program, which is why access to comprehensive data insights is critical," added Neil Cawse, CEO of Geotab. "Our world-class EV support is a differentiator, and we are proud to lead the industry in this area."

Through Geotab's technology and reverse engineering process, the company offers comprehensive data insights that provide fleet managers with the information needed to make informed decisions for fleet electrification and sustainability goals, such as vehicle range, efficiency and state-of-charge. Without access to this data, fleets can face issues such as inefficiency, unexpected breakdowns, decreased productivity and an unsatisfactory electric vehicle experience.

"Our state of the art High Wycombe facility is Geotab's first dedicated automotive facility in Europe, and is behind much of the success of the innovative technology used to reach this EV make and model support milestone, as well as our work on the British Antarctic Survey, the United Kingdom's national Polar research institute, as the first commercial telematics provider to go live in the Antarctic," said Edward Kulperger, Senior Vice President of Europe at Geotab.

The facility's functions include vehicle reverse engineering, optimal installation methods, testing and validation of Geotab's new hardware and software, design, specification and testing of wiring harnesses and installation procedures, the identification and coding of on-board diagnostics from new vehicles, updated or additional data point from vehicles previously worked on, product safety checks, working with partners and customers, and employee training.

Geotab offers a range of tools for EV fleet management, including an EV Suitability Assessment (EVSA) that analyses unique driver profiles and patterns to identify which fleet vehicles are suitable for electrification. The Green Fleet Dashboard compares performance against similar fleets, including EV performance, usage and cost savings, and a host of online content that provides data-driven analyses and resources for fleets of any size along the EV conversion journey, including analyses to help fleets understand EV battery lifespans and real-world range impacts.