At the end 2023, Smartrak embarked on an initiative to further develop its EV enablement fleet management solutions by launching a customer-led initiative. This led to the formation of a Special Interest Group (SIG), comprising of some of Australasia’s leaders in EV transition, including Griffith University, Aurecon Group and Meridian Energy. Together with Smartrak, their objective is to collaborate on the development of industry-leading software that simplifies the integration and ongoing management of electric vehicles within modern fleets.

In this exclusive conversation, Smartrak sits down with SIG Member and Acting Manager of Parking, Traffic and Logistics at Griffith University, Mitchel Howard to explore how their collaboration is transforming fleet operations and enabling a smarter, more sustainable approach to managing EVs.

Why telematics is essential to EV fleet management

Q: As a customer who has already utilised Smartrak's Pool Booking solution, what motivated your decision to seek access to full-service EV telematics capabilities?

Mitchel Howard:
In 2024, Griffith University purchased 20 new electric vehicles for our pool vehicle fleet. As we continue on our EV journey, it became essential to have the right tools that align with our evolving priorities. Smartrak’s EV enablement solution equips us with vital data - battery usage, charging optimisation, fleet emissions reporting, and visibility of our FBT exemptions. These insights are critical to driving performance, supporting compliance, and justifying further investment in EVs.

A booking system that puts EVs first

Q: What sets Smartrak's EV enablement tools apart from other fleet management solutions?

Mitchel Howard:
The standout feature for us has been the redesigned booking system. It's more than just scheduling - it's a behavioural shift tool. The new trip planner being developed helps prioritise EVs for joureys, ensuring that the most fit-for-purpose vehicle is chosen for the task while nudging users toward more sustainable options. That's a huge help in accelerating our internal culture change. It also supports better utilisation, reducing the likelihood that EVs are underused while ICE vehicles stay overbooked.

Gaining insights that drive change

Q: How do you plan to use the insights from Smartrak's platform to further improve your fleet's performance and productivity?

Mitchel Howard:
We're especially excited about the ability to collect user feedback through the PoolCar Trip Planning feature. Understanding why someone might avoid booking an EV - whether it's range anxiety or unfamiliarity - will help us tailor support. That might mean extra education, fleet reallocation, or charging infrastructure upgrades. These insights will be invaluable in fine-tuning our EV fleet management strategy.