Mixed Fleet Management Best Practices
Today, companies are increasingly adopting mixed fleets, integrating diverse types of vehicles into their operations to meet a range of business needs.
From electric cars and utility vehicles to micromobility options like e-scooters and e-bikes, mixed fleets offer flexibility and sustainability benefits but present unique management challenges. Managing multiple vehicle types with different use cases requires a streamlined, data-driven approach to track usage, manage maintenance, and optimise resources efficiently.
This guide covers the best practices for managing mixed fleets and explains how a connected mobility platform like AZOWO can provide the unified tools needed for effective, efficient mixed fleet management.
Understanding mixed fleets
Mixed fleets encompass a variety of vehicles—such as electric, petrol, diesel, hybrid, and micromobility options—used within corporate operations in the UK.
These fleets are commonly deployed in environments with diverse transport requirements, such as large corporate campuses, facilities management, or urban office settings. Typical fleet components include maintenance vehicles, service vans, and security cars, supporting the smooth operation of business premises. For shorter distances, micromobility options like e-bikes and e-scooters offer an eco-friendly and flexible alternative for staff mobility or light transport needs.
By integrating multiple vehicle types, organisations can address key business objectives such as cost efficiency, compliance with sustainability targets, and operational flexibility. However, managing the unique maintenance schedules, regulatory requirements, and usage patterns of a mixed fleet requires a strategic and data-driven approach.
Challenges of managing mixed fleets
Mixed fleet management requires attention to various challenges that arise from handling multiple vehicle types and tracking diverse assets. Here are some key challenges and considerations:
- Data integration: Different vehicle types often come with varying data sources. Integrating telematics data, fuel and charging data, and vehicle diagnostics into one platform can be challenging but is crucial for accurate tracking.
- Maintenance scheduling: Each vehicle type has unique maintenance needs, from oil changes in traditional vehicles to battery checks in electric vehicles. A unified system is needed to track and schedule these maintenance tasks.
- Cost management: Operational costs, including maintenance and fuel, vary significantly across vehicle types. Monitoring these costs in a single platform helps fleet managers stay within budget and identify areas for savings.
- Asset allocation and usage: Assigning the right vehicle for each task requires visibility over vehicle availability, usage, and suitability for the job. Tracking utilisation rates is especially critical. For general-purpose vehicles, low utilisation rates may indicate inefficiencies, but for specialised vehicles—such as a crane truck used only when needed—low utilisation might be expected. Understanding a vehicle's purpose is essential for effective data-driven analysis.
76% of fleet managers rate fleet management solutions as "extremely or very beneficial" for managing their fleets. This is even more important in the context of mixed fleet management.
Best practices for mixed fleet management
Effective mixed fleet management requires a strategic approach that prioritises data integration, automation, and efficient use of resources. Here are some best practices to follow:
1. Centralise fleet data for a unified view
For mixed fleets, centralising data is critical. A connected mobility platform like AZOWO enables fleet managers to gather data from all vehicle types—whether traditional, electric, or micromobility—into a single interface. This unified view allows for seamless monitoring of vehicle usage, fuel consumption or battery levels, maintenance requirements, and other key metrics.
- Integrate telematics and fuel data: Collect data from various sources to gain a holistic view of fleet operations.
- Monitor all vehicle types: Use a single dashboard to track cars, vans, trailers, e-bikes, and utility vehicles efficiently.
Pro Tip: Use data integration to understand the true cost of each vehicle type and identify underutilised assets, improving resource allocation and reducing operational costs.
2. Automate maintenance scheduling for diverse vehicles
Maintaining a mixed fleet involves coordinating various maintenance schedules based on the type of vehicle, its usage, and the manufacturer’s guidelines. AZOWO’s platform allows fleet managers to automate maintenance schedules and set reminders based on individual vehicle needs, reducing downtime and ensuring each vehicle remains in peak condition.
- Customise maintenance schedules: Set up automated maintenance alerts based on the type and usage of each vehicle.
- Reduce downtime: Proactively address potential issues before they lead to costly repairs or vehicle unavailability.
Pro Tip: Leverage automated maintenance scheduling to stay ahead of repair needs and extend the lifespan of your fleet assets, from service trucks to EVs.
3. Optimise resource allocation across vehicle types
With a diverse fleet, each vehicle type serves a specific purpose. Managing vehicle allocation effectively ensures that fleet resources are optimised according to operational requirements. For example, smaller electric vehicles may be ideal for short urban trips, while traditional vans are better suited for long-distance hauling. Data plays a critical role in optimising these decisions, particularly during an electric vehicle (EV) transition, as insights can guide vehicle deployment and infrastructure planning.
- Track utilisation rates: Monitor which vehicles are frequently used or idle to optimise assignments.
- Maximise efficiency: Ensure the right vehicle type is assigned to each task, improving productivity and reducing unnecessary costs.
4. Consider specialised utility vehicles
Specialised utility vehicles, like crane trucks or forklifts, often have unique operational roles. Monitoring utilisation rates for these vehicles requires understanding their specific purpose. For example, a crane truck with low utilisation may still be a critical asset for its specialised tasks. AZOWO’s platform helps contextualise usage data, allowing managers to balance cost efficiency with operational readiness.
Benefits of using a connected mobility platform for mixed fleets
Connected mobility platforms like AZOWO provide numerous advantages for managing mixed fleets effectively, from data integration to cost savings. Here’s how a mobility solution can benefit your operations:
- Comprehensive data access: With a single platform, fleet managers can view data for all vehicle types, making it easier to monitor performance and track usage trends.
- Improved cost control: By centralising operational data, fleet managers can identify cost-saving opportunities across various fleet assets, reducing hidden costs and improving ROI.
- Customisable reporting: Generate tailored reports on utilisation, maintenance, and sustainability to make informed decisions that support business goals.
Pro Tip: Customise reports and set up automated alerts to stay informed on critical metrics for each vehicle type, making fleet management proactive and data-driven.
Managing your mixed fleet with AZOWO
For companies operating mixed fleets, a connected mobility platform like AZOWO simplifies management and provides the flexibility needed to adapt to complex operational needs.
From customisable maintenance scheduling and real-time data integration to efficient resource allocation, AZOWO’s platform is designed to support a seamless and cost-effective approach to fleet management.
Ready to streamline your mixed fleet operations? Get in touch to discover how AZOWO’s platform can optimise your fleet and support your business objectives.
