Want to cut your fleet's fuel costs by up to 25%? Telematics is the answer. It tracks vehicle performance, driver behaviour, and fuel usage in real time, helping UK fleet operators save money and reduce emissions. Here’s how:
- Monitor fuel consumption: Spot inefficiencies with metrics like litres per 100 km and idling time (idling burns 2.3 litres/hour).
- Improve driving habits: Address aggressive driving and speeding, which can reduce fuel efficiency by 15-40%.
- Optimise routes: Avoid unnecessary mileage and traffic hotspots, saving up to 15% on fuel costs.
- Proactive maintenance: Alerts for tyre pressure, engine issues, and more prevent costly repairs and wasted fuel.
Telematics systems like GRS Fleet Telematics start at £7.99 per vehicle/month and offer real-time monitoring, route optimisation, and driver scorecards. With proper implementation and training, fleets can see immediate savings and lower CO₂ emissions. Ready to take control of your fuel costs? Start with a pilot programme today.
Webinar | Telematics For Efficient Fuel Management | Teltonika
How Telematics Tracks Fleet Fuel Efficiency
Telematics systems play a crucial role in monitoring fuel efficiency, offering insights that can cut costs and streamline fleet operations. By collecting and analysing vehicle data, these systems help identify inefficiencies and enhance performance. Let’s explore the key metrics, data collection methods, and alert systems that make telematics a valuable tool for fleet management.
Key Metrics for Monitoring Fuel Usage
Telematics systems track several important metrics that directly influence fuel consumption. One of the most fundamental is fuel consumption rates, typically measured in litres per 100 kilometres. This metric provides a baseline to spot inefficiencies in both vehicle performance and route planning.
Another critical factor is idling time. Did you know that a vehicle can burn an extra 2.3 litres of fuel per hour while idling? Telematics systems monitor engine run-time during stationary periods, helping fleet managers pinpoint instances where vehicles are left running unnecessarily.
Driving behaviour also has a huge impact on fuel economy. Actions like rapid acceleration, harsh braking, and speeding can reduce fuel efficiency by 15–30% on motorways and as much as 40% in stop-and-go traffic. Telematics systems score these behaviours, giving managers data to address specific inefficiencies with drivers.
Route efficiency is another area where telematics shines. By tracking unnecessary detours, excessive mileage, and time lost in heavy traffic, these systems help optimise route planning, further reducing fuel consumption.
The benefits aren’t just theoretical - real-world examples prove the impact. A European logistics company, for instance, improved fuel efficiency by 0.69 litres per 100 km across its fleet. With an annual mileage of nine million kilometres, this translated to savings of around 64,000 litres of fuel, worth approximately €92,800 (around £80,000). Similarly, a French coach operator used real-time monitoring and eco-driving programmes to help drivers cut fuel consumption by two to three litres per 100 km, saving up to 45,000 litres annually.
Collecting Data with Telematics Devices
Telematics devices gather fuel efficiency data using various technologies embedded in vehicles. GPS trackers monitor location, speed, and route information, while onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) ports connect to the engine control module (ECM) to access real-time performance data.
Fuel sensors and flow meters provide precise measurements by tracking fuel levels in real time. These sensors can also detect sudden drops, signalling potential issues like theft or leaks. The data is transmitted from the vehicle’s diagnostics system for further analysis.
Another key component is engine diagnostics, which capture details like engine RPM, throttle position, and engine load. These metrics can reveal mechanical issues - such as clogged air filters or underinflated tyres - that might be reducing fuel efficiency.
Modern telematics systems integrate seamlessly with other fleet management tools, making them highly effective for improving operations. For example, GRS Fleet Telematics offers basic monitoring starting at £35, with a monthly software fee of £7.99 per vehicle. These devices not only simplify tracking but also contribute to tangible fuel savings.
Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts
The real power of telematics lies in its ability to turn data into immediate action through real-time monitoring and alerts. These systems notify fleet managers of fuel-wasting behaviours as they happen, allowing for quick corrective measures.
For example, excessive idling alerts are particularly useful for UK fleets. Long-haul vehicles often idle for six to eight hours daily, up to 300 days a year. Telematics systems send instant notifications when idling exceeds preset thresholds, enabling managers to address the issue promptly.
Driving behaviour alerts are another game-changer. These systems flag aggressive actions like speeding or harsh braking, sending instant feedback to both drivers and fleet managers. This real-time response helps drivers adjust their habits before inefficiencies become ingrained.
Maintenance alerts also play a role in fuel efficiency. For instance, tyre pressure directly affects fuel economy - just a one psi drop can reduce efficiency by 0.2%. Telematics systems monitor tyre pressure and engine performance, alerting managers to maintenance needs before they escalate into bigger problems.
Using Telematics Data to Improve Fuel Efficiency
Telematics systems have become a game-changer for improving fuel efficiency, offering practical ways to cut fuel costs by up to 14%. By focusing on three key areas - route efficiency, driver performance, and cost/environmental assessments - fleets can turn raw data into actionable strategies.
Identifying Inefficient Routes
Telematics technology is excellent at pinpointing routes that waste fuel due to unnecessary mileage, heavy traffic, or frequent stops. By delivering real-time updates on vehicle locations, traffic conditions, and road situations, it helps fleet managers uncover inefficiencies that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Route optimisation software takes this a step further by analysing telematics data to calculate smarter routes. It's not just about finding the shortest path - it’s about designing plans that factor in traffic, weather, and upcoming trips. As Eric Schell, Telematics Products and Analytics Manager, puts it:
"Fleet route optimization is more than mapping out the fastest route. It's about creating smarter, data-driven plans that consider everything - traffic, weather, proximity, and future trips."
The benefits are clear. Vehicles equipped with telematics systems can boost fuel efficiency by up to 20%, while route optimisation tools alone can cut fuel costs by as much as 15%. For UK fleets, this could mean avoiding notorious congestion hotspots like the M25 during rush hour and choosing alternative routes to minimise idling.
To refine your routes, collect data on vehicle locations, traffic patterns, and customer demands. Look for inefficiencies like excessive idling or scattered delivery points. Modern systems even integrate with navigation apps, giving drivers real-time updates to avoid traffic jams.
Analysing Driver Performance
How drivers handle vehicles plays a major role in fuel consumption, and telematics data provides the insights needed to tackle wasteful habits. Aggressive behaviours like rapid acceleration, hard braking, or speeding can dramatically lower fuel efficiency.
Telematics systems track these behaviours and generate Driver Scorecards, which rate individual performance based on fuel efficiency and safety. Real-time alerts in the cab help drivers correct aggressive habits on the spot. For example, California Freight used telematics to cut idling costs by 59%, achieving noticeable fuel savings and reducing emissions.
Speeding is another costly behaviour. For UK fleets, where fuel prices are high, addressing excessive speed can lead to significant savings. Telematics data can also support targeted driver training and incentives, encouraging safer and more efficient driving habits.
Assessing Costs and Environmental Impact
Telematics systems don’t just save money - they also help fleets reduce their environmental footprint. By cutting fuel consumption by up to 15%, these systems can lower carbon emissions by several tonnes annually. For example, reducing mileage by 10–20% or trimming idling time by just 30 minutes per vehicle each day can lead to substantial savings in both fuel and CO₂ emissions.
Case studies highlight these outcomes. In 2025, California Freight saved around £40,000 annually by introducing idling reports and reinvesting the savings into custom APIs for accident reporting. Meanwhile, DB Regio in Germany cut CO₂ emissions by 1,400 tonnes and saved hundreds of thousands of litres of diesel each year using telematics. Closer to home, United Utilities used telematics insights to transition some vehicles to electric, achieving a 35% improvement in fuel economy and a 26% drop in emissions per vehicle.
Neil Cawse, Founder and CEO of Geotab, sums it up perfectly:
"Sustainability can drive both cost savings and efficiency. When these initiatives are integrated into everyday business operations, they naturally reduce environmental impact while boosting the bottom line. It's a clear win-win, and hard to oppose once you see the value."
To get the most out of telematics, use the data to optimise fleet size, monitor driver behaviour, and plan maintenance schedules proactively. Compare performance across drivers and vehicles to identify areas for improvement. Setting realistic goals based on historical data can yield quick results, with many fleets seeing savings of 15–20% within just a month of implementation.
Telematics solutions, such as those offered by GRS Fleet Telematics (https://grsft.com), make it easier for UK fleets to act on these insights and improve fuel efficiency in real time.
How to Implement Telematics in Your Fleet
When introducing telematics to your fleet, avoid diving headfirst into a full-scale rollout. Instead, start with a pilot programme to test its effectiveness, measure return on investment (ROI), and ensure a smooth transition for your operations.
Phased Deployment Approach
A pilot programme is a practical first step for integrating telematics into your fleet. Begin with a small, representative group of vehicles. This allows you to gather meaningful data and evaluate the system's impact before committing to a broader implementation.
During this initial phase, it’s essential to define your fleet's specific goals. Are you looking to optimise routes with precise GPS tracking, improve maintenance planning through engine diagnostics, or enhance driver safety? Establishing these priorities early will help you measure success effectively.
Run the pilot long enough to collect reliable data on key metrics like fuel consumption, driver behaviour, and operational efficiency. Once the system demonstrates its value, you can expand it across your entire fleet with confidence.
For example, GRS Fleet Telematics offers scalable hardware solutions and a monthly subscription of £7.99 per vehicle. This makes it easy to add vehicles gradually without requiring significant upfront investment. After proving the system’s worth during the pilot, the next step is educating your drivers and staff to maximise its potential.
Training Drivers and Staff
Proper training is essential to ensure telematics delivers its full benefits. Without it, even the most advanced system may fall short of expectations. The aim is to create a culture of awareness rather than one of surveillance.
Begin with straightforward training sessions that explain how the telematics system works and highlight the advantages for both the company and its drivers. Reassure your team that the system monitors behaviours like speeding and idling to promote safety and efficiency, not to penalise individuals. When addressing issues, use specific data to coach drivers and involve them in finding practical solutions.
Training should also focus on eco-driving techniques, which can have a direct impact on fuel efficiency. For instance, vehicle idling can waste up to half a gallon (about 2.3 litres) of fuel per hour. Eco-driving initiatives have been shown to improve fleet fuel efficiency by 10–15%, while optimising routes and driver habits can lead to savings of up to 25%.
It’s equally important to train fleet managers and administrative staff to interpret telematics data effectively. By learning how to analyse trends, generate actionable reports, and use the system’s reporting features, they can turn raw data into meaningful insights that drive operational improvements.
System Maintenance and Updates
To maintain the benefits of telematics, regular system updates and maintenance are crucial. Many telematics providers offer automatic updates, ensuring the system stays accurate and performs optimally.
Vehicle maintenance is another critical factor. Use telematics to schedule alerts for routine servicing based on mileage or engine hours. Monitor engine diagnostics to catch potential problems early, and track fuel efficiency to identify vehicles that may require attention. For instance, under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption, but telematics can flag these issues before they escalate into costly repairs or excessive tyre wear.
In Q2 2023, engines and related systems accounted for 60% of total maintenance budgets. This highlights the importance of proactive maintenance. Predictive maintenance, powered by telematics data, can help identify and address minor issues before they lead to major breakdowns, reducing disruptions and emergency repair costs.
Integrating telematics data with your fleet management software offers an additional layer of efficiency. This integration allows for automated maintenance processes, better fuel efficiency tracking, and more informed decision-making. By coordinating maintenance schedules with operational planning, you can ensure your fleet runs smoothly and cost-effectively.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Telematics has transformed the way fleet operators manage fuel, offering data-driven insights that lead to actionable improvements. The financial advantages of these systems become evident when considering the potential savings in operational costs.
Why Telematics Matters for Fleet Management
Telematics isn’t just about tracking vehicles. For fleet operators, it’s a tool that can lead to fuel savings of up to 25%, while also helping to reduce carbon emissions. This dual benefit addresses both immediate financial concerns and the growing emphasis on sustainability, a priority for many UK businesses today.
With real-time monitoring, telematics identifies fuel-wasting habits like aggressive driving, which can cut fuel efficiency by 15% to 30% at motorway speeds. By addressing these behaviours early, fleet managers can mitigate their impact on costs.
Telematics also supports proactive vehicle maintenance. For instance, under-inflated tyres can lower fuel economy by up to 3.3%. Alerts from telematics systems allow managers to resolve such issues promptly, preventing them from escalating into more expensive problems.
"The ROI becomes clear immediately. Telematics is a way to create a cost benefit. Without it, you may miss out on an opportunity to manage day-to-day costs", says Brian Hammer, Senior Risk Management Consultant at Nationwide Agribusiness.
These capabilities highlight the importance of acting on telematics data to unlock its full potential.
Taking the Next Steps Towards Fuel Efficiency
To capitalise on these benefits, choose a telematics solution tailored to your fleet’s needs. For example, GRS Fleet Telematics offers hardware starting at £35 and monthly subscriptions from £7.99 per vehicle, making it an affordable option for fleets of all sizes.
The key to success lies in using the data effectively. Start with a pilot programme involving a small portion of your fleet to evaluate its impact before rolling it out on a larger scale. Focus on areas like reducing idling, optimising routes, and training drivers in fuel-efficient practices - these can deliver the most immediate improvements.
Telematics works best when paired with proper driver training and open communication. The aim isn’t to monitor drivers but to foster a culture of efficiency. When drivers understand how their actions influence costs and environmental goals, they’re more likely to adopt fuel-saving behaviours.
"Telematics saves you money over time. You can maximise the cost benefit once you start to see where you have the best opportunities to save money on fuel. Telematics can make your life easier, but it's only a tool to collect data. Be willing and able to take action based on that data. That's where you will create opportunities to save on your fuel bills", adds Brian Hammer.
FAQs
How can telematics help improve my fleet's fuel efficiency?
Telematics systems offer a smart way to boost your fleet's fuel efficiency by delivering real-time data on fuel usage and driver behaviour. With these tools, fleet managers can track fuel consumption, pinpoint unnecessary idling, and address driving habits like harsh acceleration or sudden braking - both of which can drive up fuel costs.
By digging into the data provided by telematics, you can also plan more efficient routes, cutting down on travel distances and saving fuel. Plus, these systems help keep your vehicles in top shape by monitoring service schedules and flagging potential issues early. This proactive maintenance not only trims fuel expenses but also ensures smoother, more cost-effective fleet operations.
What steps should I take to successfully implement a telematics system in my fleet?
How to Implement a Telematics System in Your Fleet
To get started with a telematics system, it's crucial to first define your objectives and understand the unique needs of your fleet. Are you looking to boost fuel efficiency, improve vehicle security, or optimise route planning? Pinpointing these challenges will help you focus on the right features. Make sure to involve key stakeholders early on to ensure the solution fits your operational goals and budget.
Once you've chosen a system, communicate its benefits clearly to your team. Highlight how it can make daily tasks easier, cut costs, and improve overall efficiency. When employees see how the system benefits them directly, they're more likely to embrace the change, leading to a smoother rollout across the organisation.
How does driver behaviour affect fuel efficiency, and how can telematics help improve it?
The Impact of Driver Behaviour on Fuel Efficiency
How a driver handles a vehicle has a massive impact on fuel consumption. Habits like rapid acceleration, harsh braking, and driving at excessive speeds can cause fuel usage to spike - by as much as 33% on motorways and 5% in urban settings.
This is where telematics systems come into play. These systems monitor driving behaviour in real time, tracking factors such as speed, acceleration, and idling. By analysing this data, businesses can pinpoint inefficient driving habits and encourage smoother, more fuel-efficient practices. The result? Fuel savings of 10–15% are achievable, alongside safer driving habits.
Adopting these changes doesn’t just cut fuel costs - it also reduces wear and tear on vehicles, extending their lifespan and improving the overall efficiency of the fleet.
