Event Focusing on Automotive Innovation: Integration of Telematics and Electric Powertrain Systems
The second LCV Expert Day, organised by Fleet Europe, took place at the Van der Valk Airport Hotel Brussels, with a focus on Clean and Lean Commercial Fleets. The event brought together industry leaders, fleet managers, and experts to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in the electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) market.
One of the key topics was the growing importance of telematics applications due to the absence of a higher range in electric LCVs. Fabian Seithel, Associate Vice President Last Mile (LCV) Sales & Business Development EMEA at Geotab, highlighted the benefits of telematics, including fleet safety management, route planning for eLCVs, CO2 reporting, and the use of AI for targeted analysis.
Kim Stenberg from Vestas Wind System raised concerns about restrictions in the Netherlands to use the grid for EV charging in the afternoon and evening. This issue was addressed by Pieter Vermassen from Fluvius, who emphasised the importance of getting in touch with the network operator to define the grid capacity needs as soon as possible when implementing a strategy.
Kia showcased its ambitions in the eLCV market with its PBV strategy and a first model to be commercialized in 2023. Ford, Opel, Toyota, Fiat, and Sortimo also displayed some of their latest eLCV models and technologies on the outdoor grounds.
Challenges for fleet electrification include ensuring sufficient power for seamless charging, the right EV charging infrastructure, and a lack of clear and long-term legislative measures. Axel Volkery, EU Commission head of unit sustainable support, discussed the importance of data harmonization and legislation to reduce CO2 emissions, and the need for incentivizing measures in the LCV market.
The current market leader in the e-LCV market in China is Sany, which sold over 11,000 heavy electric trucks in the first half of 2025, holding nearly a 17% market share. Sany is also preparing to enter the European market with its e263 electric semi-truck in early 2026.
75 percent of LCV Expert Day participants have electrified only a maximum of 10 percent of their LCV fleet. However, 30 percent of participants expect that by 2030, 3 out of 4 LCV's in their fleet will be electric, and 14 percent believe the total fleet will be electric by then.
During a panel discussion, Eva Lestang (ArcelorMittal), Saban Tekedereli (Securitas), and Ben Verey (Otis) provided insights into how telematics works for them. Tekedereli emphasised the need for a cultural change when implementing telematics. Craig Allan from ABAX noted that people drive safer when they know they are being monitored, which lowers the number of accidents and saves fuel.
Volkery, the EU Commission head of unit sustainable support, expressed his desire to understand the day-to-day problems facing LCV fleet managers, both strategic and practical. Reinhold Braun, CEO of main sponsor Sortimo, stated that electric vans require a different setup than ICE vehicles, with a focus on lighter materials, maintaining range, and efficient use of space.
The LCV Advisory Board discussed key topics such as the speed of electrification and the suitability of the current charging infrastructure. Volkery expressed his interest in attending the upcoming LCV Advisory Meeting and the next edition of the LCV Expert Day. Marc Odinius presented an analysis showing a 50 percent increase in e-LCV market share in 2023, with Stellantis currently leading the e-LCV market.
In conclusion, the LCV Expert Day provided valuable insights into the current state and future direction of the eLCV market. The event highlighted the challenges and opportunities in fleet electrification, the importance of telematics, and the need for clear and long-term legislative measures to support the transition to electric commercial fleets.
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