Until recently, fleets had two options for vehicle data collection: hardwire a telematics device to the electrical system or plug a device into the OBD-II or CAN-BUS.

Each has its pros and cons.

Hardwired telematics tend to be more secure but require longer installation time. Plug-in devices are faster and easier to install but the data they collect may not be as secure. 

With embedded telematics, fleet managers don’t have to choose.

These days, the majority of vehicles roll off the assembly line with telematics boxes already installed. “Embedded telematics” collects native data from connected vehicles and securely transmits the data directly to the cloud.When given access to this data, fleets can use it to derive actionable insights on how to better manage their vehicles and operations.

Should your fleet make the switch to embedded telematics? Learning these five facts can help you make an informed decision. 

Fact #1: A Zero-Hardware Solution Reduces Costs and Downtime 

With embedded telematics, data is collected directly from the vehicle, so there’s no need to purchase, install, or plug in third-party devices.

In addition to eliminating the expense of purchasing hardware, embedded telematics also reduces time and money spent on installation. Even if installation time for each vehicle is relatively short, drivers still have to bring in their vehicle and a professional must service each and every one — all of which results in using more resources and increased downtime. 

Carlos Sheets, senior account executive – Mobility, Transport & Logistics NA at Mobilisights, the embedded telematics data provider for Stellantis brands, says to think of it this way: “Let’s say you have 100 vehicles in your fleet. On the conservative side, if it takes drivers a total of 40 minutes for drive time and installation, and it takes a technician (or you’re paying a provider) 15 minutes to install a hardwired device, that’s almost 70 hours of downtime across your fleet, plus you’re paying for the devices and 25 hours of technician time. Those costs add up quickly.”

With Mobilisights' embedded telematics data, Stellantis vehicles can be activated remotely for instant onboarding. And, with no device to install or plug in, there’s no risk of theft, device tampering, or data disruptions.

The good news is, if you currently work with a telematics provider, it’s likely you can continue to work with them. Sheets said Mobilisights is already integrated with a growing list of fleet management platform providers, including Geotab, Samsara, and Motorq, just to name a few.

Fact #2: Embedded Telematics Offer Top-Notch Privacy and Data Protection

At Mobilisights, embedded telematics operate in a cloud-to-cloud environment, where vehicle data is sent to a data processor’s secure cloud environment, then only released based on permissions established by the fleet organization. 

Cloud-to-cloud telematics is generally considered more secure than traditional, on-premises systems because cloud providers invest in robust cyber-security infrastructure beyond the capabilities of individual businesses.

“The Mobilisights’ platform integrates the latest digital solutions to keep pace with the evolving data privacy regulation landscape,” Sheets said. “At Mobilisights, we strongly believe data privacy is a user right that is fundamental and non-questionable. Any access to vehicle data provided is done so only after explicit, informed consent from the end user.” 

Sheets went on to explain that Mobilisights’ data governance and privacy policy follows best practices and group guidelines, implementing advanced security protocols, including encryption and strict access controls, to protect drivers’ data. 

“We only partner with companies who operate within strict data governance and privacy policy and license data to those who limit the usage of data only for the specific services for which it has been licensed,” he explained.

Fact #3: Embedded Telematics Are Available on Both ICE and Electric Vehicles

Embedded telematics technology is suitable for all types of vehicles, whether electric vehicles (EV) or internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Mobilisights is the Data as a Service (DaaS) company for Stellantis that processes data from all 14 vehicle brands. 

For example, fleets with ICE vehicles can use embedded telematics information to improve fuel management, optimize fuel consumption, and improve refueling practices. 

“Fuel efficiency is one of the top three cost considerations of fleet management, and helps in reducing operating costs and increasing sustainability,” said Aditya "Eddie" Nath, VP of North America Sales at Mobilisights. 

Embedded telematics also help fleets with EVs manage charging more effectively. Fleets can monitor battery level, charging status, vehicle range, charge reimbursement, and more.

Fact #4: You Can Use Embedded Telematics Insights to Improve Important Fleet Metrics

Beyond fuel and charge management, embedded telematics insights can help fleet managers move the needle on key performance indicators (KPIs) like utilization, productivity, maintenance, total cost of ownership (TCO), and safety.

For instance, vehicle health monitoring and preventive maintenance allows fleet managers to identify issues and schedule service before a breakdown, which reduces unplanned downtime. Staying on top of maintenance also reduces TCO, increases fleet availability, and provides drivers with safe, healthy vehicles. 

Perhaps most importantly, Mobilisights provides access to insights on harsh braking and acceleration, crash data, and seatbelt usage, to name a few, so fleet managers can identify potential safety risks and provide coaching for safe driving practices.

“Mobilisights provides fleet managers with data to encourage safer driving behavior. This can result in fewer accidents, lower insurance premiums, and a decrease in fines, traffic violations, and tickets,” Nath explained. 

If an accident does occur, data provided by Mobilisights gives fleet managers immediate access to the details they need to respond to crashes and communicate with insurers afterward. 

Fact #5: A Free Trial Is Available

For new Stellantis Fleet customers with MY24 and MY25 vehicles, Mobilisights is offering a three-month no-fee Fleet Plus Data Pack trial¹.

 “Fleet managers can learn how Mobilisights data helps them maximize fleet performance while enhancing safety and reducing costs,” Sheets said. 

If you’re a new Stellantis Fleet customer and want to get started or learn more about embedded telematics in the United States for any of Stellantis’ major brands (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram), reach out toinfo@mobilisights.com.

_{¹The free trial is available only to customers who have ordered their fleet through the Stellantis Fleet Sales Channel and who are new to Mobilisights data services.}