Webfleet supports Riverford on route to electrification

Bridgestone’s Webfleet EV fleet management solution is helping delivery drivers at organic veg box company Riverford to overcome electric vehicle range anxiety, manage routes better and navigate efficiently to charge points.

The software is helping Riverford to track not only vehicle location but also battery health, remaining driving range and real-time energy consumption for its 65 electric delivery vans, navigating drivers to their nearest charge point when they’re running low.

The company has already electrified almost a third of its fleet and is on track to become a 100 per cent final mile electric delivery fleet by 2025.

James Welton, fleet manager at Riverford said: “Riverford has always had sustainability at its heart, and the health of people and planet is a top priority for us. With Webfleet, we’re putting this into action by helping to take the stress out of anticipating charging needs for our drivers.”

Webfleet’s integral OptiDrive functionality also gives drivers direct feedback on speed, steering and braking before, during and after their trip, helping them to drive more safely and efficiently.

“We find OptiDrive really useful as it gives us a clearly illustrated breakdown of our drivers’ performance, so we can offer specific coaching and support where it is needed,” explained Welton.

A Mantis live camera system is integrated with the Webfleet platform, giving Riverford the vehicle and video data it needs in one convenient dashboard.

“The Mantis evidence centre gives us easy access to important video footage, enabling us to constantly review and improve safety for our drivers,” added Welton.

Beverley Wise, Webfleet regional director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, commented: “Innovation and a progressive mindset are vital for successful transport decarbonisation.

“Riverford have grasped the baton, bringing us another strong example of how data-driven mobility solutions can help us pivot towards a more sustainable future.”

Wise added that Webfleet’s open integration capabilities means the system is “future proofed”.

“Looking ahead, it’s great to know that the system allows for integration of other solutions too, without us having to worry about switching to a new platform,” Welton concluded.