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Breaking New Ground: Synop Becomes First Standard Partner in EV Charging Management with Geotab
December 19, 2023
Announcement

Synop Becomes First Standard Partner in EV Charging Management with Geotab

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Synop has officially joined forces with Geotab, and our solutions are now live on the Geotab Marketplace. We’re proud to be the first EV charging and energy management solutions company to achieve Standard Partner Tier status on the marketplace. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of commercial electric vehicle (EV) fleet management, as it offers a unified platform for handling both electric and mixed-fuel fleets. 

Rigorous Journey to Partnership

Achieving the Standard Partner status was no small feat. Synop underwent Geotab's thorough vetting process, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality and performance. This process included a comprehensive technical review, demonstrating our software's ability for deep integrations and customization within the Geotab ecosystem. More than just meeting technical specifications, this partnership demonstrates our commitment to promptly adapting to the evolving needs of platform resellers and their value-added services. Security, interoperability, and a relentless focus on innovation were at the forefront of this endeavor.

AI-Driven Solutions for Real-Time Management

The heart of this partnership lies in the seamless integration of Synop's AI-powered software with Geotab's robust data infrastructure. This synergy empowers customers to manage their commercial EV fleet as well as conventional ICE vehicles in real-time, using a single, comprehensive platform. Synop's advanced analytics work in tandem with Geotab's data streams, continuously learning from vehicle duty cycles to optimize the performance of EV fleets and mixed-fuel fleets. This means enhanced operational efficiency, maximized uptime, and a smoother transition for operators integrating more EVs into their existing conventional fleets.

Breaking Barriers in Commercial EV Adoption

Synop's compatibility with all classes of commercial electric vehicles and infrastructures is a game-changer, particularly for operators managing mixed-fuel fleets. This seamless management of vehicles, charging stations, energy, and payments, all without the need for additional hardware or installation, simplifies the transition to electric vehicles. This integration is a major step forward in lowering the barriers to commercial EV adoption, making it more accessible across various industries.

Why This Matters

Our partnership with Geotab, a leader in telematics, is more than just a business alliance; it's a shared vision towards sustainable innovation. As we gear up for the future, our joint efforts aim to simplify and enhance the EV experience for fleet operators, contributing to a greener, more efficient world.

Learn More at Our Upcoming Webinar

To dive deeper into the capabilities and advantages of this partnership, Synop and Geotab invite you to join our upcoming webinar. Slated for early next year, this event will be a treasure trove of insights for operators managing EV and multi-fuel fleets. Participants will learn:

  • New insights on optimizing fleet management for mixed-fuel fleets
  • Best ways to leverage Synop’s capabilities to minimize cost and maximize uptime
  • How to use a single platform to integrate and scale commercial EV programs

Stay tuned for more details on the webinar and join us in embracing the future of fleet management.

For Geotab customers who are interested in exploring this integrated solution, they can find Synop in the Geotab Marketplace or reach out to us directly here: https://www.synop.ai/contact-us.

Could drayage hold the key to wider EV adoption in logistics?
November 29, 2023
Thought leadership

Could drayage hold the key to wider EV adoption in logistics?

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Under new regulations outlined by the Biden administration, a quarter of new heavy trucks sold in the United States must be all-electric by 2032 (the figure currently stands at just 2%). 

The transition to EV in the commercial sector will take time, sustained effort and coordination among multiple stakeholders. But introducing electrification via certain entry points can promote wider EV adoption in this carbon footprint heavy industry. Drayage is one such area. Drayage is the transport of shipping containers over short distances, typically from the ship to a warehouse or other terminal. 

Regulatory changes are already mandating that drayage transition to zero-emission trucks in states like California. Here are a few key impact areas in drayage that will prove that EVs make business and environmental sense fleet-wide: 

  • Operations: Drayage routes are short, making them an ideal testing ground for electrification. Interstate logistics operations with longer routes and are still reliant on charging infrastructure to improve across the country. But drayage doesn’t have this problem: drayage trucks typically operate within relatively short distances, shuttling cargo containers between home bases, ports, and warehouses, generally within a confined geographical area. Charging infrastructure can be easily located on-site at the home base. This easy entry allows fleet operators to begin designing a framework for charging on routes, and reduce the unpredictability of fleet electrification. 

  • Environment and health: Even though heavy-duty vehicles such as those used for drayage make up just 7% of all registered vehicles in California, they contribute up to 80% of some of the most harmful air pollutants. Since drayage routes tend to run through highly populated and lower-income areas, disadvantaged communities are particularly exposed to air pollution from these vehicles. 


A recent study found that 483 premature deaths and 15,468 asthma attacks could be attributed to heavy-duty drayage trucks in 2012 in Southern California alone. The study suggested that electrifying Southern California’s drayage routes could prevent hundreds of premature deaths a year. Imagine the number of lives that could be saved if fleets across the entire country made the switch to EV.

But challenges remain…

Even though EVs save companies money in the long run, fleet operators still have concerns. One area of hesitation is the cost of charging large fleets of heavy-duty vehicles. Power companies are increasingly charging different rates depending on if electricity is drawn from the grid during peak or off-peak demand hours, also known as time-of-use (TOU) tariffs. What time of day qualifies as on/off-peak varies by state and energy provider. Without careful planning, operators may find themselves charging many of their vehicles during the most expensive times, which could more than triple the cost of charging each vehicle. For large fleets, not optimizing the charging schedule could be extremely costly. 

Not to mention, there are concerns that a surge in the number of heavy-duty EVs could place unprecedented strain on the grid. Reducing demand within these fleets can enhance grid reliability and simultaneously cut expenses by sidestepping the need to build and maintain costly power plants and other infrastructure required to meet peak demand.

That’s where Synop steps in.

Synop, a charging and energy management software platform for commercial EVs, is committed to helping fleets manage the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The platform empowers fleet operators to optimize charging according to both their unique operational requirements and the demands of the grid. 

Synop provides real-time insights into grid demand and pricing, as well as charge across the entire fleet. Through the platform, fleet operators can select specific times and speeds to charge vehicles to reduce electricity costs and alleviate pressure on the grid. Alternatively, our advanced energy management service helps them automate the entire process. Our software facilitates seamless subscription management for charging hubs, whether it involves public charging infrastructure or coordination with third-party providers, making it easier for charging operators to handle and optimize their services.

To help our customers generate additional revenue and lower their overall total cost of ownership (TCO), Synop has integrated with utility programs to leverage curtailment and demand response through V2G. Similarly we enable fleet operators to effectively report on emissions targets and facilitate the generation of Clean Fuel credits, such as Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).

Drayage electrification could be the critical step the supply chain needs to pave the way towards greater sustainability across the sector — and solutions like Synop's charging management software can accelerate and optimize this process. As regulatory changes loom and the world demands sustainable solutions, drayage offers a gateway to a greener future in logistics.

Is your drayage fleet or commercial fleet transitioning to EVs? Click here to book a demo!

Synop Announces Partnership with Lion Electric to Provide Energy Management Software for Bus and Truck Customers
November 15, 2023
Announcement

Synop and Lion Electric partnership to provide energy management software for bus and truck customers.

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November 15, 2023. Brooklyn, NY - Today Synop, the leading platform for electric vehicle (EV) fleet solutions, announces a new partnership with The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) (“Lion”), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Through this partnership, Synop’s vehicle, charging, and energy management solutions will be integrated with LionBeat, Lion’s advanced telematics offering, and additionally available as an add-on solution for non-LionBeat subscribers.

By leveraging Synop’s APIs, Lion is advancing its ecosystem offerings, seamlessly equipping electric school buses and trucks with a single interface that allows clients to see all the data and details needed to manage their assets. This empowers customers to efficiently manage infrastructure and make informed decisions that maximize uptime and minimize cost.

Additionally, Synop’s technology can provide Lion customers with added revenue through its advanced vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. By automating energy management that prioritizes charging at lower-cost, off-peak hours, Synop’s software then equips customers with the ability to sell that energy back to the grid at a higher price during peak hours from vehicles not in use.

Marie Bedard, Director of Lion Ecosystem, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We're excited to partner with Synop to provide our customers with a market-leading energy management solution. This collaboration offers our customers a highly advanced energy management software that further builds upon Lion’s robust Ecosystem portfolio."

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Lion,” said Synop CEO Gagan Dhillon. “Lion is a leader in the industry and the combined offering will bring many advanced solutions to Lion customers, furthering both companies along our shared mission to get more commercial EVs on the road.”

Interested customers can learn more by visiting Lion at https://thelionelectric.com/en, or Synop at https://synop.ai.

About Synop

Synop provides a comprehensive EV software platform meticulously designed to expedite EV adoption by seamlessly managing charging operations for commercial EV fleets. Synop’s suite includes vehicle management, charging management, V2G energy management, and payment management. By integrating vehicle telematics and EV charging station solutions from various vendors, Synop employs AI-driven forecasting tools to optimize charging schedules, ensuring commercial EV fleets maximize uptime and minimize costs. For further information, please visit https://synop.ai.

Synop Introduces Works with Synop™ Program for Seamless EV Charger Selection and Hardware-Software Compatibility
October 23, 2023
Announcement

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Initial partners include BorgWarner, Thomas Built Buses, Power Electronics, and Zerova

October 19, 2023, Brooklyn, NY Synop, the leading platform for optimizing charging and energy management for commercial electric fleets, today launched Works with Synop™, a program that provides customers the assurance of seamless hardware-software compatibility. The Works with Synop™ program streamlines the selection of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) by providing customers with a curated list of hardware options that all work with Synop’s software platform to remove friction and frustration in the EV charger selection process. The initial partners for the Works with Synop™ program include BorgWarner, Thomas Built Buses, Power Electronics, and Zerova.

“Over the past three years we’ve learned that the charging experience is based on more than the numbers on a spec sheet; it also depends on things like provisioning, tight alignment on firmware updates, and well-defined support channels,” said Gagan Dhillon, CEO and co-founder of Synop. “We’ve been working across engineering, customer support, and implementation teams to collaborate with a growing list of hardware makers that meet a high bar for those functions, and are excited to release that list today.”

Opting for hardware from the Works with Synop™ list ensures customers have a direct line of support rather than facing frustration on their own.  The program ensures a hassle-free experience from charger activation throughout the equipment's life cycle and offers a streamlined process to report any issues through Synop’s software platform for efficient and timely problem resolution.

Works with Synop™ brings instant benefit to current Synop customers providing them with the assurance of seamless hardware-software compatibility.  “We have had a front-row seat to the challenges of electrification for school bus operators, and the need for better hardware-software alignment is something we’ve identified as a gap for a while,” said Arjun Nair, Manager of Electric Vehicle Programs and Consulting for Thomas Built Buses. “We have been impressed by how Synop and its hardware partners have honed in on the relevant interoperability criteria and support channels criteria to deliver a great experience.”

The company intends to expand the program into various categories including vehicles, telematics, and energy management systems, aligning with its commitment to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles for commercial fleets.

For more information on Works with Synop™ benefits and to see the current list of compatible hardware, please visit https://www.synop.ai/works-with-synop.

About Synop

Synop is a leading platform dedicated to optimizing energy management and usage for electric vehicle charging and fleet operations. With its comprehensive suite of tools, including telematics integration, intelligent routing, AI-driven forecasting, and more, Synop empowers commercial EV fleets to maximize uptime, minimize costs, and contribute energy back to the grid. To learn more, visit https://www.synop.ai/.

About Thomas Built Buses:

Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Learn more at https://thomasbuiltbuses.com/ or at https://www.facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.

Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, N.C., is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.

About BorgWarner:

For more than 130 years, BorgWarner has been a transformative global product leader bringing successful mobility innovation to market. Today, we’re accelerating the world’s transition to eMobility – to help build a cleaner, healthier, safer future for all.  

Synop Unveils State-of-the-Art EV Fleet Charging and Innovation Lab in Brooklyn, New York
October 10, 2023
Announcement

Synop, the leading platform for electric vehicle (EV) fleet solutions, is thrilled to announce the unveiling of The Synop Charge Lab, an interactive facility located in Brooklyn, New York. The Charge Lab will allow Synop and its partners to run live tests on chargers and electric vehicles.

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Synop, the leading platform for electric vehicle (EV) fleet solutions, is thrilled to announce the unveiling of The Synop Charge Lab, an interactive facility located in Brooklyn, New York. The Charge Lab will allow Synop and its partners to run live tests on chargers and electric vehicles.

“Opening the Charge Lab is an exciting new chapter in the company's history,” said CEO Gagan Dhillon. “The research and development that we can do hands-on with partners at this facility represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing enterprise software for the EV fleet industry.”

The Synop Charge Lab will serve as an epicenter for R&D, providing a platform for interoperability testing spanning all chargers, telematics, and vehicles. Accessible to both Synop's team and collaborative partners, the lab offers an environment conducive to rapid product prototyping and live simulations of EV charging in authentic scenarios.

"We decided to launch a physical space to help accelerate our innovation process alongside our partners,” said Andrew Bledge, CTO and Co-founder of Synop. “With EVs and chargers at our disposal, we can amass valuable data and help our customers in their integration journey."

The new Charge Lab facility is now open in Brooklyn, New York. The location of the lab was strategically chosen due to the abundant talent in the New York City Metropolitan Area, and the opportunity to collaborate with local companies in the thriving regional ecosystem. The new space will also serve as a headquarters office for Synop’s operations in New York.

"Getting to introduce cutting-edge commercial EV innovation to New York underscores Synop's leadership in the EV fleet space,” said Mark Braby, Synop's CCO. “We envision the Synop Charge Lab becoming an integral part of the Brooklyn community."

To learn more about Synop and the Charge Lab, visit synop.ai.

About Synop

Synop provides a comprehensive EV software platform meticulously designed to expedite EV adoption by seamlessly managing charging operations for commercial EV fleets. Synop's suite includes vehicle management, charging management, V2G energy management, and payment management. By integrating vehicle telematics and EV charging station solutions from various vendors, Synop employs AI-driven forecasting tools to optimize charging schedules, ensuring commercial EV fleets maximize uptime and minimize costs. For further information, please visit https://synop.ai.

Empowering utilities with Synop’s energy management software for EV fleets
September 5, 2023
Software Spotlight

Let’s explore how Synop's offerings empower utilities to optimize grid management, enhance efficiency, and facilitate the transition to sustainable transportation.

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The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought about new challenges and opportunities for utilities to manage energy resources effectively. Synop is at the forefront of enabling utilities to seamlessly manage their internal fleet and also integrate and manage utility-customer fleets. With a vendor-agnostic, enterprise-grade platform, Synop offers utilities a suite of powerful tools, including energy management insights, artificial intelligence (AI) forecasting capabilities, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) management. Let’s explore how Synop's offerings empower utilities to optimize grid management, enhance efficiency, and facilitate the transition to sustainable transportation.

Driving the future of internal utility EV fleets 

Utilities are embracing the transition to EVs by incorporating them into their own large commercial fleets. Recognizing this transformation, Synop has developed a game-changing platform that seamlessly integrates vehicles, chargers, and the grid. With a strong focus on software development and energy management expertise, Synop empowers utilities to optimize EV charging, energy management, vehicle tracking, and payment processing. Synop’s vendor-agnostic software ensures compatibility with any charger, vehicle, or utility provider, offering utilities a versatile and scalable solution tailored to their specific needs. Synop is revolutionizing utility fleet operations, enabling efficient and seamless integration of EVs into their existing infrastructure.

Energy management insights

One of Synop's primary offerings for utilities is energy management insights. By analyzing real-time data and employing advanced analytics, Synop provides utilities with valuable insights into energy usage patterns of fleet EVs, enabling more accurate demand forecasting and load balancing. This enables utilities to make informed decisions about grid build out, energy distribution, and resource allocation. With Synop's energy management insights, utilities can proactively address peak demand periods, optimize charging schedules, and ensure a stable and efficient grid operation.

AI forecasting model

The power of AI plays a crucial role in Synop's software platform. Synop utilizes AI forecasting tools to provide utilities with accurate predictions of future energy demand, allowing them to optimize their resource planning and grid operations. With Synop's AI forecasting capabilities, utilities can anticipate the charging requirements of commercial EV fleets, adjust energy distribution accordingly, and prevent grid overloads. By harnessing the power of AI, utilities can achieve greater efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance the overall stability of the grid.

V2G and demand-side management

V2G and demand side management (DSM) technology is revolutionizing the way utilities manage energy resources. Synop's platform offers comprehensive management tools that allow utilities to leverage the battery capacity of connected EVs to support grid stability and optimize energy usage. With Synop's analytics and control  capabilities, utilities can aggregate the charging and discharging capacities of commercial EV fleets, effectively turning them into distributed energy resources. This enables utilities and grid operators to balance energy supply and demand, and compensate fleet operators for curtailing charging or energy sold back to the grid.

Collaborating with EV fleet operators

In addition to direct offerings for utilities, Synop also collaborates with commercial EV fleet operators to integrate with their local utility. Synop helps fleet operators manage their own fleets by providing tools for charging management, energy management and payment processing, which includes integration with the utility to minimize grid upgrades and deliver grid services. This two-fold approach ensures a seamless integration between fleet operators, utilities, and the grid, fostering a symbiotic relationship that supports the transition to sustainable transportation.

Are you a utility ready to rEVolutionize your offering?

Synop's comprehensive offerings for utilities provide a pathway toward seamless and efficient grid management as EVs are set to take center stage within commercial fleets. By harnessing the power of their vendor-agnostic platform, utilities can leverage energy management insights, AI forecasting tools, and V2G management capabilities to optimize grid operations, improve energy efficiency, and promote sustainable transportation. Synop's commitment to interoperability and collaboration with fleet operators and utilities demonstrates a dedication to transforming the future of mobility and decarbonizing global transportation. With Synop as a trusted partner, utilities can confidently navigate the complexities of managing EV fleets while maximizing the benefits of clean energy integration.

Click here to book a demo.

Synop solutions for infrastructure providers scaling EV fleet operations
August 23, 2023
Software Spotlight

Let's explore how Synop's offerings empower infrastructure providers, including Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS), Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS), and Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) providers, to optimize their EV fleet operations.

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As the demand for sustainable transportation continues to grow, infrastructure providers play a crucial role in developing charging depots for commercial electric vehicle (EV) fleets. Synop understands the unique challenges faced by infrastructure providers and offers a powerful suite of software solutions to streamline and scale their customers’ EV operations. Let's explore how Synop's offerings empower infrastructure providers, including Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS), Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS), and Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) providers, to optimize their EV fleet operations.

Streamlining charging infrastructure management with solutions for CaaS providers

Charging infrastructure plays a vital role in the operations of EV fleets, and infrastructure providers can benefit from Synop's solutions specifically tailored for CaaS providers. CaaS refers to a service model where the charging infrastructure and services for EV fleets are provided by a third-party provider that operates the chargers for the fleet manager. Synop offers comprehensive software solutions that streamline the management of charging infrastructure for CaaS providers, allowing them to efficiently maximize uptime and minimize cost.  

By partnering with Synop, infrastructure providers gain access to a vendor-agnostic, enterprise-grade software platform that simplifies charging infrastructure management. Synop's expertise and advanced features ensure optimal performance and reliability of charging infrastructure. Infrastructure providers can efficiently utilize charging stations, optimize resource allocation, and seamlessly scale their EV operations. With Synop's solutions, CaaS providers can deliver reliable charging services to fleet operators and municipalities while relieving the burden of capital investment and ongoing maintenance.

Enhancing TaaS operations with seamless charging solutions

For infrastructure providers looking to deliver comprehensive TaaS solutions, Synop offers software solutions designed to optimize EV fleet operations. TaaS encompasses the provision of EVs, charging infrastructure, and associated services as a bundled offering. Synop's software platform enables TaaS providers to seamlessly manage their vehicles and chargers.  

Synop's solutions for TaaS providers cover a range of software tools, including charging management, energy management, vehicle management, and payment management. By leveraging Synop's software platform, TaaS providers can deliver a seamless and convenient mobility experience, focusing on providing reliable and efficient transportation services to their customers. The integration of charging solutions enhances TaaS offerings, ensuring seamless charging experiences for users while optimizing operations for infrastructure providers.

Empowering EaaS providers with intelligent energy management solutions

Synop offers intelligent energy management solutions specifically designed to empower EaaS providers. EaaS refers to a model where the entire energy infrastructure required for running EV fleets is provided as a service. Synop's software platform enables EaaS providers to optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and contribute to a greener future.

With Synop's EaaS solutions, infrastructure providers can leverage telematics integrations, real-time data reporting, and AI-driven forecasting tools to optimize energy resources for their EV fleets. The software platform facilitates the integration of renewable energy sourcing, energy storage solutions, and smart charging technologies into operations. This allows for efficient energy distribution, load management, and participation in virtual power plants (VPP) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) programs. By partnering with Synop, EaaS providers can generate additional revenue streams, actively contribute to grid stability, and actively participate in the decarbonization of global transportation. Synop's intelligent energy management solutions empower EaaS providers to optimize their operations and deliver sustainable energy solutions for EV fleets.

Attracting customers through white labeled software 

White labeling Synop's software allows infrastructure providers to maintain their brand while also streamlining operations and reducing costs by leveraging Synop's expertise and cutting-edge technology. By incorporating Synop's software into their own brand, infrastructure providers can save valuable time and resources, eliminating the need for extensive research, development, and specialized talent acquisition. This strategic collaboration enables providers to build their brand while also focusing on their core competencies. By adopting Synop's white labeled solution, infrastructure providers can rapidly deploy efficient and reliable charging and energy management solutions for end-user EV fleets, positioning themselves as leaders in the electrification journey and establishing strong customer trust in the industry.

Are you an infrastructure provider ready to rEVolutionize your offering?

Synop's comprehensive software solutions are designed to empower infrastructure providers in streamlining their commercial EV fleet operations. Whether for CaaS, TaaS, or EaaS infrastructure providers, Synop offers the tools and capabilities needed to streamline operations, scale EV fleet operations, and contribute to a greener future. By choosing Synop, infrastructure providers can optimize their energy usage, generate revenue through smart grid participation, and be at the forefront of the transition to sustainable transportation. Together, we can accelerate the decarbonization of global transportation through electrification.

Click here to book a demo.

Synop takes center stage in upcoming NACFE "Run on Less" webinar
July 20, 2023
Event

Synop CCO Mark Braby will participate as a panelist in NACFE’s Run on Less Electric DEPOT (RoL-E DEPOT) “Bootcamp Training” webinar: “Selecting and Managing Cost-Effective Charging” on Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. EST.

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Click HERE to register for Webinar #8 on Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. EST.

As part of our on-going support for industry organizations, we are thrilled to announce our participation in NACFE’s Run on Less Electric DEPOT (RoL-E DEPOT) “Bootcamp Training” webinar series. The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), and its partner RMI, have joined forces to present this informative (and free) 10-part educational series which aims to provide valuable insights and guidance to fleet managers, utility planners, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in the scaling of electric truck fleets.

Synop CCO Mark Braby will participate as a panelist in “Selecting and Managing Cost-Effective Charging” on Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. EST. The session will delve into best practices, strategies, and considerations to help EV fleet operators optimize their charging infrastructure investments. We will not only discuss cost-effective charging software solutions but also emphasize the importance of optimizing EV fleets as a whole.

The webinar series through the summer leads up to the RoL-E DEPOT main event in September, which will be a three-week demonstration of 10 participating fleet depots showcasing electric trucks delivering real freight on real routes. The data collected from the event will be published in mid-2024. With a primary focus on addressing the challenges associated with scaling commercial electric truck operations, RoL-E DEPOT aims to share insights, best practices, and strategies for successful fleet scaling in terms of charging infrastructure, grid capacity, resilience, and other key considerations.

We are excited to participate in NACFE’s “Bootcamp Training” webinar series to share our expertise on selecting and managing cost-effective charging solutions. Through our continuous support for industry organizations like NACFE, we are committed to driving the future of fleet electrification and shaping a more sustainable transportation landscape.

Click HERE to register for Webinar #8 on Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. EST.

Synop addresses NACS adoption and implications
July 19, 2023
Thought leadership

As a leading provider of EV fleet charging and energy management software, Synop is closely monitoring the NACS news and what its impact may be for commercial EV fleets. 

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Synop has been monitoring the adoption of NACS (North American Charging Standard) by various OEMs and charge point operators. Recent announcements indicate support for NACS from vehicle manufacturers, such as Ford, GM, Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan, as well as charge point operators including Electrify America and Chargepoint. Regulatory developments in Texas and Washington state are also pushing for state-funded charging stations to support NACS. This raises questions about the implications for EV fleets.

What is NACS?

Formerly Tesla's proprietary connector architecture, NACS is a connector architecture that simplifies the charging process with the vehicle taking more responsibility for facilitating the transaction. It offers advantages such as lighter weight, easier handling, higher amperage, and faster charging rates compared to CCS.

NACS vs CCS:

This debate is not just about technology; it is also about addressing passenger car manufacturers' concern about range anxiety. Adopting NACS gives customers access to Tesla's extensive and reliable charging network. However, for fleet vehicles with depot-centric use cases, the over-the-road charging constraints faced by passenger cars may not be as relevant.

Standardization and reliability:

NACS is currently going through the standardization process with CharIn and SAE. However, certification is expected to be at least six months away. The connector architecture of NACS differs from CCS; the NACS approach claims improved reliability by reducing the burden on connectors in the vehicle-charger architecture. Whether this holds true outside of Tesla's vertically integrated stack remains uncertain.

Key considerations:

As the adoption of NACS gains momentum, fleets need to stay informed about the implications and factors that may impact their operations. There are three key considerations that fleet managers should pay attention to in the evolving landscape of NACS adoption including: (1) the standardization process for NACS, (2) the importance of ISO15118 support (plug & charge), and (3) the reliability of NACS architecture beyond Tesla's vertically integrated stack. By understanding these factors, fleet operators can make informed decisions and maximize their presence in the evolving electric vehicle charging space.

Synop's perspective:

As a software company focused on EV fleet management, we embrace a platform-agnostic approach that allows us to seamlessly monitor and control charging operations via the charger or vehicle. Our interoperability stems from our commitment to supporting various connector standards. Whether it's CCS, NACS, Chademo, or any other charging standard, we have developed solutions to handle their intricacies. At Synop, we understand the far-reaching impact that commercial and regulatory decisions in this rapidly evolving landscape can have on our clients. That's why we strive to stay at the forefront, continuously improving our software and providing the necessary information and support to help our clients thrive in this dynamic space.

The value of Synop software for auto OEMs and their EV fleet customers
June 27, 2023
Software Spotlight

Synop understands the obstacles faced by auto original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as customers transition toward EV fleets and offers a game-changing, white-label software solution to optimize EV charging and energy management.

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In the competitive auto industry, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) face the challenge of managing the transition to EVs while operating within tight profit margins and a changing business model. Synop understands the needs of the OEM and offers a game-changing solution through its white label charging and energy management software platform. By partnering with Synop, auto OEMs can seamlessly provide their end-fleet customers with charging and energy management solutions as commercial fleets scale electric vehicle (EV) operations.

White label advantage

One of the key advantages of Synop software is that it can be white labeled for auto OEMs to bundle with the vehicle sale and/or incorporate into their existing platforms, effectively expanding their product line. By leveraging Synop's cutting-edge software, auto OEMs can provide seamless and efficient EV charging and energy management solutions to their customers who are transitioning to electric fleets. This strategic move supports auto OEMs to position themselves as leaders in the electrification journey, capturing a larger piece of revenue while also maintaining a touchpoint with the end-fleet customer after the vehicle sale. Through Synop's white label approach, auto OEMs can incorporate the Synop software into their own brands, which extends their reach and enables them to connect with customers across various channels. By putting their names on Synop's software, auto OEMs can establish themselves as providers of innovative and technologically advanced solutions for EV fleets, further enhancing their reputation and customer trust in the industry.

Reducing costs

By adopting Synop's software, auto OEMs can also significantly reduce costs and resource allocation. Building software in-house can be a complex and expensive endeavor, requiring substantial investments in research, development, and hiring specialized talent. However, by partnering with Synop, auto OEMs can leverage the expertise of Synop's in-house experts in EV charging and energy management solutions. This collaboration not only eliminates the need for in-house software development but also allows auto OEMs to benefit from the accumulated knowledge and experience of Synop's team.

Advantages for EV fleets

Synop offers auto OEM customers with EV fleets a range of powerful software solutions that optimize charging and energy management. With deep integrations, real-time data and control capabilities, and interoperability, Synop empowers EV fleets to choose the best components for their fleets and maximize flexibility. The comprehensive charging, vehicle, and energy management solutions provided by Synop enable efficient infrastructure management, informed decision-making, and cost reduction. Whether it's school bus electrification, port electrification, package delivery, or other commercial EV fleet applications, Synop's tailored support ensures reliable operations and maximum efficiency. By partnering with Synop, auto OEM customers can streamline and scale their EV fleet operations. Click here to learn more about Synop solutions for commercial EV fleets.

Are you an auto OEM ready to rEVolutionize your offering?

Synop's white label charging and energy management software solutions offer significant value to auto OEMs with customers transitioning their fleets to EVs. By incorporating Synop's software into their product line, auto OEMs can expand their offerings, differentiate themselves in a competitive market, and strengthen their brand identity.

Click here to book a demo.