Tech retailer Currys has reduced its annual fuel bill by more than £400,000 through the implementation of in-cab driver coaching technology and a rewards platform, according to Lightfoot – the provider of the technology.
Described as ‘a Fitbit for cars and vans’, Lightfoot’s technology uses ‘advanced, real-time engine analytics that measure different factors such as load and road gradients’ to provide ‘live, in-cab coaching to help drivers improve efficiency and safety’.
Lightfoot says that ‘through real-time coaching, audible end-of-journey scores, competitive driver leagues, and reward and recognition, drivers are encouraged to be the best that they can be, helping individuals to be safer and more efficient on each journey’.
Currys first began using Lightfoot’s technology in 2016, with the technology providing real-time driver feedback that has ‘reduced instances of harsh acceleration, cornering and braking’.
Lightfoot’s solution was used across Currys’ fleet of 262 Ford Transit vans and 410 Iveco Daily vans. Telematics data captured by Lightfoot has shown that since this technology came into use, Currys has seen a 10.8% increase in miles per gallon, as well as a 5% reduction in vehicle idling.
The result of this was a fuel cost reduction of £416,000 each year, equivalent to a saving of almost £620 for each vehicle in the fleet. Furthermore, Lightfoot recorded a a 98% reduction in ‘incidents of riskier styles of driving’ following the solution’s go-live.
Chris Georgiou, head of compliance for supply chain and service operations at Currys, commented: “From the early days of working with Lightfoot, we recognised the huge benefit that real-time driver feedback has to play in changing driving styles for the better. It’s a world apart from using telematics retrospectively and has helped our drivers improve their driving standards, enabling them to become smoother and safer at pace.
“For us, the key is driver engagement. From consumer tech rewards to cash prizes in The Drivers’ Lottery, our drivers see the direct benefit of becoming Elite Drivers; all without the headache of benefits in kind. We also use data from Lightfoot to feed into our Delivery Crew of the Year competition.
“Add to that the fact that a good Lightfoot driving record can help reduce private vehicle insurance premiums, and it’s easy to see why so many of our team are using the app, helping them to become better, more mindful drivers on the road.”
In addition to the cost savings and safety benefits, Lightfoot claims that Currys’ van fleet has seen a fall in CO2 emissions of nearly 11% since implementing the technology.
On this, Paul Hollick, managing director of Lightfoot, said: “As an early adopter of our disruptive driver-focused solution, Currys has seen the game-changing impact that our technology has had on its fleet. As a result, we’ve saved the business hundreds of thousands of pounds in fuel, reduced vehicle wear and tear, and contributed to its decarbonisation strategy.
“As Currys moves to a low-carbon fleet – which includes a commitment to transitioning 100% of its small van fleet and 50% of its medium to heavy fleet to electric or alternative fuel by 2030 – we look forward to playing a continued part in motivating its drivers to be smoother and safer, enhancing vehicle range and delivering a greener, cleaner fleet, that’s fit for the future.”
