Fleets can now access a new solution that enables drivers to unlock and start vehicles via an app, opening up car sharing services for public, corporate, leasing and government fleets.
The solution has been developed by Geotab and supports any make, model and year of vehicle that has a key fob. Fleets need to sign up with a vehicle reservation system software partner of their choice and then embed key fobs into the hardware. Drivers can then open their relevant software app on their phone, locate the OEM button on the screen and use the features to lock, unlock and start the vehicle.
Current global software partners for Geotab Keyless include Wunder Mobility, Ridecell, fleetster, Eccocar and Moove Connected Mobility, but fleets can also create their own reservation software using Geotab’s Keyless APIs.
In addition to phone apps, the keyless functionality can be enabled by NFC tags and directly over the cellular connection. Over time, the solution will expand to include other applications and third-party digital key hardware solutions, as well as OEM telematics’ APIs.
Geotab said the combined solution would enable a new class of car sharing.
“Vehicle sharing is a cornerstone for building the future of mobility and evolving traditional vehicle ownership models,” commented Stefano Peduzzi, vice president technology solutions & operations Europe at Geotab. “Geotab Keyless provides the simplicity and interoperability that will sit at the heart of car sharing’s success. We see a huge appetite across Europe for sustainable transport services, and with the launch of Geotab Keyless, we hope to help make that vision a reality.”
Christopher Mendes, VP, electric vehicles at Geotab, said Geotab Keyless has been designed to enhance car sharing across every segment, including in-car delivery services in the future. “Keyless is particularly advantageous for electric vehicle car sharing fleets, as the solution can reliably manage vehicles’ state of charge, charging status and range remaining – a capability no other keyless hardware competitor possesses,” he added.
“Keyless vehicle access is critical not only for fleets seeking to improve cost and operational structures but also consumers, who are moving away from vehicle ownership and expecting an easier, more convenient driving experience.”
