Streamline Operations with AutoVentive’s Vehicle Logistics Solutions

The finished vehicle logistics sector grapples with unprecedented challenges, primarily due to the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs). These vehicles often arrive at dealerships with depleted batteries, complicating transportation and delivery. This problem strains logistical networks and escalates operational costs and delivery times. 

Addressing these issues, Precision Vehicle Logistics and AutoVentive have pioneered innovative solutions that redefine industry standards and streamline the delivery process. These companies have effectively tackled the critical hurdles of EV transportation and storage, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and reliability in automotive logistics. 

Learn more about AUTOChargit Mobile UTV and examine AutoVentive’s yard management solutions’ impact on the vehicle logistics landscape.

What is vehicle logistics?

Vehicle logistics is a crucial component of the vehicle supply chain, managing the movement and delivery of new vehicles from assembly lines to customers. It ensures efficient supply chain management — that cars are moved safely and on time, arriving at dealerships ready for customers to drive away.

A significant and growing challenge within this sector is managing electric vehicles (EVs) arriving at dealerships with depleted batteries. This problem complicates the traditional vehicle logistics processes and poses unique challenges that require innovative solutions.

The Problem of Depleted Batteries in Electric Vehicles

The finished vehicle logistics (FVL) network is vast and complex, covering significant distances and involving numerous storage areas and facilities. This network often experiences strain due to vehicles that become immovable when their batteries deplete. 

Jason Wilson, Vice President of Precision Vehicle Logistics, emphasizes the difficulty in moving these vehicles: “It’s hard for people to comprehend how big the finished vehicle logistics network is. That logistical network is put under strain due to the inability to move vehicles that are going dead. The reason they are going dead is because of the vast network, distances and time it takes for these vehicles to travel. They’re stuck in storage areas in facilities that are hard to get to.”

A survey report from Deloitte Insights highlights that shipment delays profoundly affect automotive supply chains. They often lead to lost customers, extra costs to retain customers, harm to brand reputation and further compounded delays. These inefficiencies, primarily due to human error, can result in losses amounting to millions of dollars.

Consequences and Hassles of Battery Depletion

Operational Disruptions

The arrival of immobile EVs due to depleted batteries can significantly disrupt automotive logistics, leading to delays that ripple through the vehicle logistics management system. This impacts the efficiency of vehicle distribution and affects the overall timeline of vehicle delivery to customers.

Increased Costs

Addressing battery depletion often requires deploying additional resources such as portable charging units or towing services. These increased logistical efforts translate into higher costs, affecting the logistics solutions’ overall cost-effectiveness.

Customer Dissatisfaction

Delays and the potential initial inconvenience of receiving a newly purchased EV with a depleted battery can lead to customer dissatisfaction, negatively impacting the customer experience. This situation poses significant risks to vehicle manufacturers’ and logistics providers’ reputations.

Logistical Inefficiencies

The necessity of managing and charging immobile EVs introduces significant inefficiencies into the vehicle logistics process. This scenario requires complex coordination and additional technical services, further straining the capabilities of logistics providers.

The challenges posed by depleted batteries in EVs demand innovative solutions that streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of the vehicle logistics process.

Precision Vehicle Logistics’ Innovative Approach

Recognizing the critical need to address the problem of EV immobility due to battery depletion, Precision Vehicle Logistics introduced the AUTOChargit Mobile UTV. This innovative utility terrain vehicle (UTV), developed by Dasher Lawless Automation, is equipped with generator-powered level II electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). 

Designed for high mobility and adaptability, the AUTOChargit Mobile UTV can navigate vehicle yards and transport areas to provide on-site charging solutions directly to the EVs in need, enhancing the vehicle logistics management system.

Key Features and Benefits

• Extended Charging Capabilities: The AUTOChargit Mobile UTV features extended charging cables up to 60 feet, allowing access to EVs in remote or hard-to-reach areas within large storage facilities or transit hubs. 
• Operational Efficiency: The mobile unit quickly and effectively charges vehicles on the spot, significantly reducing bottlenecks in vehicle processing areas and speeding up the overall logistics chain.
• Railcar Accessibility: It enhances the ability to access and charge EVs directly on or off railcars, addressing a common logistical challenge due to the configuration and spacing of rail transport vehicles.

AutoVentive’s Advanced Yard Management Solutions

AutoVentive complements Precision Vehicle Logistics’ efforts with our advanced Yard Management System (YMS), optimizing yard operations and enhancing vehicle logistics efficiency.

AutoVentive’s cloud-based YMS optimizes vehicle yard operations, which is crucial for managing the complexities of storage and distribution. This system enables real-time vehicle tracking, which minimizes delays and enhances vehicle preparation and delivery responsiveness.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review supports initiatives for data-driven solutions, “Gathering and analyzing this data can help enable manufacturers to reduce business risk and become more agile by identifying potential supply issues, increasing efficiencies and giving customers more accurate timelines.”

Core Functions and Benefits of AutoVentive’s YMS:

• Efficient Vehicle Storage Management: The YMS streamlines vehicle allocation and retrieval, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring a steady vehicle flow, which is essential for maintaining operational tempo.
• Streamlined Post-Production Modifications and Maintenance: The system ensures vehicles are quickly routed for customizations or necessary repairs, maintaining high-quality standards and enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Pre-Delivery Inspections and Railcar Accessibility: AutoVentive’s YMS organizes and expedites inspections and improves visibility and management of vehicle loading and unloading from railcars, addressing logistical challenges of scheduling and space constraints.

This integration of advanced yard management significantly supports the logistical challenges posed by electric vehicles and enhances the overall efficiency of automotive distribution networks.

The Future of Vehicle Logistics: Pioneered by Leading Companies

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, so does vehicle logistics. The innovations implemented by Precision Vehicle Logistics and AutoVentive solve current challenges and pave the way for future advancements. Integrating technologies like the AUTOChargit Mobile UTV and advanced yard management systems points towards a more efficient and responsive future for vehicle logistics.

Trends and Future Directions

The adoption of electric vehicles is driving significant changes in automotive logistics. As this trend continues, the industry will likely see an increased focus on sustainability, with logistics solutions emphasizing energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, the rise of autonomous vehicles could revolutionize logistics practices, requiring new vehicle storage, transport and delivery strategies.

Enhanced Customer Experience and Sustainability

Looking ahead, the goal will be to enhance operational efficiencies, improve the customer experience and promote sustainability. Innovations in logistics are expected to streamline the delivery process, reduce wait times and ensure that vehicles are delivered in peak condition, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction.

The strategic innovations introduced by Precision Vehicle Logistics and AutoVentive demonstrate the dynamic nature of the automotive logistics industry. By addressing electric vehicles’ unique challenges, these companies are enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the entire vehicle delivery process.

Request a demo of our services and solutions. Consider how these innovations can be integrated into your logistics strategies and drive success in your automotive operations.