Recently, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has become more evident in commercial fleets, such as delivery vans, telecom minivans, and utility maintenance trucks. However, the shift is not seamless, as many commercial fleets still rely on diesel-powered vehicles due to the high cost and complexity involved. To tackle this challenge, Pelikan Mobility has been developing a platform and leasing solution for commercial fleets transitioning to EVs. The French startup has raised €4 million ($4.4 million) in seed funding from Pale Blue Dot, Frst, Seedcamp, and other investors.
Pelikan Mobility‘s software solution aims to optimize fleet operations for electric vehicles, which are often integrated with diesel fleets. Co-founder and CEO Vincent Schachter explained that they help diesel fleet operators maximize the efficiency of their electric vehicles by considering factors like charging times, pricing, range, parking space, and more. The platform also takes into account the long-term costs associated with each vehicle, as capital expenditures are equally important as operational expenditures for commercial fleets.
By analyzing historical fleet data, Pelikan Mobility can create custom optimization scenarios that cater to specific fleet needs. The company’s digital twin technology allows for accurate long-term simulations of daily routes, vehicle designs, and charging scenarios. This innovative approach also extends to leasing, as Pelikan Mobility believes that current leasing structures are not suitable for commercial EVs.
The startup plans to introduce its first leasing plans this summer and will need to raise a debt fund to support this new business venture. With seven customers currently on board, Pelikan Mobility’s platform tracks nearly 100,000 vehicles, combining software and financial solutions to facilitate a smoother transition to electric vehicles for fleet managers.
