The Future of Public Fleet Management: Sawatch Labs and WEX at GFX 2024
For nearly 20 years, the Government Fleet Expo & Conference (GFX) has been a cornerstone for public sector fleet professionals. The event is the nation’s largest annual conference in the industry, offering extensive networking opportunities and a large exhibition showcasing the latest in fleet technology and products. This year’s conference fell on the heels of our announcement that Sawatch Labs joined WEX, the global commerce platform that simplifies the business of running a business.
The conference served as an opportunity to discuss the acquisition with public sector fleet professionals as well as gauge the state of the market in terms of fleet electrification plans. David Fuchs, Business Development Manager at Sawatch Labs, attended the event to represent Sawatch and showcase our offerings.
Supporting Fleet Electrification at All Stages
One of the key takeaways from GFX 2024 was the recognition that government fleets - many of whom have mandates to reduce emissions - are at the leading edge of the transition to electrification. Whether a fleet is in the planning phase or is already managing and operating EVs, Sawatch Labs and WEX are equipped to provide comprehensive support. This includes everything from fleet payment solutions covering your mixed-energy fleet needs all in one place, initial planning and strategic consulting on how to begin the transition, to ongoing fleet management and operational solutions. Our combined expertise ensures that fleets can transition to and manage EVs efficiently, regardless of where they are on their electrification journey. “We’re thrilled to welcome Sawatch Labs and its customers to the WEX community,” said Jay Collins, WEX’s General Manager, Energy Transition. “We believe the combined strengths and capabilities of WEX and Sawatch Labs will bring to market a best-in-class offering of predictive EV analytics to existing and prospective commercial fleet mobility customers as they forecast their potential transition to electric vehicles and unlock the full potential of a mixed fleet future.”
Positive Reception from Fleet Managers
The acquisition of Sawatch Labs by WEX was met with enthusiasm by fleet managers at the conference. Many of these managers have long-standing relationships with either Sawatch Labs, WEX, or both, and they see the deal as a positive development. This acquisition aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to deliver more robust and integrated solutions for fleet management. By combining resources and expertise, WEX and Sawatch Labs are positioned to provide premier support to fleet managers, particularly in the areas of en route charging and at-home reimbursement.
Addressing Technical and Behavioral Challenges
While the technical challenges associated with fleet electrification can be addressed through the innovative solutions provided by WEX and Sawatch Labs, behavioral challenges remain a significant hurdle. Fleet managers must not only implement the technical infrastructure needed for EVs but also encourage and manage the behavioral changes required among drivers and other stakeholders. This holistic approach ensures that the transition to mixed or electric fleets is smooth and sustainable in the long term. By working closely with their customers, WEX and Sawatch Labs are committed to addressing these challenges comprehensively.
The Road Ahead
The acquisition of Sawatch Labs by WEX marks a significant milestone in the journey toward wider public sector EV adoption. It represents a strategic alignment meant to enhance the capabilities and services available to fleet managers. As the industry continues to evolve, the combined efforts of Sawatch Labs and WEX can be instrumental in supporting public fleets’ electrification journey. By leveraging the strengths and synergies of Sawatch Labs and WEX, the future of fleet management looks bright, promising more efficient and sustainable operations for government and public sector fleets across the nation.
About WEX
WEX is the global commerce platform that simplifies the business of running a business. WEX has created a powerful ecosystem that offers seamlessly embedded, personalized solutions for its customers around the world. Through its rich data and specialized expertise in simplifying benefits, reimagining mobility and paying and getting paid, WEX aims to make it easy for companies to overcome complexity and reach their full potential. For more information, please visit www.wexinc.com.