Lightfoot helps fleets cut fuel costs with plug-and-play tech

Lightfoot is helping businesses respond to rising fuel prices by introducing a simplified, plug-and-play version of its driver coaching technology, enabling faster deployment across vehicle fleets.

As fuel costs climb and supply pressures intensify, the company has removed the need for specialist installation, allowing fleet operators to fit devices themselves via a vehicle’s OBD port. The move significantly reduces rollout time, enabling fleets to act quickly as costs fluctuate.

Lightfoot’s system monitors driving behaviour in real time, analysing data such as throttle input, engine load and speed. It then provides instant audio and visual feedback to drivers, helping them operate within the engine’s most efficient range and reduce fuel consumption.

The financial impact is considerable. Based on average annual mileage of 13,500 miles and diesel priced at 145p per litre (excluding VAT), a typical vehicle incurs fuel costs of around £3,560 per year. Lightfoot says its technology can cut fuel usage by up to 15%, delivering savings of approximately £534 per vehicle annually. For a 200-vehicle fleet, this equates to potential savings exceeding £106,000 per year.

The updated installation process also allows fleets to prioritise high-consumption vehicles, rather than waiting for engineer availability. Once installed, performance data is immediately available through Lightfoot’s InsightHub platform, giving managers real-time visibility of fuel savings, driver efficiency and consumption trends.

David Savage, Chief Revenue Officer at Lightfoot, said recent global events have highlighted the importance of fuel efficiency.

“Fleet managers have lived through Covid supply shocks, the Ukraine crisis and now escalating conflict in the Middle East. Every one of those events has moved the dial on fuel prices,” he said. “The question for fleets is no longer whether the next disruption is coming – it is whether they are prepared for it when it does.”

He added that the simplified installation enables businesses to respond more strategically: “With faster installation, fleets can act tactically, identifying their most at risk vehicles and drivers based on fuel consumption and volume, with the process taking just a few simple steps.”