Frequently Asked Questions (about Fuel Usage)

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To better understand the Fuel Usage and Fill Ups feature, we have put together some scenarios on how fuel usage is calculated, and how the data can help you get the most out of your fuel transactions.

What data must be included in the Fuel Transaction Import Add-In?

Fuel card data must include the following data points:

  • A UTC date/time of the transaction;
  • Coordinates (latitude, longitude);
  • A vehicle identifier that matches at least one of the following telematics device fields: VIN device, serial number, license plate description, comments
  • Volume (Liters)
  • Cost
  • ISO Currency Code

Is there API access to matched fill-ups?

Currently, the API call “FillUp” in the Telematics Provider SDK now provides access to engine fill-ups, fuel transaction fill-ups, or a combined (matched) fill-up.

Do fuel usage and fill-ups reports have any known limitations?

The fuel usage and fill-up reports have the following limitations that may impact the accuracy or detail of reported items.

  • Fuel reports may not support certain vehicle types. For more information, please contact your authorized Reseller.
  • Fuel use during idling is not included as a separate item in the fuel usage report.
  • Use of Personal Mode impacts the detail in fill-ups report — fill-ups during a private trip are grouped together.
  • Fill-ups report may not account for Small/Partial fill-ups since the fuel level change is not noticeable.
  • Location of the fill-up may be inaccurate. The fill-ups report is not intended for IFTA purposes.
  • Fill-ups reports may be inaccurate in rare scenarios. For example, a significant change in elevation (i.e. the vehicle tilts) or a significant change in speed may cause the fuel to slosh around.

How do you convert electric energy to the equivalent in fuel?

The Fuel and EV Energy Usage report converts electric energy to a fuel equivalent using EPA and DOT standard conversion factors.

Both electricity and fuel are forms of energy. This report performs a conversion of electric energy to the equivalent in fuel to calculate the Total Fuel and Electric Energy Economy, and the % of Electric Energy of Total. For Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), the equivalent in gasoline fuel is converted. For PHEV, the units convert to the same fuel type used by the vehicle when the fuel type is reliably available.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) have adopted the standard conversion and state that 1 US Gallon of Gasoline is equivalent to 33.7 kWh of electric energy. Additionally, the United States Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center defines 1 US Gallon of Diesel as having 113% of the energy of 1 US Gallon of Gasoline.

Using these baseline conversions, including standard volume conversions to Liters and Imperial Gallons, the report converts electric energy to the equivalent in fuel.

Note:

The "-e" attached to L and MPG indicates that the unit converts electric energy to the equivalent in either liters or gallons of fuel. For BEVs, electric energy is converted into the equivalent in gasoline. For PHEVs, electric energy is converted into the same fuel type used by the vehicle, as detected by the Telematics Device.

Why does the Fuel and Energy Usage report show different energy consumption, when compared to the EV Charging History Report?

The two reports measure different energy flows: one measures energy leaving the battery during driving, while the other measures energy entering the battery during charging.

These reports are measuring different things:

  • The Fuel and Energy report measures energy that leaves the battery while the vehicle is driving or idling.
  • The EV Charging History report measures energy that enters the charging port of the vehicle while the vehicle is charging.

Because of losses in internal vehicle components, these measurements will be different.