Frequently asked questions
May 14, 2019
May 14, 2019
What information is collected and why?
There are three types of information that is collected from your vehicle: Charging, Driving and Location. Charging information is the amount of energy your EV has consumed while charging, which is collected in order to provide you with charging behavior feedback and to calculate any applicable SmartCharge Rewards. Driving information is used to calculate energy efficiency in miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) and watt-hours per mile (Wh/mile), giving you details on how your EV is performing. Lastly location information gives GPS charging location coordinates that will be used to determine how much charging is occurring within your utility company’s service territory. Location information is only collected while you are charging, not when you are driving.
Is my GPS information shared?
GPS data from all participants is aggregated for the purpose of showing charging hotspots. GPS information is collected, but not shared at the individual level. The data is collected and stored for the purposes of studying and managing electric vehicle charging. Aggregated data may be shared with program partners or a third party supplier. For more details refer to the Terms and Conditions of your specific program which can be found at the bottom of your SmartCharge program Sign in page.
How is my data protected?
For more details on the handling of your personal information, please refer to your SmartCharge program Terms and Conditions, found at the bottom of your SmartCharge program Sign in page. Information that can identify you personally will not be made public or given to organizations outside of FleetCarma and your utility company. For more details on the general handling of personal information, please refer to our Privacy Statement.
What is an ODB II port?
The vehicle’s on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) port is a standardized connection to the vehicle’s diagnostics system. This port provides the ability for diagnostic scanning tools and connected vehicle devices to read and interpret data that is stored on the vehicle’s internal network.
How does refer a friend work?
Some programs offer bonus rewards for each unique person that you refer who enrols in the program.
To get your unique referral code and Refer a Friend, log in to your account and then click on the Settings button at the top right. You can copy and paste your code and send it in an email, or share your referral code link on social media using the Twitter and Facebook links.
To use a referral code either click the referral link by a participant and continue to the application page. If you do not have a referral link you can manually add the code to the appropriate field on the application field.
Why should I charge my EV during off-peak times?
By shifting your EV charging to off-peak hours, as determined by your utility company, you reduce stress on the electric grid. This increasing the resiliency and reliability of the very network that serves you and your family.
How can I schedule my charging to off-peak times?
Each electric vehicle has different features, but it is common for many models to come with the ability to schedule charging to start or finish at specified times. You can usually find this information in your vehicle owner’s manual. Some home charging stations can also be programmed to start charging at a specified time.
What should I do if I sell my vehicle?
Prior to selling your EV, please remove the device and promptly email smartcharge@fleetcarma.com. If you are replacing your EV with another vehicle that is supported by the program, you can install the C2 device in the new EV after notifying the Program team..
What should I do if I move or no longer charge in the area I registered in?
If you no longer charge in the service area, you are no longer eligible to participate in the SmartCharge program and must promptly contact smartcharge@fleetcarma.com. You are not required to return the device. However, if the device is not yet activated or installed, we would appreciate it if you could return the device. Please contact the SmartCharge program team for more information.l.
What should I do if my contact information changes?
It is important that the SmartCharge program team has current contact information at all times. This will ensure that we can communicate important updates to the program and you get any earned SmartCharge Rewards. Promptly contact smartcharge@fleetcarma.com.
How long is the program and do I have to participate for a certain amount of time?
By signing up for the SmartCharge program, and receiving your free FleetCarma C2 device, you are agreeing to participate for the entire duration of the program. You must clip in as soon as possible and remain clipped in until the end of the program, which will vary depending on the service territory.
Can I register more than one EV with the program?
Yes. Simply indicate the number of vehicles you wish to register for the program in your application.
Can I add another EV to my account once I’m already enrolled?
Yes. If you wish to add an EV to your account, please contact smartcharge@fleetcarma.com to have your new vehicle added to your account.
What do I do if I won’t be driving my vehicle for an extended period?
If you are not planning on driving your EV for an extended period of time, such as going on vacation or storing the vehicle for the winter, you can remove the C2 device. Contact smartcharge@fleetcarma.com so we know that you haven’t left the program. Remember to plug it back in when your vehicle is back on the road to continue to receive EV data and potentially earn rewards.
Eric Schmidt is the Marketing Manager of EV Ecosystems at FleetCarma, a division of Geotab. He has over 10 years of experience helping Canadian technology companies tell their stories to the world. His work in marketing, design, communications, public relations, print, video, advertising, data analysis, and research has helped increase the awareness of FleetCarmas unique set of products and services. Prior to becoming interested in business, technology, and new energy Eric graduated with Honors in Graphic Design and Advertising from George Brown College.