Key Takeaways
- Project Sliced2 aims to enhance fleet safety and efficiency through real-time integration of data from vehicles, smart cities, and the energy grid.
- Demonstrations will begin in Q1 2026, focusing on practical applications of findings from the first phase of the project.
- Collaboration with major fleets will enable the development of improved logistics operations and sustainability initiatives.
Project Overview
Project Sliced2 (Smarter Logistics through In-vehicle, City and Energy Data), initiated by Cenex and Flexible Power Systems (FPS), is set to advance fleet safety, sustainability, and efficiency through real-world trials. This follows the success of the initial Sliced feasibility study, funded by Innovate UK, which concluded in March 2025.
The earlier study highlighted critical areas of focus for smart logistics, including driver behavior, road conditions, energy flexibility from electric vehicles (EVs), and smart city data like traffic flow and disruptions. The second phase aims to showcase these technologies in live scenarios, integrating vehicle, city, and energy grid data to enhance logistics management.
Victor Lejona from Cenex expressed enthusiasm about the next phase, which involves real-world demonstrations to better understand the potential and challenges of integrating these systems with diverse fleets and vehicle types.
FPS will deploy an expanded version of its Operate platform, equipped with monitoring devices and real-time data integration. Cenex will lead the trials and evaluations in the UK, collaborating with fleets like John Lewis Partnership and Welch Group, along with a broader stakeholder network including HTC and Wincanton.
Jackie Hewson from John Lewis emphasized that integrating FPS technology is vital for enhancing fleet operations as they transition to an electrified fleet. Jamie Sands from Welch Group highlighted the importance of utilizing data effectively to drive operational change, noting the benefits of aligning fleets, cities, and energy grids.
The technology being evaluated not only aims to improve vehicle operation safety and efficiency but also promotes a data-sharing framework that can lead to cleaner air, reduced congestion, and lower logistics costs. South Korean partners will support the project by providing in-vehicle safety systems.
Project discussions also include potential cross-border collaborations for co-commercialization of solutions. The project is set to run until March 2027, with trials scheduled for Q1 2026. Preparations involve fostering cooperation between fleets and cities, enhancing in-vehicle systems, and expanding data integration efforts through the FPS platform.
Michael Ayres of FPS emphasized the importance of integrating city and energy intelligence into fleet operations, noting that this approach can significantly enhance community quality of life as EV adoption accelerates.
Cenex, the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell technologies, focuses on low-emission transport and energy infrastructure, operating as an independent, not-for-profit research and consultancy organization.
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