BYD Auto New Zealand has partnered with global vehicle data aggregator Compass IoT to launch connected car data trials with major fleet operators, positioning the country at the forefront of digital Road User Charging (RUC) development ahead of the system’s 2027 implementation.
The initiative, supported by the New Zealand Transport Agency, connects BYD’s in-vehicle telematics with Compass IoT’s road intelligence platform to deliver safety and efficiency benefits while supporting New Zealand’s transition to digital RUC.
The platform is already operational, with Carbn NZ successfully running trials across its fleet of 337 BYD vehicles, demonstrating the solution’s scalability for large operators.
“As one of New Zealand’s largest electric vehicle (EV) fleet operators, Carbn is focused on removing friction from fleet compliance while unlocking smarter, data-driven mobility,” Carbn chief executive Shaun Drylie says.
“These trials demonstrate that native vehicle data can materially simplify Road User Charging, improve fleet visibility, activate sharing opportunities, and reduce operational cost and complexity for operators at scale.”
Seamless compliance without hardware
A key advantage for BYD owners and fleets is seamless compliance through the integrated Compass Native Connect platform, which allows eligible BYD vehicles to automatically provide precise, secure odometer readings required for RUC calculation without aftermarket hardware installation.
“BYD vehicles are engineered with the future in mind. This partnership allows us to leverage our native technology to simplify compliance for our customers today, while actively shaping a smarter, safer, and more efficient road infrastructure for tomorrow,” BYD Auto New Zealand general manager Warren Willmot says.
The collaboration provides fleet operators with unprecedented visibility and control through a comprehensive, real-time dashboard for managing entire BYD fleets. Key benefits include real-time vehicle location tracking, proactive alerts and monitoring for geofencing and maintenance, enhanced safety and driver coaching to detect abnormal driving behaviour, and asset health tracking to monitor battery performance and charging data.
Global expertise for local innovation
Compass IoT operates as the world’s only global vehicle data aggregator across Australasia, the UK, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, bringing expertise in transforming connected vehicle data into road intelligence.
“Our mission is to build the intelligence layer for the world’s roads. Partnering with a visionary EV leader like BYD allows us to directly contribute to safer roads and a more equitable charging system in New Zealand from day one,” Compass IoT managing director Angus McDonald says.
“Seeing data flow from hundreds of vehicles in the Carbn NZ fleet validates the power and readiness of this solution.”
BYD is a global leader in new energy vehicles and serves as the largest supplier of “Plugged-in” vehicles to the New Zealand Government, supporting the nation’s zero-emissions transport goals.
The Connected Car Data platform is currently in active trial phase with selected fleet operators, with BYD New Zealand and Compass IoT inviting other interested fleet managers to register for future trial participation.
