More and more fleet managers want to take the exciting step toward e-mobility in the company. But perhaps you’re still unsure whether electric cars can be seamlessly integrated into your fleet? You are not alone! Many companies are faced with this fundamental question. But one thing is already clear today: although the switch to e-mobility in the vehicle fleet is complex and time-consuming, the numerous advantages of e-mobility are becoming increasingly apparent.
But how do you make a successful transition to electric vehicles in your fleet and what steps do you need to take? In this article, we would like to show you how you can successfully integrate electric vehicles into your fleet in five steps based on a thorough fleet analysis so that you can benefit from all the positive effects of e-mobility in your company.
Is my fleet suitable for e-mobility?
Before you set out to electrify your fleet and introduce e-mobility to your company, a precise fleet analysis is essential. By getting to know the current state, you can develop a needs-based strategy that includes both vehicle procurement and the implementation of a charging infrastructure. Allow sufficient time for this; the implementation of a charging infrastructure in particular can take some time depending on the complexity and size of the vehicle fleet. In many cases even more than a year.
Analysis criterion 1: The general fleet stock
A successful transition to electromobility in the company begins with a close look at the general condition of the vehicle fleet. How many company cars are in your fleet and what type are they? In addition, it is of great importance to know which type of drive and engine are predominant in your fleet. Last but not least, the average age of your vehicles plays an important role if you want to electrify your fleet. You should examine these aspects more closely in order to develop a tailored electromobility strategy for your fleet:
How many vehicles of which type does the fleet have?
If you also have commercial vehicles in your fleet, converting your fleet to electric could be a greater challenge, as the supply is still limited. But don’t worry, some manufacturers are already blazing the trail, and the selection of electric commercial vehicles will grow steadily in the coming years.
What type of drive and engine do the vehicles in the fleet have?
Presumably, your fleet is still largely dominated by conventional combustion engines. There may also be some hybrid vehicles already in use.
What is the average age of the motor vehicles in the fleet?
If you are already planning to replace vehicles for reasons of age, for example because they no longer meet current emissions standards, a switch to electrification could be a decisive measure.
Analysis criterion 2: The mobility needs and deployment profiles
A decisive factor in the conversion to e-mobility in the company is the mobility requirement. This aspect should not be missing from any fleet analysis, as it enables a sensible strategy for electrification. The evaluation of consumption, fuel data, mileage and bookings of pool vehicles provide valuable insights in this context. Usage profiles are primarily about the type and frequency of vehicle use. The following questions should be included in the analysis:
- How many kilometers are driven per year?
- Are there regular or more irregular assignments?
- Is there a fixed route planning for the missions?
- Are predominantly short inner-city distances traveled, or are long distances traveled on a regular basis?
- At what times of day are the vehicles used, and when are they unused? It should be noted that the times when the vehicles are not used are just as important for the analysis as the times of use. This information can later be used to draw conclusions for an efficient loading strategy.
In the course of the changeover, it also makes sense to rethink and, if necessary, expand existing mobility concepts. Modern options such as e-bikes or corporate car sharing are not only resource-friendly, but also cost-efficient. Studies show that car sharing with an e-fleet offers the company the greatest possible flexibility while keeping costs manageable. However, suitable IT support software is crucial to keep track of vehicle utilization and bookings at all times.
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Analysis criterion 3: Location and charging management
One of the most important questions in fleet electrification is, “Where will the electric cars be charged with electricity and parked?” Establishing a well-designed charging infrastructure for electric charging is a major challenge. Stations for charging must be easily accessible to employees and comply with applicable state building and fire codes. It is also important to plan the authorization structure for loading early on. Answering these questions will enable efficient planning and implementation of charging infrastructure to smoothly electrify your fleet.
- At what times is the charging station likely to be needed most? Are there certain peak times in the fleet that could lead to congestion at the charging station?
- Are all employees allowed to operate the charging stations, or are there exceptions?
- How are employees authenticated?
- Is the charging station for electricity public or possibly shareable with other companies or individuals?
- At which points should the charging stations be installed so that they are as easily accessible as possible?
Analysis criterion 4: The organization and strategy of the vehicle fleet
This criterion includes not only the general organization of the fleet, but also the image associated with it. It is closely linked to the mission profiles considered earlier. If the vehicles in the fleet are older and more susceptible to repair, it is advisable to switch to electromobility particularly promptly. The individual deployment profiles of the vehicles also play an important role, as it may be possible to save vehicles or optimize utilization by switching to e-cars.
The world of e-mobility is complex and includes many different systems that need to be coordinated and controlled. From scheduling and range management to the state of charge – reliable software creates more transparency and cost efficiency here. In addition, the external impact of electromobility on the corporate image should be taken into account in the analysis. More and more companies are using their vehicle fleet as a strategic starting point for a progressive and environmentally conscious corporate philosophy. A successful switch to electric vehicles can therefore not only optimize internal processes, but also have a positive impact on the company’s image.
Analysis criterion 5: The fleet users and the operational process
Finally, let’s look at the people behind the wheel as well as the day-to-day organizational life. The answers to these questions help to identify the specific requirements for a successful conversion to e-mobility in the company and to develop customized solutions.
- Which employees use which company cars, and for what purpose?
- Are there company regulations that have an impact on vehicle use, such as break regulations or shift work?
- Are there fixed times when the vehicles are serviced or are the intervals flexible? Background: Fixed times when the vehicle is being serviced and is therefore not in the fleet can be used efficiently for charging.
- Does your company have several locations between which the employees commute flexibly or are the vehicles always to be found at one location?
- How important is the implementation of e-mobility in the company to employees? Is there resistance in the company?
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