The topic of sustainable mobility has become ubiquitous. Significant climate changes and high raw material prices call on us to rethink and act in all areas of life. The question of how we want to get around in the future arises not only in our private lives, but also in business. In this article, we look at the role of sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet and how electromobility can contribute to this.
Contents
- Sustainable mobility: a definition for the vehicle fleet
- The importance of sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet
- Electrifying the vehicle fleet: Possible challenges for more sustainable mobility
- Sustainable mobility: These measures advance the electromobility trend
- Sustainable mobility as a tool for staff retention
- Involving employees in a strategy for more sustainable mobility
Sustainable mobility: a definition for the vehicle fleet
Sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet aims to operate it in the most environmentally friendly and resource-saving way possible. The focus here is on minimizing the ecological impact of the fleet without compromising operational efficiency or mobility requirements. Fleet managers should therefore take measures to reduce CO₂ emissions, use energy efficiently and cut costs in the long term.
The most important aspects for more sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet include
- emissions, for example by electrifying the vehicle fleet or switching to alternative fuels
- Make vehicle use efficient by introducing a car-sharing concept
- Optimize fuel consumption, for example through eco-driving methods or the use of vehicles with lower fuel consumption values
- Promote environmentally friendly transportation alternatives and flexible mobility alternatives to meet employees’ needs
The importance of sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet
Sustainable mobility plays an important role in the vehicle fleet because it offers ecological and economic advantages and at the same time responds to social developments. It is therefore becoming increasingly important for companies to design their own vehicle fleets in a way that conserves resources.
One of the main reasons for more sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet is to reduce CO₂ emissions. The legal requirements for environmental protection and emission reduction are becoming ever stricter and more comprehensive, as vehicles with conventional combustion engines contribute significantly to environmental pollution. Emissions can be significantly reduced by using electric vehicles, hybrid technologies or alternative fuels.
At the same time, companies that focus on more environmentally friendly mobility can strengthen their image. This not only has a positive effect on customer trust and loyalty, but can also increase employee satisfaction.
Electrifying the vehicle fleet: Possible challenges for more sustainable mobility
Fortunately, the way we get around is already changing. In many cities, we see that the trend toward electromobility is becoming more and more prevalent. E-scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters, which can be booked simply by using an app, are now a common sight in the city. Nevertheless, German fleets still have some catching up to do when it comes to sustainable mobility.
According to a Geotab study, only one in four fleet managers believe that electric vehicles will play a dominant role in their fleets in the medium term. In contrast, four years ago, more than half of those surveyed agreed with this statement. A third of the fleet managers surveyed do not expect a breakthrough of electric vehicles for another five to ten years.
The majority of fleet operators see themselves in a dilemma and continue to rely on conventional combustion engines for various reasons:
- Charging infrastructure: The charging infrastructure is at the heart of every e-fleet. It must be precisely analyzed, planned, implemented and later managed in advance. Government grants help with funding and experts help with implementation.
- Organizational effort: The planning and organizational effort is significantly higher for an e-fleet. This is where fleet management software comes in.
- Electricity costs: Electricity costs can quickly become significant. Government subsidies and intelligent load management bring security. Self-generated solar power can save further costs.
- Commercial vehicles: A fleet of commercial vehicles cannot be easily electrified due to long delivery times and high prices. This means lower costs for maintenance and repairs compared to conventional vehicles.
Sustainable mobility: These measures advance the electromobility trend
Various measures are needed to promote sustainable mobility:
Sales bans for internal combustion engines
The end of combustion engines in 2035 seemed to have been a done deal since October 2022. An exception is to be made for vehicles that run on climate-neutral, synthetically produced fuels, known as e-fuels. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe by 90 percent by 2040. However, doubts have now arisen within the EU and the ban on combustion engines is being reconsidered.
Better communication and purchase incentives
This is where politics and business are needed. There are still many reservations about electromobility. They can be mitigated through targeted campaigns, more transparency and good purchase incentives. What is currently difficult to communicate is the fact that everyone pays the same for fuel at the gas station, but the prices at the charging station vary significantly.
Bonus models and tax relief
Experts recommend a change in vehicle tax and a bonus system for drivers who switch to sustainable drives. In addition, energy tax reform is needed for the operation of sustainable electric cars, as concerns are growing due to extreme price increases in raw materials within the last few months.
Support through digitization
With an improved digital infrastructure, electromobility can be deployed across the board and, above all, cost-effectively. Here, appropriate software helps to find free charging stations, reliably assess the need for mobility, forecast energy consumption in a meaningful way, and make green electricity more applicable.
Sustainable mobility as a tool for staff retention
Many companies have recognized that sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet not only contributes to greater climate protection, but also plays an increasingly important role in attracting and retaining employees. Because ore and more employees want their employer to contribute to greater climate and environmental protection.
When it comes to sustainable mobility in the workplace, corporate car sharing also plays a key role. A smart car sharing concept can reduce the number of vehicles in the fleet and save valuable resources.
If e-vehicles are used in the company, employees benefit from the 0.5 or 0.25 percent special regulation when paying tax on the non-cash benefit. A company that offers its employees these options therefore not only sends a positive signal about climate-friendly mobility, but also promotes staff loyalty at the same time.
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Involving employees in a strategy for more sustainable mobility
Employees play a central role in the implementation of a sustainable mobility strategy in the vehicle fleet. Actively involving them can not only increase the acceptance and use of environmentally friendly solutions, but also help to achieve the company’s goals.
The basic prerequisite is a targeted and uniform communication strategy within the company. Campaigns, newsletters and information events help to communicate the benefits of sustainable mobility and motivate employees to actively use it.
Through Surveys and joint workshops can help you better understand the needs and requirements of your employees and adapt your mobility offerings accordingly. Pilot projects in which a smaller group of employees sustainable mobility solutions such as e-bikes, car sharing and electric vehiclesprovide valuable feedback.
FAQ - Sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet
In the fleet context, sustainable mobility means operating the vehicle fleet in the most environmentally friendly and resource-conserving way possible. This includes measures such as reducing CO₂ emissions by using electric vehicles or alternative fuels and integrating more sustainable mobility concepts such as car sharing. The aim is to minimize the negative impact of the vehicle fleet on the environment, reduce costs in the long term and comply with legal requirements.
The best known of these is the electrification of the fleet. This involves the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, which reduce CO₂ emissions. Car-sharing models and pool vehicles also help to optimize capacity utilization and reduce the number of vehicles. Alternative drives such as hydrogen or biofuels and the promotion of bicycles and e-bikes also offer an opportunity to make mobility in the fleet more sustainable.
CO₂ emissions can be reduced by using low-emission vehicles or switching to alternative fuels. This benefits both the environment and the company’s image. This increases the company’s attractiveness for customers and employees. At the same time, companies benefit from long-term cost savings, as electric vehicles have lower operating costs, especially in terms of maintenance and energy consumption.
Other useful articles on the topic of sustainable mobility
Mobility Budget Instead of Company Car: Flexible Mobility for Employees
Bicycles in the company: A sustainable alternative for employee mobility
E-mobility in the company: 5 important points of the fleet analysis
Is an e-car worthwhile in the fleet? These 5 reasons speak for e-vehicles in the fleet
Sustainable fleet: Measures for more environmental and climate protection in the fleet
Mobility of the future: 5 trends for the vehicle fleet
Pool vehicle management: advantages, organization and taxation of pool vehicles in the fleet
