Electromobility in the company

Integrating e-vehicles into the fleet is worthwhile from both an economic and an ecological perspective. Although the purchase costs for electric vehicles are often a little higher than for conventional vehicles with combustion engines, the operating costs are usually lower. This is partly because electricity is often cheaper for companies than gasoline or diesel, and e-vehicles require less maintenance than internal combustion engines. In addition, e-vehicles are convincing due to their lower environmental impact, as they do not cause harmful emissions locally. Companies that focus on climate-friendly mobility can also positively strengthen their corporate image and attractiveness as an employer.

The acquisition costs for electric vehicles are often higher than for conventional vehicles with combustion engines. This is largely due to the still relatively high cost of battery technology. Gradually, however, the prices of electric vehicles are falling due to technological advances and increasing demand. Purchasing vehicles that have an optimized range for the business can improve the bottom line.

The range of electric vehicles varies depending on the model and battery capacity. Most electric vehicles can travel between 150 and 400 kilometers on one charge. Meanwhile, there are also models with larger batteries that allow a range of over 500 kilometers.

The charging time depends on the power of the charging station and the battery capacity and can therefore not be generalized. At a conventional wallbox with a power of 3.7 kW, a recharge takes several hours, while at fast-charging stations, the e-vehicle’s energy supply can be increased from 10 to 90% of the battery capacity within 30 to 60 minutes.

In order to operate electric vehicles in the fleet, it often makes sense to have an in-house charging infrastructure. Based on the use of the e-vehicles, first determine the demand for this: How many e-vehicles need to be charged simultaneously and what charging power is required? You then decide on the necessary charging power and the appropriate type of charging stations to meet the individual requirements of the fleet. Charging stations should also be placed so that they are located at central and easily accessible points.

Since 01 September 2023, only private individuals can benefit from the subsidy for electric cars. Commercially registered electric cars will then no longer receive a state environmental bonus. However, there are state-dependent subsidies for e-vehicles and charging infrastructure for specific uses.

Nevertheless, there are tax advantages for fleets, as all e-vehicles registered for the first time by December 31, 2030, will be exempt from vehicle tax for ten years. In addition, owners of e-vehicles can apply for the so-called GHG premium and thereby earn several hundred euros extra per year.

Even though electric vehicles are more expensive to buy, they perform better in terms of operating costs. Since electric car engines contain parts that are less susceptible to wear and tear, they are Maintenance and repairs are less frequent and less costly. In the fleet, maintenance costs for e-vehicles are therefore up to 35 percent cheaper than for vehicles with combustion engines. In addition, electrically powered vehicles have lower energy costs per kilometer compared to conventional vehicles, as the price of electricity for companies is often cheaper than that of fuel.

By switching to e-mobility in their vehicle fleets, companies can significantly improve their environmental footprint. Because electric vehicles emit no emissions while driving, they help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Also the power source, used to charge the vehicles has an impact on the environmental footprint. If the electricity comes from renewable energy sources, the impact on the climate can be further reduced.

Fleet management will face some challenges in the transition to e-mobility. This includes setting up a suitable charging infrastructure, charging costs, and internal change management. Here, transparent internal communication is crucial to keep drivers sufficiently informed about the change and to carry them along in the process.

The discontinuation of the environmental bonus for commercially registered e-vehicles also requires a careful analysis of vehicle use as well as the company’s own mobility, the establishment of a suitable charging infrastructure and a more precise calculation.