The advantages of electric mobility for businesses
The transition to electric mobility offers strategic opportunities for businesses, while contributing to a more sustainable future. They can make financial savings, reduce their carbon footprintfootprint, benefit from government incentives and strengthen their brand image.
Tax benefits and government incentives
Governments recognize the environmental benefits of electric cars and encourage their adoption by offering various tax benefits and subsidies. These financial incentives can take the form of tax breaks, subsidies for the purchase or installation of the installation of charging stationsor even reduced electricity rates for electric car owners. Professionals can take advantage of these incentives to further reduce the costs associated with using electric cars:
- environmental bonus
- exemption from annual taxes on CO2 emissions and vehicle age
- VAT deduction
- reduced property tax
- conversion premium
- exemption from TICPE (domestic consumption tax on energy products).
Also read → 2023 tax benefits for electric vehicles
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Electric mobility in the workplace plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), transport is responsible for around 24% of CO2 emissionsemissions, the main greenhouse gas. The transition to electric vehicles can considerably reduce these emissions. An electric vehicle emits on average 40% less CO2 than an equivalent internal combustion engine vehicle. vehicle. This reduction is due to the absence of direct emissions when using these clean-energy cars.
Let's take the example of a fleet of company vehicles consisting of 50 combustion-powered cars. Let's assume that each vehicle travels an average of 15,000 km per year. Based on the average CO2 emissions of a combustion-powered vehicle, i.e. around 120 g/kmthe fleet emits 900 tonnes of CO2 per year.
By gradually replacing this fleet with electric vehicles, with an average range of 250 km per charge, and taking into account an average CO2 emission of 50 g/km linked to electricity production, the reduction in emissions would be significant. The new electric fleet would emit only 300 tonnes of CO2 per yeara reduction of 67% reduction in CO2 emissions.. These figures clearly demonstrate the positive impact of electric mobility on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Also read → Electric cars: 63% less pollution
Lower fuel and maintenance costs
Electric mobility in the workplace offers undeniable economic advantages, particularly in terms of lower fuel costs and maintenance costs.
- Lower fuel costs:
Electric vehicles are distinguished by their independence from fossil fuels. They use electricity as their power source, avoiding fluctuations in oil prices and benefiting from generally more stable electricity rates. The Association nationale pour le développement de la mobilité électrique (AVERE) tells us that the cost of operating an electric vehicle is lower than that of a combustion vehicle on a per-kilometer basis..
In France, for example recharging costs of an electric vehicle can be up to up to 3 times less than the fuel costs of a gasoline-powered vehicle. What's more, analysis of TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) highlights the fact that, despite a higher initial purchase cost, electric vehicles offer a lower total cost of ownership over the vehicle's lifetime, mainly due to savings on fuel. Here's a simple example of how to calculate the TCO between an electric car and a combustion-powered car:
| Costs (over 5 years) | Tesla Model 3 | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
|
Purchase |
45 000 € |
40 000 € |
|
Maintenance |
2 500 €
|
5 000 €
|
|
Fuel |
2 000 €
|
7 500 € |
|
Insurance |
5 000 € |
5 000 € |
|
Depreciation |
15 000 € |
20 000 € |
|
TCO Total |
69 500 € |
77 500 € |
Also read → TCO (Total Cost of Ownership): how to optimize it?
- Lower maintenance costs:
Electric vehicles require less maintenance than their internal combustion engine counterparts. This is because they have fewer moving parts and wear-prone components, such as oil filters and exhaust systems. As a result, regular maintenance costs, such as oil and filter changes, are reduced.
The maintenance costs of an electric vehicle are on average 6% to 8% lower than those of a gasoline-powered vehicle over a five-year period. Savings are mainly attributed to reduced routine maintenance requirements and lower spare parts costs. Electric mobility therefore offers a significant economic advantage by reducing expenditure on fuel and maintenance for company vehicles. These figures underline the appeal of this solution for small and medium-sized businesses.
Also read → Optimizing your running costs with the electric car
Brand image and social responsibility
Electric mobility for business goes beyond economic and environmental benefits. It also offers opportunities to improve brand image and strengthen corporate social responsibility.
Green branding
The adoption of electric vehicles in a company fleet can be seen as a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. It demonstrates the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and actively participate in the fight against climate change. This green brand image reinforces the company's credibility and reputation with customers, business partners and the general public.
Many well-known companies have already opted for electric vehicles in their fleets, helping to improve their brand image and strengthen their ecological positioning. For example, companies such as Tesla, Google and Ikea have adopted a fleet of electric vehicles, reinforcing their image as sustainable innovators and trailblazers.
Also read → Electric cars boost your employer brand
Social responsibility and involvement in the energy transition
The transition to electric mobility demonstrates a company's commitment to social responsibility. By opting for electric vehicles, companies help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and preserve natural resources. This responsible approach is appreciated by stakeholders, including customers and employees, who are increasingly sensitive to environmental issues.
What's more, by adopting internal policies favorable to electric mobility, companies also encourage their employees to engage in more sustainable mobility. This can take the form of incentives for the use of personal electric vehicles, the installation of charging stations charging stations or promoting electric carpooling. These initiatives help to make employees aware of and responsible for their environmental impact, reinforcing the company's culture of sustainability.
Also read → Equipping employees with electric vehicles
Partnerships and collaborations in the field of electric mobility
The transition to electric mobility offers opportunities for partnership and collaboration with other players committed to this approach. Companies can partner with recharging service providersservice providers electric car brands or companies specializing in sustainable mobility technologies.
These partnerships enable :
- exchange knowledge,
- share best practices
- accelerate the adoption of electric mobility.
Consumers are more likely to buy a product or service from a company that supports social or environmental causes.
Challenges and solutions for promoting electric mobility in the workplace
The promotion of electric mobility faces a number of challenges (charging infrastructure, autonomyemployee awareness). However, innovative solutions such as :
- the deployment of an adequate recharging infrastructure,
- improving the range of electric vehicles,
- employee training and awareness programs can overcome these challenges and encourage the successful adoption of electric mobility.
Charging station infrastructure
For electric vehicles to be used conveniently and efficiently, it is essential to a well-developed and accessible recharging charging network. Let's take a closer look at the importance of charging infrastructure and the key elements to consider.
Companies need to ensure that their employees have easy access to charging points. This can be achieved by installing charging points at the workplace or in public parking lots. A well-distributed recharging network makes it easy for electric vehicle drivers to recharge their vehicles, eliminating potential obstacles linked to limited battery autonomy.
The availability of fast charging stations is also essential to meet the needs of electric vehicle drivers. The fast-charging stations enable batteries to be recharged at a faster rate, offering a practical solution for drivers on the move or under time pressure.
According to the European Association of the Electric Vehicle Industry (AVERE), there are currently 510,000 public charging points in Europe and 100,596 in France. This expanding infrastructure means that electric vehicle drivers can find recharging points in many locations, making it easier to use electric vehicles on a daily basis.
Also read → The installation of charging stations in companies
One example of a charging infrastructure is the Ionity network, a joint venture between several carmakers, including BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi. Ionity deploys a network of fast-charging stations on French freeways, offering electric vehicle drivers the chance to recharge their batteries rapidly. batteries on long journeys. This initiative facilitates electric mobility across the country, eliminating range concerns and making journeys more convenient.
Although significant progress has been made in the deployment of charging infrastructure, challenges remain. These include the need to standardize charging connectors and increase the capacity of charging stations to meet growing demand.
Range of electric vehicles
Modern electric vehicles generally have a range of between 200 and 400 km, even more for some top-of-the-range models such as the Tesla Model 3 which boasts a range of almost 500 km. Range is an essential aspect of electric mobility in the workplace. It's important to understand the factors that influence this key feature:
- Battery capacity Battery capacity: the higher the capacity, the greater the range of an electric vehicle. Carmakers are constantly working to improve battery capacity and extend the range of electric vehicles.
- Energy efficiency Energy efficiency: playing a crucial role in range, electric vehicles are more efficient than combustion-powered cars, but some models perform better than others in terms of energy use.
- Driving conditions Driving conditions: speed, gradients, traffic and weather all have an impact on the range of electric vehicles. For example, driving at high speed or in adverse weather conditions can reduce the vehicle's range.
- Charging infrastructure Autonomy is influenced by the availability and density of recharging infrastructure. The more developed and accessible the recharging network, the easier it is to recharge the vehicle, reducing concerns about limited range.
Also read → Best electric cars by range in 2023
Employee training and awareness
Training and awareness-raising are key to promoting electric mobility. When a small business decides to electrify its fleet fleetit's important to provide employees with the knowledge and skills they need to make the transition a success.
This can be achieved by organizing information sessions, presentations or workshops on the environmental, economic and social benefits of electric vehicles. Employees need to understand how electric mobility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, cutting fuel costs and promoting sustainability. They need to be trained in the use of electric vehicles (recharging, safety, features, etc.). Practical training sessions can be organized to help them familiarize themselves with new technologies and adopt good driving practices to optimize vehicle autonomy.
It's also important to provide them with information on charging station locations, payment methods and the different types of charging stations (normal, accelerated, fast). Online resources, brochures or posters can be made available to facilitate access to this information. Training in good driving practices can be provided to encourage more energy-efficient driving. This can include advice on route planning, smooth driving, energy recovery during braking and the use of eco-driving modes.
Also read → How to raise employee awareness of eco-driving?
What are the positive effects of electric mobility for companies?
The transition to electric mobility can significantly reduce transport-related CO2 emissions. Here's an example of how Company X reduced its CO2 emissions by switching to electric vehicles.
Company X, a delivery company operating in a dense urban area, has decided to switch to a fleet of fleet of electric vehicles to reduce its carbon footprint. Company X's fleet of electric vehicles has significantly reduced CO2 emissions. Electric vehicles emit zero direct emissions when on the road, helping to improve air quality and reduce air pollution.
In addition, due to significantly lower fuel costs compared to combustion vehicles, Company X has seen significant fuel savings by switching to electric vehicles, which has helped to reduce the company's operating costs. Electric vehicles also require less maintenance, reducing the company's servicing costs. Finally, by reducing emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particles, Company X has also had a positive impact on air quality in the urban area where it operates.
Conclusion
There are many environmental and financial advantages to promoting electric mobility in the workplace. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating savings on fuel and maintenance costs, electric mobility offers a sustainable solution for small and medium-sized businesses.
However, to overcome the challenges of charging infrastructure and vehicle autonomy, it is essential to raise awareness and train employees, while exploring innovative business models. By adopting electric mobility, companies can not only reduce their environmental impact, but also strengthen their brand image and social responsibility. Promoting electric mobility in the workplace is a long-term investment that helps preserve the environment while generating economic benefits.
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