Electric cars: a sustainable solution for professionals?
In a context where sustainability has become a major concern, the electric car is gradually establishing itself as an attractive option for professionals looking for environmentally-friendly means of transport.
Environmental benefits of electric cars
Electric vehicles have gained in popularity in recent years due to their reduced environmental impact compared with combustion-powered vehicles. In January 2023, 27,003 electric cars were registered, an increase of 41.3% on the same period in 2022. By using electricity as their energy source, they produce no direct greenhouse gas emissions. This helps reduce air pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change. For professionals concerned about their carbon footprinta fleet of electric cars is a wise choice.
What's more, electric cars offer superior fuel efficiency to gasoline-powered vehicles. Gasoline engines have an average efficiency of around 20%, while electric motors achieve an average efficiency of 80% to 90%. This means that electric cars use more of the energy in their battery to propel the vehicle, reducing energy losses. Their electric motor converts more of the energy into motion, resulting in lower energy consumption. Professionals can thus make significant savings on fuel costs, helping to reduce their company's operating expenses.
Also read → Last mile: reducing the ecological impact
Save money with an electric car
Fuel aside (20% more economical in terms of energy consumption), the use of electric cars also offers financial advantages for professionals. In France, government government incentives are offered in the form of subsidies or tax breaks to encourage the adoption of clean vehicles:
- 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).
These incentives considerably reduce the initial acquisition cost of electric cars, making them more accessible to SMEs and craftsmen. Maintenance costs for electric cars are also lower than for petrol and diesel vehicles.
Electric cars have about 20 moving parts compared to 2000 for a internal combustion car. This is mainly due to their simpler design (no internal combustion engine, gearbox or exhaust system). This reduces the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs. Professionals can therefore benefit from a more reliable fleet of vehicles and lower maintenance costs, helping to optimize their business.
Also read → 2023 tax benefits for electric vehicles
Charging infrastructure for professionals
An important aspect of the driving experience with electric cars is the charging infrastructure. Companies need to have a network of charging stations charging stations to ensure autonomy autonomy of their vehicles. Fortunately, the increasing deployment of charging stations in urban areas and the and the development of fast-charging solutions are making it easier for professional drivers to recharge their electric cars.
Some companies offer charging solutions specifically designed for professional electric vehicle fleets. These solutions include intelligent charging stations. They enable efficient management of charging, taking into account working hours, individual driver needs and load balancing on the electrical grid. This ensures that vehicles are always ready for use, and that business trips can be made without worrying about autonomy.
Also read → The use of connected charging stations in the workplace
An always-connected driving experience
With automotive connectivity becoming increasingly advanced, professional drivers can now benefit from a permanently connected driving experience, offering new possibilities and functionalities.
Connected fleet management
Automotive connectivity has revolutionized fleet management. Thanks to advanced GPS tracking systems and connected fleet management software. Companies can :
- track the location of their vehicles in real time,
- monitor their use,
- plan the most efficient routes,
- optimize driver assignment.
This improves productivity, reduces waiting times and minimizes the costs associated with professional driving.
Also read → Last-mile logistics, a challenge for companies?
The Internet of Things (IoT) for advanced connectivity
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a system that enables physical objects (smartphones, cars, appliances, sensors and other devices) to connect to the Internet and communicate with each other. These objects are generally equipped with sensors, actuators and software that enable them to collect and exchange data in real time with the environment and other connected devices, often via a wireless connection. The data collected is then stored on remote servers and processed to provide useful information to users.
IoT also plays a key role in the connected driving experience. Modern electric vehicles are equipped with integrated sensors and IoT devices devices that collect and transmit a wealth of data in real time. This data includes information on vehicle performance, battery status, energy consumption, charge levels and more.
From electric sedans like the Tesla Model 3 are fully equipped. This gives professionals access to data via online applications and platforms, enabling them to monitor and manage their vehicles efficiently from a distance.
Integrated communication systems for optimum collaboration
Communication systems integrated into electric vehicles enable optimum collaboration between drivers and company staff. Thanks to features such as Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free calling and integrated messaging services, drivers can stay in constant contact with their team, receive real-time instructions and report any problems or needs for assistance. This improves communication efficiency and contributes to a smoother, more productive professional driving experience.
On-board technology: advanced features for professionals
Vehicles equipped with in-vehicle technology offer professionals powerful tools and customizable features to meet the specific needs of their business, enhancing their driving experience and professional performance.
Mobile applications for professional electric cars
Mobile applications dedicated to professional electric cars offer a wide range of features to facilitate vehicle management and use. Thanks to their functionalities, drivers can optimize their driving experience by adapting vehicle parameters to their preferences and efficiently planning their journeys.
Here are a few examples of mobile applications dedicated to professionals currently available on the market:
| Applications | Features |
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Fleetio
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Plugshare
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Security systems and customizable functions
Electric cars feature advanced safety features. Systems such as
- parking assistance,
- automatic emergency braking,
- lane-keeping assist
- blind spot sensors help reduce the risk of accidents and improve the safety of professional drivers on the road.
These features help to :
- prevent collisions,
- detect obstacles
- warn drivers of hazards, resulting in safer driving and a reduction in occupational accidents.
On-board technology also offers professional drivers the ability to customize their settings and preferences. Settings such as the memorized driver's seat, personalized driving modes, audio preferences and individual comfort parameters enable drivers to create a tailor-made driving experience that meets their specific needs. This personalization helps to increase the comfort, satisfaction and efficiency of professional drivers on the move.
Optimizing business trips
Optimizing business trips has become a major challenge for companies seeking to cut costs, increase efficiency and improve driver satisfaction.
Connectivity solutions for businesses
To optimize business trips, companies can make use of advanced connectivity solutions. This includes the use of integrated fleet management software to plan the most efficient routes, taking into account real-time traffic conditions, driver preferences and operational constraints. These solutions help to reduce journey times, save fuel and minimize the costs associated with professional driving.
Integrating productivity tools into electric vehicles
The professional electric vehicles can be equipped with integrated productivity tools to improve driver efficiency on the move. This can include features such as :
- synchronization with professional calendars,
- access to e-mails and business documents,
- connectivity with online collaboration tools and more.
These tools enable drivers to remain productive while on the move and optimize their time.
Safety and monitoring of professional electric vehicles
The safety of professional electric vehicles is a major concern for companies. That's why advanced monitoring and safety systems are essential.
These systems use technologies such as :
- geolocation,
- motion sensors
- surveillance cameras to protect vehicles and their contents.
In the event of theft or incident, companies can quickly locate the vehicle and take appropriate measures to protect their assets. The American company Tesla for its electric vehicles Autopilotautomatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.
Conclusion
Technology continues to transform the professional driving experience with electric cars and automotive connectivity. Drivers benefit from advanced functionalities such as connected fleet management, IoT integration, dedicated mobile apps and customizable features.
These advances offer many benefits, including financial savings, safer driving, optimized business journeys and integrated productivity tools. Businesses can take advantage of these technologies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and deliver an optimal business driving experience for their employees. Ready to take the plunge? Contact our Beev experts if you have any questions. We'll get back to you within the hour.
