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The benefits 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 footprintbenefit from government incentives and strengthen their brand image.
Tax benefits and government incentives
Governments recognise 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 reductions, subsidies for the purchase or installation of a new car or a new car with a new vehicle. the installation of recharging pointsor even reduced electricity rates for owners of electric cars. Businesses can take advantage of these incentives to further reduce the costs associated with the use of electric cars:
- environmental bonus
- exemption from annual taxes CO2 emissions and vehicle age
- VAT deduction
- reduction in property tax
- conversion premium
- exemption from TICPE (Internal consumption tax on energy products)
Also read → 2023 tax benefits for electric vehicles
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Electric mobility in companies plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to a study by International Energy Agency (IEA), transport is responsible for around 24 % of CO2 emissionsthe main greenhouse gas. The transition to electric vehicles can significantly reduce these emissions. An electric vehicle emits on average 40 % less CO2 than a vehicle with an internal combustion engine equivalent. 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 made up 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 thermal vehicleor approximately 120 g/kmThe fleet emits 900 tonnes of CO2 per year.
By progressively replacing this fleet with electric vehicles, with a autonomy At an average of 250 km per charge, and taking into account an average CO2 emission of 50 g/km from electricity generation, the reduction in emissions would be significant. The new electric fleet would emit only 300 tonnes of CO2 per yeara reduction of 67 % of 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 companies offers undeniable economic advantages, particularly in terms of reduced fuel costs and vehicle maintenance.
- Lower fuel costs :
Electric vehicles are distinguished by their independence from fossil fuels. They use electricity as their power source, which means they avoid fluctuations in oil prices and benefit from electricity rates that are generally more stable. The National Association for the Development of Electric Mobility (AVERE) tells us that the cost of running an electric vehicle is lower than that of a combustion vehicle on a per-kilometre basis.
In France, for example recharging costs of an electric vehicle can be up to 3 times less than the fuel costs of a petrol vehicle. In addition, the 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 life of the vehicle, mainly due to the savings made on fuel. Here's a simple example of calculating the TCO of an electric car compared with a combustion-powered car:
| Coûts (sur 5 ans) | Tesla Model 3 | BMW Série 3 |
|---|---|---|
Buy | 45 000 € | 40 000 € |
Maintenance | 2 500 € | 5 000 € |
Fuel | 2 000 € | 7 500 € |
Insurance | 5 000 € | 5 000 € |
Impairment | 15 000 € | 20 000 € |
TCO Total | 69 500 € | 77 500 € |
Also read → TCO (Total Cost of Ownership): how can it be optimised?
- Reduced maintenance costs :
Electric vehicles require less maintenance than their internal combustion engine counterparts. This is because they have fewer moving parts and components subject to wear, 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 those of a petrol vehicle over a five-year period. The 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 very small businesses.
Also read → Optimise your running costs with an electric car
Brand image and social responsibility
Electric mobility for business goes beyond the economic and environmental benefits. It also offers opportunities to improve brand image and strengthen corporate social responsibility.
Green brand image
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. carbon footprint and to play an active part in the fight against climate change. This green brand image strengthens 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, which has helped to improve their brand image and strengthen their green credentials. For example, companies such as Tesla, Google and Ikea have adopted a fleet of electric vehicles, reinforcing their image as a pioneer in sustainable innovation.
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 are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and preserve natural resources. This responsible approach is appreciated by stakeholders, particularly customers and employees, who are increasingly sensitive to environmental issues.
What's more, by adopting internal policies favourable to electric mobility, companies are also encouraging 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 recharging points in the workplace or the promotion of electric car-sharing. 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 partnership and collaboration opportunities with other players committed to this approach. Companies can join forces with recharge service providersto electric car brands or companies specialising in sustainable mobility technologies.
These partnerships enable :
- exchange knowledge,
- share best practice
- 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 companies
The promotion of electric mobility faces a number of challenges (recharging infrastructure, autonomyemployee awareness). However, innovative solutions such as :
- the deployment of an appropriate recharging infrastructure,
- improving the range of electric vehicles,
- The introduction of employee training and awareness programmes can overcome these challenges and encourage the successful adoption of electric mobility.
Charging station infrastructure
For electric vehicles to be used in a practical and efficient way, it is essential to set up a recharging network accessible and well-developed. Let's take a closer look at the importance of charging infrastructure and the key factors to consider.
Companies need to ensure that their employees have easy access to recharging points. This can be achieved by installing charging stations at the workplace, in public car parks. A well-distributed recharging network makes it easy for electric vehicle drivers to recharge their vehicles, eliminating the potential obstacles associated with limited battery life.
The availability of fast-charging stations is also essential to meet the needs of electric vehicle drivers. Visit fast-charging stations can recharge batteries at a faster rate, offering a practical solution for drivers on the move or with time constraints.
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 charging points in many locations, making it easier to use electric vehicles on a daily basis.
Also read → Installing a recharging point on your premises
One example of recharging infrastructure is the Ionitya joint venture between a number of car manufacturers, including BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi. Ionity is deploying a network of fast-charging stations on French motorways, giving electric vehicle drivers the chance to recharge their vehicles quickly and easily. batteries on long journeys. This initiative facilitates electric mobility across the country, eliminating range concerns and making journeys more practical.
Although significant progress has been made in deploying charging infrastructure, challenges remain. These include the need to standardise charging connectors and increase the capacity of charging points to meet growing demand.
Range of electric vehicles
Modern electric vehicles generally have a range of between 200 and 400 km, or even more for certain top-of-the-range models as the Tesla Model 3 with a range of almost 500 km. Range is an essential aspect of electric mobility in business. It's important to understand the factors that influence this key feature:
- Capacity of battery Battery capacity: the higher the battery capacity, the greater the range of an electric vehicle. Carmakers are constantly working to improve batteries to increase their capacity and extend the range of electric vehicles.
- Energy efficiency Electric vehicles: 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 Speed, gradients, traffic and weather conditions 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 Range: the availability and density of recharging infrastructure influences range. The more developed and accessible the recharging network, the easier it is to recharge the vehicle, thereby 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 vehicle fleetIt is important to provide employees with the knowledge and skills they need to make a successful transition.
This can be achieved by organising 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 must be trained in the use of electric vehicles (recharging, safety, characteristics, etc.). Practical training sessions can be organised to help them familiarise themselves with the new technologies and adopt good driving practices to optimise vehicle autonomy.
It is also important to provide them with information on the location of charging points, payment methods and the different types of charging point (normal, accelerated, fast). Online resources, brochures or posters can be made available to facilitate access to this information. Training in good driving practice 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 can you 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 is an example of how company X has reduced its CO2 emissions by switching to electric vehicles.
Company X, a delivery company operating in a densely populated urban area, has decided to switch to a new delivery system. 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 internal 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 SMEs.
However, to overcome the challenges associated with recharging 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 within companies is a long-term investment that helps to preserve the environment while generating economic benefits.
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