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Understanding electric mobility
Understanding Electric Mobility reveals the potential of electric vehicle fleets. It also explains how and why more and more companies are making the strategic choice to go electric, for a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective form of mobility.
What is a vehicle fleet electric?
A electric vehicle fleet is a set of electric vehicles owned or leased by a company for the business travel of its employees. These cars can be used for a variety of tasks (transporting goods, providing personal services or transporting employees). Electric vehicles for companies are powered by rechargeable batteriesThese can be recharged using different recharging infrastructures.
Also read → Electric vehicle fleet: the complete guide
Why are companies switching to electricity?
Many companies are currently making the transition to electric vehicles for a number of reasons. On the one hand, the advantages of electric vehicles are numerous. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut operating costs through reduced maintenance and lower energy consumption, and enhance a company's reputation as an environmentally responsible player. On the other hand, governments are increasingly offering subsidies for electric vehiclesThis makes the purchase of these vehicles more affordable for businesses.
Planning the switch to electricity for VSEs/SMEs
It has become essential for SMEs to plan their transition to electricity. Far from being simply a constraint, this approach is in fact a genuine opportunity to modernise and stand out from the crowd. Switching to electricity offers a number of benefits, such as a reduction in energy consumption and a more efficient use of energy.carbon footprint and lower energy costs over the long term.
What actions have been put in place?
France is working hard to promote the use of electric and hybrid cars. By 2022, the country aims to have a fleet of one million rechargeable vehicles (600,000 electric cars and 400,000 plug-in hybrids).
The French government has launched a 250 million euro plan to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reduce their carbon footprint. The plan comprises 10 measures to diagnose, finance and support businesses in their energy transition. Based on diagnostics carried out by experts, businesses can apply for financial support in the form of loans of up to €1 million. These loans can be used to finance actions identified during the diagnostics or to finance energy-saving equipment and services.
Also read → Carbon footprint: understand and act!
How to choose the right electricity supplierrecharging infrastructure ?
When it comes to choosing a supplier of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, there are a number of factors to consider. In France, the development of recharging infrastructures for electric vehicles is being vigorously encouraged to keep pace with the increase in the number of electric cars on the road.
The development of these infrastructures is mainly supported by public developers, with a perceptible emergence of private supply. Public intervention is essentially needed to improve the regulatory framework and make private investment more attractive.
Here are a few key points to bear in mind when choosing a charging infrastructure provider:
- Network coverage: ensure that the recharging infrastructure offers adequate coverage in the areas where your employees drive most often,
- types of recharging: recharging infrastructure providers can offer different types of recharging, including local recharging at home, recharging at work, top-up recharging and recharging for long journeys,
- recharging speed: recharging speed may vary depending on the type of charging point used. Ensuring that the supplier offers fast charging options is essential if you need them,
- customer service: don't forget to check the quality of the supplier's customer service. Good customer service can make a big difference if you have a problem.
| Type de borne | Puissance de sortie |
|---|---|
|
AC Single-phase
|
3.7 - 7.4 kW
|
|
AC Three-phase
|
11 - 22 kW
|
|
DC
|
50 - 250 kW
|
What government aid is available?
There are a number of government grants in France to help businesses finance an electric car recharging infrastructure (IRVE).
The ADVENIR bonus
La ADVENIR bonusset up by ADEME and funded by the energy saving certificates (CEE), is an initiative designed to support the development of recharging infrastructure for electric vehicles in France. It offers significant financial support to companies, local authorities and private individuals wishing to install charging points for electric vehicles.
This bonus offers up to €960 excluding VAT aid towards the cost of supplying and installing a charging point. The exact amounts vary depending on the type of beneficiary and the location of the installation.
| Parking privé (destiné aux poids lourds) | Parking privé (ouvert au public) | Parking privé (flottes et salariés d’entreprises) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rate of aid
|
50 %
|
30 %
|
20 %
|
|
Aid limit (per recharging point)
|
2 200 à 960 000 €
|
1 000 à 9 000 €
|
up to €600
|
Tax credit
Le 2023 tax credit for IRVEs is a government initiative designed to encourage businesses to invest in more sustainable mobility solutions. This tax credit offers a significant tax reduction for businesses that install electric car charging stations on their sites. It allows you to deduct 75 % of the cost of purchasing and installing the recharging pointup to €500. The aim is to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles by making recharging more accessible and practical for companies using these vehicles.
The amount of the tax credit is generally based on the total cost of installing the charging infrastructure. This includes not only the cost of the charging equipment itself, but also the costs associated with their installationThis tax credit is intended to encourage companies to bear part of the cost of the transition to greener mobility. By offering this tax credit, the government hopes to encourage businesses to bear part of the cost of the transition to greener mobility.
Reducing VAT rates
The reduction in the VAT rate for IRVEs is a tax measure designed to encourage businesses to invest in this essential technology for the transition to more sustainable mobility. By reducing the rate of VAT, the cost of installing this infrastructure is reduced, making the investment more attractive to businesses. This means that businesses can benefit from a VAT rate of 20 % on estimates for the installation, fitting and maintenance of charging stations.
By reducing the rate of VAT on the installation of charging infrastructure for electric cars, the government is reducing the cost of such installations for SMEs, which may encourage greater use of this infrastructure.
Local authority aid
Some local authorities offer additional support for the installation of charging points. We recommend that you consult the your local authority's website for more information.
Local authorities play a crucial role in helping businesses to install recharging infrastructure. In France, Ademe (French Environment and Energy Management Agency) has launched a call for "Electric vehicle charging infrastructure" projects in 2019, with a budget of 100 million euros. The aim of this call for projects is to support the deployment of IRVEs across the country, particularly in non-interurban areas.
For example, the region Île-de-France has set up a scheme to support the installation of charging points for electric vehicles in condominiums, businesses and public places. The scheme provides financial assistance of up to up to 50 % of the installation costThere is a ceiling of €1,500 per charge point for condominiums and businesses, and €1,000 for public places.
The region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpeshas launched a plan to support the installation of charging points for electric vehicles, with a budget of 3 million for 2023. The plan provides for financial assistance of up to 50 % of the cost of installation, with a ceiling of 3,000 euros per charge point.
Also read → Aid for the installation of charging points in 2023
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The crucial role of recharging infrastructure
The crucial role of charging infrastructure highlights the importance of these key elements in the growth of electric fleets. The different types of charging infrastructure available explain why their presence is essential to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles by businesses.
The different types of recharging infrastructure
Electric recharging infrastructure falls into two main categories, private and public recharging infrastructures. Private infrastructures are generally installed in homes or on company premises, while public infrastructures are accessible to everyone and are often located in public places such as car parks or petrol stations.
These infrastructures can also be classified according to their recharging speed. A distinction is made between fast-charging stationswhich can be used to recharge a battery in less than an hour, compared with normal charging points, which require several hours for a full charge.
Why is recharging infrastructure essential to the growth of the electric fleet?
The development of recharging infrastructure is a key factor in the growth of electric car fleets. Indeed, the recharge time and l'autonomy of the battery are two major concerns for companies considering making the transition to electricity. The availability and accessibility of charging points can greatly influence a company's decision to equip itself with an electric fleet.
A sufficiently dense and reliable recharging network can minimise service interruptions due to a discharged battery and increase the efficiency of fleet management. What's more, the cost of recharging facilities can be offset by savings on fuel and maintenance.
In France, the electric charging infrastructure has developed significantly. In January 2023, there were 1,355 stations and 5,013 charging pointsThese are mainly located at service and rest areas on the motorway network and trunk roads, or less than 1,000 metres from an entrance or exit on these roads.
The aim of the French government and the automotive industry was to have a fleet of one million rechargeable vehicles by 2022, including 600,000 electric vehicles and 400,000 rechargeable hybrid vehicles. To support this development, a vigorous roll-out of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (IRVE) was needed.
Studies have been carried out to identify current and future IRVE needs and to determine the factors that will ensure the appropriate deployment of charging stations. These studies have also highlighted a number of best practices for stimulating the charging station market, such as on-demand charging stations and urban hubs.
The emergence of a private sector offering is already perceptible in France, notably through the development of infrastructure in retail car parks and motorway rest areas. Public intervention is now essentially needed to improve the regulatory framework and make private investment more attractive.
Operational recommendations have been drawn up to improve deployment in France. These cover all types of recharging:
- local charging at home and at work (including on-demand charging points),
- top-up charging and charging for long-distance journeys.
These recommendations are aimed at both the private sector and public authorities, and include regulatory changes, structuring initiatives market or communication.
Conclusion
France is striving to become a world leader in electric mobility. The country is therefore embarking on an ambitious energy transition. The government has put in place initiatives and grants to encourage the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure (IRVE) and the transition to more sustainable mobility. However, electromobility is not just about the availability of electric vehicles. The key to this transition lies in the provision of an adequate, accessible and reliable recharging infrastructure.
In conclusion, France has made significant progress in electromobility, but there is still a long way to go. Establishing a solid recharging infrastructure is essential if electric mobility is to become a reality for everyone. The combined efforts of government, businesses and citizens will be needed to make France a leader in electric mobility in the years to come. Are you ready to take the plunge? Contact our Beev experts if you have any questions. We'll get back to you within the hour.