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Why is switching to electric vehicles important for SMEs?
The rise in fuel prices is a concern for everyone. SMEs, self-employed professionals and even tradespeople are all concerned. Alternative energy sources do exist (biofuels, solar energy). However, they leave a carbon footprint and are expensive to produce. Electric power is therefore an option. What's more, companies equipping their employees with electric vehicles are steadily increasing.
The company's brand image
It is important for a company to show that it has a voluntary policy on environmental and social concerns. Visit corporate social responsibility enables it to improve its brand image. A study by ADEME shows that 72 % of French people feel concerned by responsible consumption. More and more of them have a positive image of companies with a CSR policy. Switching to electric vehicles allows them to reduce their carbon footprint thanks to electric vehicles that emit far fewer greenhouse gases than combustion-powered vehicles. A electric car emits 100 g of CO2 per kmthe same petrol model emits 200 to 250g CO2/km.
Technology is advancing and the batteries in electric cars are lasting longer. They can be recycled and reused, reducing the impact on natural resources. By adopting electric cars, companies are also contributing to the development of recharging infrastructures. By promoting these values, they can use their reputation to encourage consumers to adopt electric vehicles.
Find out more : Corporate Social Responsibility: definition and examples
Cost savings
A company that wants to buy electric cars also wants to be able to make savings on its running costs. With electric vehicles, maintenance costs are lower than with internal combustion engines. The propulsion mechanism is simpler on an electric car and there are fewer parts. Energy costs are lower and the cost of recharging the battery is lower. battery is less than a full tank of fuel.
Government subsidies also enable companies to reduce the purchase price of electric vehicles.
Read more → All the help you need to buy an electric car
Promoting the ecological transition: a helping hand from the State
SMEs wishing to migrate to electric vehicles can take advantage of the environmental bonus. The maximum amount is €3,000 for an electric vehicle costing less than €47,000. This bonus can be a real asset. They can also obtain the conversion premium to replace their old polluting vehicles with clean vehicles. This bonus applies to vehicles with crit'Air stickers category 3 and above (compulsory environmental sticker for vehicles travelling in certain EPZ). The amount of aid varies according to the type of vehicle. It is particularly advantageous for commercial vehicles and heavy goods vehicles.
Contributing to a sustainable future
The car industry is largely responsible for air pollution. To limit this, companies will soon no longer have the choice of whether or not to renew their business vehicle fleets. By 2024, 20 % of the cars on their vehicle fleet will have to be electric. By 2050, it will be 50 %.
Switching to electric vehicles: the financial and ecological benefits
Research has shown that electric cars are better for the environment. They emit fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants than petrol or diesel cars. This takes into account their manufacture and the electricity generated to run them. If you've already made up your mind about electric cars, Beev invites you to consult its leasing offers.
Electric cars: better for the environment?
The main advantage of electric cars is the contribution they can make to improving air quality in cities. With no tailpipe, electric cars produce no carbon dioxide emissions. This significantly reduces air pollution.
Electric cars give us cleaner streets. Towns and villages are becoming healthier places for pedestrians and cyclists. Interestingly, it takes around 30,000 to 40,000 km (2 to 3 years' use on average) for an electric car to become better for the climate than its internal combustion equivalent.
Average carbon footprint of a car sold in 2020according to mileage
Source : Carbon 4
They also help to combat noise pollution, particularly in cities where speeds are generally low. Electric vehicles are much quieter than petrol vehicles. They create a more peaceful environment for everyone (cyclists, pedestrians, local residents).
A tool for help SMEs to compare the overall environmental impact of electric cars with combustion-powered cars is also available on the Institute of Science and Technology of Luxembourg. The aim is to enable companies to understand why and how the electrification of vehicles can really benefit their image.
The manufacture of an electric car consumes a lot of energy. Because of its lithium-ion batteries, the emissions emitted during production are higher than those of a combustion engine car. Over its lifetime, more than a third of CO2 emissions are produced during manufacture alone. Despite this, it remains the cleanest solution compared with a combustion car.
In addition, theAgency for Ecological Transition A study shows that an electric car driven in France has a carbon impact 2 to 3 times lower than that of a similar thermal model.
Financial benefits for SMEs in 2023
As in 2022, SMEs will receive the same financial support from the government as private individuals. Le environmental bonus and the conversion premium are designed to provide financial assistance to companies that choose to renew their vehicle fleet. The conversion premium is paid on condition that the company scraps its old polluting vehicles. Other benefits are also available. An additional €1,000 in aid for SMEs whose electric cars are located in ZFEs (low-emission zones). For models emitting less than 21g/km, they are exempt from paying the annual tax on CO2 emissions. Finally, in terms of taxation, depending on how much the electric car emits, the company can deduct it from its depreciation. In all cases, the company will not have to pay any tax on the vehicle registration document.
| Type de véhicule | Jusqu'au 30 décembre 2022 | A partir du 1er janvier 2023 |
|---|---|---|
|
New electric vehicle under €47,000
|
4 000 €
|
3 000 €
|
|
New electric vehicle from €47,000 to €60,000
|
2 000 €
|
0 €
|
|
New hydrogen-powered electric vehicle over €60,000
|
2 000 €
|
0 €
|
|
New electric van
|
4 000 €
|
4 000 €
|
|
Plug-in hybrid vehicle new (autonomy greater than 50 km)
|
1 000 €
|
0 €
|
Amount of the ecological bonus
| Type de véhicule | Critères | Montant de l'aide |
|---|---|---|
|
New or used electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle
|
Range greater than 50 km/ Price less than or equal to €60,000
|
2500 €
|
|
Light commercial vehicle
|
Electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicle, new or used/ Range of over 50 km
|
40 % of the acquisition cost, up to a maximum of :
- 5,000 for Class I vehicles
- 7,000 for class II vehicles
- 9,000 for class III vehicles
|
|
Two / three-wheeled vehicle / motor quadricycle
|
- New electric vehicle
- No lead-acid battery
- Maximum net power greater than 2 or 3 kW (depending on approval regulations)
|
100 €
|
Amount of the conversion premium
Leasing: the ideal solution for professionals?
Despite the supply chain challenges, sales of electric vehicles have more than doubled to reach 6.6 million in 2021, representing almost 9 % of the total. global automotive market. The global market for electric vehicles is expected to more than quadruple by 2026. A trend that is also confirmed for the French market, where almost half of the car fleet will be electric by 2040. An encouraging finding in favour of Climate Plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There are various ways for companies to finance this ambitious project.
Long-term leasing
La long-term rental was not popular in its early days. It emerged in the 1980s and has grown steadily over the decades. In 2019, 1,912,269 vehicles were leased, an increase of 6 % compared with 2018. In 2022, the 51,553 electric cars registered under full service leasing represented 28 % of the automotive market.This figure remains stable compared with 2021 (55,842 registrations, or 29.9 %).
Source : Sesamlld
Leasing gives SMEs access to a new car for a period of between 24 and 60 months. They pay a monthly rental charge and, in some cases, a deposit or first instalment when the contract is signed. The advantage of this type of financing for businesses is that it also includes services. Maintenance, tyres and even replacement of the electric vehicle in the event of an incident are all included. At the end of the leasing contract, the SME can :
- Return the electric car (end of contract)
- Choosing a new model (signing a new contract)
- Buy the vehicle (the lessor then sets the sale price at a rate below the market price)
When the contract is signed, the amount and number of monthly rents are set according to various criteria. Financial investment, which comprises the difference between the purchase cost of the electric vehicle and its residual value (the estimated resale value on the second-hand market). The rental periodthe agreed annual mileage, lhe first rent increase, additional services (assistance, insurance) and a detailed security deposit. This will be refunded to the hirer at the end of the contract.
For an SME, a long-term leasing contract means that it can renew its equipment frequently. fleet of vehicles. The electric vehicle landscape is evolving very rapidly, There are 1,102,975 light electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on the road in France, including 346,865 registered in 2022. Manufacturers are regularly bringing new models to market, such as the Volkswagen with its new iD.3 and its iD.Buzz .
In financial terms, the SME can reclaim VAT on its business electric cars. As the lease payments are not included in the company's operating costs, they are tax-deductible. For future projects, long-term leasing also enables the company to preserve its borrowing capacity.
A company that opts for full service leasing to electrify its vehicle fleet benefits from additional services.
The assistance service (available 24/7) covers breakdowns, accidents or car theft. SMEs can benefit from breakdown assistance or towing for their electric cars, with no mileage limit. The driver's accommodation is covered if the vehicle is immobilised for more than 24 hours.
A replacement electric vehicle can also be made available to company employees while they wait for their damaged car to be repaired. The hire company lends a model for a period agreed in advance.
Vehicle maintenance includes technical inspections, servicing, routine repairs and labour.
Which model of electric vehicle is right for SMEs?
There are many considerations and decisions involved in changing or adding cars to a company's fleet. Which electric vehicle should you choose? How can you manage charging and payments effectively, and how can you avoid being swamped by the multitude of electric car offers on the market?
What is a fleet of electric vehicles?
A fleet of electric vehicles is a fleet of low-emission vehicles owned or leased by a company. The cars in the fleet are used to transport people or goods. An electric vehicle fleet produces low carbon emissions when in operation. Unlike traditional fleets, electric vehicle fleets rely on batteries rather than petrol or diesel to run. Just as a traditional fleet vehicle needs to be refuelled, an electric fleet vehicle needs to be recharged.
Find out more : Everything you need to know about the fleet of electric vehicles
Make your energy transition now, with a range of new 100 % electric vehicles available for leasing from Beev!
The automotive audit: the first stage
Before embarking on this project, A car audit is necessary. It provides an up-to-date overview of the company's vehicle fleet. The company will then know whether its project is feasible and realistic. Here are the points to consider:
- Set the company's objectives for electrifying its fleet (reduced operating costs, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, etc.).
- Collect data on the current vehicle fleet (number of vehicles, fuel consumption).
- Calculate the costs of purchasing and operating electric cars.
- Assess the associated costs (recharging infrastructure and installations).
Putting employees first
When an SME wants to determine which model is best suited to its fleet, the employee who will be using the electric vehicle must be the company's priority. The employee's ability to recharge at home, daily autonomy and the type of vehicle are essential. The experience must be a positive one for the employee driving the car. A dissatisfied employee can slow down the electrification of the car fleet by giving bad feedback. Conversely, a satisfied driver can spread the word and give momentum to the transition. As an SME, Beev recommends that you identify the employees most receptive to driving an electric vehicle. This will enable you to assess their needs and their views on the different models on the market.
Which electric car is right for an SME?
Not all professionals have the same needs. This is especially true when they are travelling for their business. When it comes to renewing your car fleet, the choice of electric vehicle model will depend on speed and volume. Certain cars are more or less suited to an SME, depending on its activity. From electric saloons are now easily over 400 km long, such as the Tesla Model 3. But thanks to increasingly efficient cars, the question of range is secondary. In the past, it was one of the main concerns of companies when they switched to electric cars.
Find out more : 2023 ranking of long-range electric cars
For employees of SMEs, owning a small electric city car is an ideal solution in large French-speaking cities, whatever the region. They often make simple journeys (to and from work). By recharging their company car during the day on the company terminals or in the evening at home, they don't have to worry about the level of autonomy of the car. battery. Models such as the Peugeot e-208, the Renault Zoe e-Tech or the Fiat 500eadapt very well to their needs.
Unlike employees, field technicians have more hectic days. They frequently travel from point A to point B to meet their customers or partners. They need a larger charging volume, greater autonomy and the assurance of rapid access to a charging point.
The range ofelectric vans has grown considerably. Visit major brands now offer all their own. The Citroën e-Jumper, which is the bestseller in Francewith a range of over 300 km and a 37 kWh battery, is the perfect answer to the needs of these professionals.
Sales people need electric cars with a long range. As well as making numerous daily journeys, they may have to travel outside their region or even abroad. Although expensive to buy, leasing is an attractive solution, for example because of the reduction in the price of the car. Tesla Model 3 allowing companies to benefit from advantages such as the ecological bonus.
Conclusion
As we have seen in this article, companies that equip themselves with electric cars benefit from a number of advantages (financial incentives, cost savings). They also benefit from a better brand image. Long-term leasing also enables SMEs to make the switch to electric vehicles more easily. However, you need to take all the conditions into account before making a commitment. Finally, to make a success of this ambitious project, communication with your employees beforehand is fundamental to better understanding your objectives and expectations.
