To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, everyone must contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. Electrifying a company's fleet is not just a choice between an electric vehicle (EV) and a combustion engine, but a long-term strategic decision. However, it is important to take it step by step and provide your employees with the best possible support during this transition.
Switching to electric cars: advantages and answers to preconceived ideas
The electric car has often been disparaged and still faces many prejudices and misconceptions, even though it has so many advantages.
Misconceptions about electric vehicles
No, an electric vehicle will not get stuck in traffic jams when you use the heating and radio in winter.
A study by the ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) showed that a fully charged city car with a 52 kWh battery (390 km WLTP- Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) can last for about 17 hours at an interior temperature of 22 °C with seat heating and an outside temperature of around -10 °C, which corresponds to an average consumption of 3 kW.
No, electric vehicles are not just for rich people.
Electric cars are becoming more and more democratic and models with a range of 300 km are currently available from €25,000. In addition, in Luxembourg there are financial subsidies for the purchase that further reduces the investment costs.
No, an electric vehicle is not only suitable for the city or for short distances.
The most powerful vehicles today offer a range of up to 600 km, which also allows for longer journeys. In addition, the European network of fast charging stations is expanding and intensifying every day to offer drivers of electric cars more flexibility and convenience.
No, it is not necessary to halve the range stated by the manufacturers to find out the actual range.
It is important to know that the range of an electric vehicle is calculated based on the WLTP standard, which is as close as possible to real driving conditions. With an environmentally conscious driving style, the displayed range can sometimes be well below the actual range.
The main advantages of switching to electric cars
- Smooth, quiet and vibration-free driving
- Linear acceleration that gives the driver a sense of security
- Better equipment of electric vehicles, making them a good investment for resale.
- Positive impact on the company's image among customers.
- Government subsidies for the purchase of a new or used electric vehicle
- Tax advantages in terms of ATN (benefits in kind) for electric vehicles (tax advantages compared to vehicles with combustion engines).
- Optimisation of the total cost of ownership (TCO)
It is important to accurately calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) of an electric vehicle and to choose a model that meets the specific needs of the company and its employees. This makes it possible to align costs with operational requirements while optimising spending.
How can you make the transition to electric mobility easier for your employees?
- Provide a vehicle that meets the employee's needs.
- Offer your employees mobility cards (public charging).
- Install a charging station at your employee's home with the option of reimbursing electricity costs.
- Set up a charging infrastructure at the workplace and, if possible, combine it with photovoltaic systems to offer free charging for company vehicles
- Clear information about the company's car policy.
Practical information for a successful transition to electromobility
The switch to electric vehicles cannot be made overnight and should be well considered. Take the time to conduct a study of the mobility of your company's employees and the energy capacity of your location (at the company and at employees' homes).
Visit our website Klimapakt fir Betriber to find specific examples of companies that have already made the switch to electromobility.
Finally, remember to adapt your car policy to integrate electric mobility into your company.