More and more fleet managers want to take the exciting step toward e-mobility in their companies. But perhaps you’re still unsure whether electric cars can be seamlessly integrated into your fleet? You’re not alone! Many companies are grappling with this fundamental question. But one thing is already clear today: While the transition to e-mobility in a fleet is complex and resource-intensive, the numerous benefits of e-mobility are becoming increasingly apparent.
But how can you successfully transition your fleet to electric vehicles, and what steps are necessary to do so? In this article, we’d like to show you how you can successfully integrate electric vehicles into your fleet in five steps, based on a thorough fleet analysis, so that you can benefit from all the positive effects of e-mobility in your business.
Contents
- 1. Is my fleet suitable for e-mobility?
- 2. Analysis Criterion 1: The Overall Fleet Size
- 3. Analysis Criterion 2: Mobility Needs and Operational Profiles
- 4. Analysis Criterion 3: Location and Charging Management
- 5. Analysis Criterion 4: The Organization and Strategy of the Fleet
- 6. Analysis Criterion 5: Fleet Users and Operational Processes
Is my fleet suitable for e-mobility?
Before you begin electrifying your fleet and introducing e-mobility into your company, a detailed fleet analysis is essential. By understanding the current state of your fleet, you can develop a strategy tailored to your needs that includes both vehicle procurement and the implementation of a charging infrastructure. Be sure to allow sufficient time for this process; implementing a charging infrastructure, in particular, can take some time depending on the complexity and size of the fleet—in many cases, even more than a year.
Analysis Criterion 1: The Overall Fleet Size
A successful transition to electric mobility in your company begins with taking a close look at the overall condition of your fleet. How many company cars are in your fleet, and what types are they? It’s also very important to know which drive types and engine configurations are most common in your fleet. Last but not least, the average age of your vehicles plays a key role if you want to electrify your fleet. You should examine these aspects in more detail to develop a customized electric mobility strategy for your fleet:
How many vehicles of each type are in the fleet?
If your fleet also includes commercial vehicles, transitioning your fleet to electric vehicles could be a greater challenge, as the selection is still limited. But don’t worry—some manufacturers are already paving the way, and the selection of electric commercial vehicles will continue to grow in the coming years.
What types of drive systems and engines do the vehicles in the fleet have?
Presumably, your fleet still consists largely of conventional internal combustion engines. Perhaps you already have a few hybrid vehicles in service.
What is the average age of the vehicles in the fleet?
If you are already planning to replace vehicles due to their age—for example, because they no longer meet current emissions standards—switching to electric vehicles could be a crucial step.
Analysis Criterion 2: Mobility Needs and Operational Profiles
A key factor in a company’s transition to e-mobility is its mobility needs. This aspect must be included in any fleet analysis, as it enables the development of a sound electrification strategy. The evaluation of fuel consumption, refueling data, odometer readings, and bookings for pool vehicles provides valuable insights in this context. Usage profiles primarily concern the type and frequency of vehicle use. The analysis should address the following questions:
- How many kilometers are driven each year?
- Are the assignments regular or more irregular?
- Is there a set route plan for the operations?
- Do you mainly travel short distances within the city, or do you regularly travel long distances?
- At what times of day are the vehicles in use, and when are they idle? It is important to note that the times when the vehicles are not in use are just as important for the analysis as the times when they are in use. This information can later be used to draw conclusions for an efficient charging strategy.
As part of this transition, it also makes sense to reevaluate existing mobility concepts and expand them as needed. Modern options such as e-bikes or corporate car-sharing are not only resource-efficient but also cost-effective. Studies show that carsharing with an electric fleet offers companies maximum flexibility while keeping costs manageable. However, having the right software for IT support is crucial for keeping track of vehicle utilization and bookings at all times.
Analysis Criterion 3: Location and Charging Management
One of the most important questions regarding fleet electrification is: “Where should electric vehicles be charged and parked?” Establishing a well-planned charging infrastructure is a major challenge. Charging stations must be easily accessible to employees and comply with applicable state building and fire safety codes.
It is also important to plan the charging authorization structure early on. Answering these questions will enable you to efficiently plan and implement the charging infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition to an electric fleet.
- At what times is the charging station expected to be in highest demand? Are there certain peak times in the fleet that could lead to the charging station becoming overloaded?
- Are all employees allowed to use the charging stations, or are there exceptions?
- How are employees authenticated?
- Is the charging station for electric vehicles public, or can it possibly be shared with other companies or individuals?
- Where should the charging stations be installed so that they are as accessible as possible?
Analysis Criterion 4: The Organization and Strategy of the Fleet
This criterion encompasses not only the general organization of the fleet but also the image associated with it. It is closely linked to the usage profiles discussed earlier. If the vehicles in the fleet are older and more prone to breakdowns, it is advisable to switch to electric vehicles as soon as possible. The individual usage profiles of the vehicles also play an important role, as switching to electric vehicles may make it possible to reduce the number of vehicles or optimize utilization rates.
The world of e-mobility is complex and encompasses many different systems that must be coordinated and managed. From scheduling to range management to battery charge level—reliable software creates greater transparency and cost efficiency in this area. Furthermore, the impact of electric mobility on a company’s image should be taken into account in the analysis. More and more companies are using their vehicle fleets as a strategic starting point for an progressive and environmentally conscious corporate philosophy. A successful transition to electric vehicles can therefore not only optimize internal processes but also positively influence the company’s image.
Analysis Criterion 5: Fleet Users and Operational Processes
Finally, let’s consider the people behind the wheel as well as day-to-day organizational operations. The answers to these questions will help identify the specific requirements for a successful transition to e-mobility within the company and develop tailored solutions.
- Which employees use which company cars, and for what purpose?
- Are there any company policies that affect vehicle use, such as break policies or shift work?
- Are there set times when the vehicles are serviced, or are the intervals flexible? Background: Set times when the vehicle is being serviced—and is therefore not in the fleet—can be used efficiently for charging.
- Does your company have multiple locations between which drivers commute flexibly, or are the vehicles always located at a single site?
- How important is the implementation of e-mobility within the company to employees? Is there any resistance within the company?
