Sustainable Mobility in the Fleet

Companies face the challenge of managing their fleet operations cost-effectively while also taking energy consumption and CO₂ emissions into account. This can involve a variety of measures, ranging from more efficient use of existing vehicles to the integration of electric vehicles.

In this article, you’ll learn what measures can help reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions in your fleet, and what role electric vehicles and new mobility concepts play in this effort.

Contents

1. Sustainable Mobility: Definition and Significance for the Fleet
2. Electrification of the Fleet: Reducing CO₂ Emissions and Operating Costs
3. Potential Challenges in the Transition to Electric Propulsion
4. Sustainable Mobility: Measures for Low-Emission Mobility
5. Reduce Fuel Consumption Through Eco-Driving
6. Alternative Fuels as a Supplement to the Fleet
7. Corporate Car Sharing: Using Vehicles More Efficiently
8. More Sustainable Mobility as a Tool for Retaining Employees
9. Involve employees in a strategy for more sustainable mobility
10. Telematics and Data Analysis for Greater Transparency
11. Measurable Goals and Reporting

Sustainable Mobility: Definition and Significance for the Fleet

Sustainable mobility in a vehicle fleet means taking into account not only economic and operational requirements but also energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and resource use. The goal is to ensure the necessary mobility while simultaneously capitalizing on opportunities to reduce consumption and emissions.

At the same time, companies are increasingly focusing on integrating climate and environmental goals into their corporate mobility strategies. Specific goals and measurable metrics help make progress transparent and enable companies to identify appropriate measures for their vehicle fleets.

The most important approaches to sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet include:

Reduce CO₂ emissions, for example, by electrifying suitable vehicles or using alternative powertrains and fuels
Use vehicles more efficiently, for example through a car-sharing program and higher utilization rates for pooled vehicles
Reduce fuel and energy consumption, for example through eco-driving and selecting vehicles based on actual needs
Integrate alternative mobility options, such as public transportation, bicycles, sharing services, or mobility budgets

Sustainable fleet management takes into account not only individual vehicles but also the company’s overall mobility strategy. Depending on the size of the company, it may make sense to supplement the fleet with public transportation or to restructure existing mobility budgets.

In addition to climate and environmental goals, economic efficiency and the legal framework also play a role. Companies should therefore always evaluate measures such as electrification, alternative mobility options, or more efficient route and vehicle planning based on the specific operational profile. This allows for the development of a mobility strategy that takes into account costs, operational requirements, energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions as a whole.

Electrification of the Fleet: Reducing CO₂ Emissions and Operating Costs

Electrification can be a key component in reducing the use of fossil fuels and direct CO₂ emissions in a vehicle fleet. Whether the use of electric vehicles is also economically viable depends, among other things , on purchase costs, mileage, energy prices, charging infrastructure, and maintenance costs.

Electric vehicles do not produce any direct CO₂ emissions from the exhaust while driving. At the same time, their electric powertrain can offer advantages in terms of maintenance and servicing due to the smaller number of moving and wear-prone components. However, the actual savings depend on the specific vehicle and its usage profile.

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Potential Challenges in the Transition to Electric Propulsion

The way we get around is already changing. In many cities, we’re seeing the trend toward electric mobility continue to gain ground. E-scooters and e-bikes—which can be easily booked via an app—have become a familiar sight in the cityscape. Nevertheless, German vehicle fleets still have some catching up to do when it comes to sustainable mobility.

According to a Geotab study, only one in four fleet managers believes that electric vehicles will play a dominant role in their fleets in the medium term. In contrast, four years ago, more than half of those surveyed agreed with that statement. One-third of the fleet managers surveyed do not expect electric vehicles to make a breakthrough until five to ten years from now.

Most fleet operators find themselves in a dilemma and, for various reasons, continue to rely on conventional internal combustion engines:

Charging Infrastructure: Charging infrastructure is the heart of every electric fleet. It must be carefully analyzed, planned, and implemented in advance, and then managed over time. Government grants help with financing, and experts assist with implementation.
Organizational Effort: The planning and organizational effort involved is significantly higher with an electric fleet. Fleet management software can help with this.
Electricity Costs: Electricity costs can quickly add up. Government incentives and smart load management provide peace of mind. Generating your own solar power can help you save even more.
Commercial Vehicles: Due to long delivery times and high prices, it is not easy to electrify a fleet of commercial vehicles. However, maintenance and repair costs are lower compared to conventional vehicles.

A white electric car is charging at a charging station in a company parking lot. — Stock image illustrating the use of electric vehicles in a fleet — The charging infrastructure is one of the most important factors in an electric vehicle fleet.

Sustainable Mobility: Measures for Low-Emission Mobility

Various political, technological, and economic developments are influencing the transition to a more electrified mobility system.

CO₂ Emissions Standards for New Vehicles

Under current EU regulations, the average CO₂ emissions of newly registered passenger cars and light commercial vehicles must be 100 percent below the 2021 reference value starting in 2035. In this way, the EU is providing clear incentives for the expansion of zero-emission powertrains.

At the same time, there is discussion about adjusting these targets. At the end of 2025, the European Commission proposed changing the target to a 90 percent reduction in exhaust emissions starting in 2035 and allowing certain offset options for the remaining emissions. However, until such a change is adopted, the existing 100 percent target remains in effect.

Transparency and Incentives to Buy

Transparent information and favorable economic conditions play an important role in the continued growth of electric mobility. This includes making it easier to compare charging costs. While fuel prices are displayed immediately at gas stations, charging rates can vary significantly depending on the provider, charging power, location, or contract.

Greater transparency regarding prices and billing models can help companies and drivers better estimate charging costs and compare different offers.

Bonus Schemes and Tax Relief

Experts recommend overhauling the vehicle tax and implementing a bonus system for drivers who switch to sustainable powertrains. In addition, a reform of energy taxes for operating sustainable electric cars is necessary, as concerns about extreme price increases for raw materials have been growing steadily in recent months.

Support Through Digitalization

With an improved digital infrastructure, electric mobility can be implemented on a nationwide scale and, above all, in a cost-effective manner. Specialized software can help locate available charging stations, reliably assess mobility needs, accurately forecast energy consumption, and make green electricity more accessible.

A man is charging a white electric car in front of a modern building—a symbolic image representing the recruitment of environmentally conscious employees — In particular, attracting and retaining environmentally conscious employees is playing an increasingly important role for many companies.

Reduce Fuel Consumption Through Eco-Driving

Eco-driving can help reduce fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and costs for vehicles with internal combustion engines. This includes anticipatory driving, avoiding unnecessary acceleration and braking, and maintaining an appropriate speed.

In addition, regular maintenance and monitoring tire pressure can help ensure efficient vehicle operation. Driver training helps establish fuel-efficient driving habits throughout the fleet.

Digital tools and telematics data provide additional insight into fuel consumption and driving behavior. This enables fleet managers to identify opportunities for optimization and track trends in fuel consumption.

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Alternative Fuels as a Supplement to the Fleet

Depending on the vehicle and its usage profile, alternative fuels can serve as a complement to conventional fossil fuels. These include, for example, biofuels, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen.

The extent to which this can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of fossil fuels depends, among other things, on the manufacturing process, the energy source used, and the specific fuel. Companies should therefore consider not only availability but also costs, infrastructure, and the actual emissions profile.

Electricity: Electric vehicles use energy from batteries as their power source and produce no emissions.
Hydrogen: Hydrogen-powered vehicles derive their energy from fuel cells, in which hydrogen reacts with oxygen.
Biofuels: Biofuels are produced from renewable raw materials, such as biodiesel from vegetable oils or bioethanol from grains, sugarcane, or corn. They can be used in conventional vehicles or blended with conventional fuels.
Natural gas: Natural gas can be used in vehicles in the form of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) or LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and produces fewer harmful CO2 emissions.
E-fuels: These are synthetic fuels produced using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. Their properties are similar to those of fossil fuels, and they can be used in existing internal combustion engines. According to the DAT Barometer from March 2024, 91% of all fleet managers surveyed had already looked into the topic of e-fuels.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Liquefied petroleum gas is a mixture of propane and butane; it is also known as autogas and produces lower CO2 emissions than gasoline or diesel.
Hybrid technology: Hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. The energy generated during braking is used to recharge the vehicle.

Corporate Car Sharing: Using Vehicles More Efficiently

Corporate carsharing allows companies to share vehicles and increase their utilization rates. Instead of assigning vehicles to individual employees on a permanent basis, a shared fleet of vehicles is made available. Depending on mobility needs, this can reduce the required vehicle fleet size.

Higher utilization rates and less downtime can help reduce costs and resource requirements for the vehicle fleet. Electric vehicles can also be integrated into the car-sharing concept and produce no direct CO₂ emissions from the exhaust while driving.

Corporate carsharing can also be combined with public transportation and other mobility options. For example, employees can travel longer distances by bus or train and then use a shared vehicle to continue their journey. This creates a flexible mix of mobility options that combines different modes of transportation as needed.

More Sustainable Mobility as a Tool for Retaining Employees

Many companies are increasingly taking climate and environmental goals into account when designing their corporate mobility solutions. Mobility solutions can not only help reduce CO₂ emissions and resource consumption, but also enhance the company’s employer brand and improve its public image.

If electric vehicles provided as company cars are also used for personal purposes, employees may, under certain conditions, benefit from tax breaks when the non-cash benefit is taxed. This allows companies to demonstrate their commitment to new forms of mobility and reducing CO₂ emissions. This can have a positive impact on how they are perceived as an employer and on their corporate image.

Involve employees in a strategy for more sustainable mobility

Employees play a key role in implementing measures to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions in the vehicle fleet. Actively involving them can not only increase acceptance and use of environmentally friendly solutions but also help achieve the company’s goals.

A key prerequisite is a targeted and consistent communication strategy within the company. Campaigns, newsletters, and informational events help communicate the benefits of sustainable mobility and motivate employees to actively take advantage of them.

Through surveys and collaborative workshops, you can better understand your employees’ needs and requirements and tailor your mobility offerings accordingly. Pilot projects in which a small group of employees tests sustainable mobility solutions—such as e-bikes, car-sharing, or electric vehicles—provide valuable feedback.

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Telematics and Data Analysis for Greater Transparency

Telematics and data analysis provide an important data foundation for evaluating vehicle usage, fuel consumption, and driving behavior. To this end, telematics systems can collect and transmit vehicle data such as location, speed, odometer readings, and fuel consumption.

Based on this data , fleet managers can , for example , optimize routes, analyze downtime and idling times, and identify opportunities to reduce fuel consumption. Depending on the fleet and how it is used, this data can be used to develop measures that can reduce fuel consumption and the associated CO₂ emissions.

At the same time, the data collected enables more targeted control of fleet management and provides insight into trends and opportunities for optimization.

Measurable Goals and Reporting

To effectively pursue climate and environmental goals for the vehicle fleet, measurable targets and regular analysis of relevant data are essential prerequisites.

Define measurable goals: For example, companies can set a goal to reduce their fleet’s CO₂ emissions by a certain percentage or to increase the proportion of electric vehicles by a specified date. Specific, time-bound goals make it possible to track progress.
Creating Transparency: Measurable metrics make it possible to present the fleet’s development in a transparent manner. This enables companies to clearly communicate the goals they are pursuing and the progress they have already made.
Regularly evaluate progress: By continuously collecting and analyzing relevant data, you can determine whether the set goals are being met. Deviations and opportunities for improvement become apparent early on, and measures can be adjusted as needed.

Conclusion: Strategically Implementing Climate and Environmental Goals in the Fleet

Forward-looking fleet management combines economic requirements with climate and environmental goals. Measures such as electrification, more efficient vehicle use, and the reduction of fuel and energy consumption offer various approaches to achieving this.
Digital technologies, employee engagement, and measurable goals help ensure that initiatives are implemented in a targeted manner and that progress can be tracked transparently.
This enables companies to tap into opportunities for cost savings and optimization, reduce CO₂ emissions, and at the same time demonstrate that they are actively working toward efficient and lower-emission corporate mobility.

FAQ – Sustainable Mobility in the Fleet

In the context of a vehicle fleet, sustainable mobility means operating the fleet in the most environmentally friendly and resource-efficient way possible. This includes measures such as reducing CO₂ emissions through the use of electric vehicles or alternative fuels, as well as integrating more sustainable mobility concepts such as carsharing. The goal is to minimize the fleet’s negative impact on the environment, reduce costs in the long term, and comply with legal requirements.

Sustainability offers numerous advantages in this area: Companies not only reduce their CO₂ emissions—thereby actively contributing to environmental and climate protection—but also lower their operating costs at the same time—for example, through more efficient vehicle use, lower fuel consumption, or tax benefits for electric vehicles. In addition, an environmentally friendly fleet enhances the company’s image and strengthens its appeal as an employer. Sustainable measures in the fleet also make it easier to comply with legal requirements.

Yes, an electric car can be both environmentally and economically beneficial for a company’s fleet. Electric cars produce no local emissions and reduce a company’s carbon footprint. Despite higher upfront costs, electric cars offer lower operating costs, less maintenance, and tax benefits—such as reduced taxation on the monetary benefit. An electric car truly reaches its full potential—especially for frequent short trips or urban driving—provided the charging infrastructure is well-planned and properly implemented.

The best-known measure is the electrification of the fleet. This involves the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, which reduce CO₂ emissions. Car-sharing models and pooled vehicles also help optimize utilization and reduce the number of vehicles. Propulsion systems such as hydrogen or biofuels, as well as the promotion of bicycles and e-bikes, also offer a way to make fleet mobility more sustainable.

CO₂ emissions can be reduced by using low-emission vehicles or switching to alternative fuels. This benefits both the environment and the company’s image, as it makes the company more attractive to customers and employees. At the same time, companies benefit from long-term cost savings, as electric vehicles have lower operating costs, particularly in terms of maintenance and energy consumption.