Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important in fleet management. Today more than ever, companies are faced with the task of making their mobility more climate-friendly and efficient. Both ecological responsibility and economic aspects play a central role in this. A sustainable vehicle fleet helps to reduce CO₂ emissions, conserve resources and meet legal requirements. At the same time, the focus is shifting to electromobility as an important component of sustainable mobility concepts.
In this article, you will find out how you can make your fleet fit for the future and which measures will help to combine mobility and environmental protection.
Contents
Sustainable mobility: definition and significance for the vehicle fleet
Sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet aims to operate it in the most environmentally friendly and resource-saving way possible. The focus here is on minimizing the ecological impact of the vehicle fleet without compromising operational efficiency or mobility requirements.
One of the main reasons for more sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet is to reduce CO₂ emissions. The legal requirements for environmental protection and emission reduction are becoming ever stricter and more comprehensive, as vehicles with conventional combustion engines contribute significantly to environmental pollution.
At the same time, companies that focus on more environmentally friendly mobility can strengthen their image. This not only has a positive effect on customer trust and loyalty, but can also increase employee satisfaction.
The most important aspects for more sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet include
- emissions, for example by electrifying the vehicle fleet or switching to alternative fuels
- Make vehicle use efficient by introducing a car-sharing concept
- Optimize fuel consumption, for example through eco-driving methods or the use of vehicles with lower fuel consumption values
- Promote environmentally friendly transportation alternatives and flexible mobility alternatives to meet employees’ needs
Sustainable fleet management takes into account not only individual vehicles, but the entire company mobility strategy. Depending on the size of the company, it may make sense to use public transport as a supplement or to restructure existing mobility budgets. Well thought-out mobility management that sensibly links different modes of transport helps to reduce consumption and emissions.
In addition to ecological goals, legal framework conditions and financial subsidies also play a key role. Those who rely on state-subsidized programs when converting to e-mobility, for example, reduce the financial outlay and make the transition to sustainable mobility more attractive. Companies that focus on expanding sustainable measures at an early stage are taking responsibility and positioning themselves for the future. The combination of e-mobility and well thought-out route planning not only reduces emissions, but also eases the burden on urban traffic. In this way, the mobility transition not only makes ecological but also economic sense.
Another advantage: targeted measures to improve the mobility structure not only reduce operating costs in the long term, but also take advantage of statutory funding opportunities. For example, rethinking existing company car regulations and using more efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles actively contributes to the implementation of the company-wide sustainability strategy.
Sustainable fleet through electrification: The future of ecological corporate mobility
The electric conversion of the vehicle fleet is an important step that companies can take towards environmentally friendly mobility. The use of electric vehicles offers a wide range of environmental and economic benefits that not only help to reduce CO2 emissions, but also represent a forward-looking and economical investment.
Electric vehicles do not produce harmful emissions while driving, which makes a significant contribution to environmental protection. Even though electric vehicles are more expensive to purchase than conventional vehicles with combustion engines, vehicles with electric drives have lower operating costs. This is because fewer moving parts that are susceptible to wear are installed, resulting in lower and more cost-effective maintenance requirements. According to the Institut für Automobilwirtschaft (IFA), this can save around 35 percent of costs.
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Possible challenges when switching to electric drive
Fortunately, the way we get around is already changing. In many cities, we see that the trend toward electromobility is becoming more and more prevalent. E-scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters, which can be booked simply by using an app, are now a common sight in the city. Nevertheless, German 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 believe 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 this statement. A third of the fleet managers surveyed do not expect a breakthrough of electric vehicles for another five to ten years.
The majority of fleet operators see themselves in a dilemma and continue to rely on conventional combustion engines for various reasons:
- Charging infrastructure: The charging infrastructure is at the heart of every e-fleet. It must be precisely analyzed, planned, implemented and later managed in advance. Government grants help with funding and experts help with implementation.
- Organizational effort: The planning and organizational effort is significantly higher for an e-fleet. This is where fleet management software comes in.
- Electricity costs: Electricity costs can quickly become significant. Government subsidies and intelligent load management bring security. Self-generated solar power can save further costs.
- Commercial vehicles: A fleet of commercial vehicles cannot be easily electrified due to long delivery times and high prices. This means lower costs for maintenance and repairs compared to conventional vehicles.
Sustainable mobility: These measures advance the electromobility trend
Various measures are needed to promote sustainable mobility:
Sales bans for internal combustion engines
The end of combustion engines in 2035 seemed to have been a done deal since October 2022. An exception is to be made for vehicles that run on climate-neutral, synthetically produced fuels, known as e-fuels. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe by 90 percent by 2040. However, doubts have now arisen within the EU and the ban on combustion engines is being reconsidered.
Better communication and purchase incentives
This is where politics and business are needed. There are still many reservations about electromobility. They can be mitigated through targeted campaigns, more transparency and good purchase incentives. What is currently difficult to communicate is the fact that everyone pays the same for fuel at the gas station, but the prices at the charging station vary significantly.
Bonus models and tax relief
Experts recommend a change in vehicle tax and a bonus system for drivers who switch to sustainable drives. In addition, energy tax reform is needed for the operation of sustainable electric cars, as concerns are growing due to extreme price increases in raw materials within the last few months.
Support through digitization
With an improved digital infrastructure, electromobility can be deployed across the board and, above all, cost-effectively. Here, appropriate software helps to find free charging stations, reliably assess the need for mobility, forecast energy consumption in a meaningful way, and make green electricity more applicable.
Fuel efficiency through eco-driving: Sustainable fleet through anticipatory driving
Increasing the fuel efficiency of conventional vehicles can reduce climate-damaging emissions and save money at the same time. Simple measures such as regular maintenance, tire pressure monitoring and driver training to promote an environmentally conscious driving style, known as eco-driving, play a crucial role in making the fleet more sustainable.
Eco-driving is a fuel-saving driving style. Through a combination of technical knowledge and conscious behavior, drivers learn to minimize fuel consumption and emissions. The basic principles of eco-driving include anticipatory driving, avoiding unnecessary acceleration and braking, maintaining optimal speeds, and utilizing the vehicle in an efficient speed range. It not only helps to reduce CO2 emissions, but also offers economic benefits. An environmentally conscious driving style leads to lower fuel consumption and therefore to cost savings for the company. In addition, smoother driving extends the life of vehicles, which in turn reduces the environmental impact of producing new vehicles.
Especially for companies that continue to use conventional company cars, eco-driving is a measure that can be implemented quickly and has a noticeable effect. Driver training courses can be organized with little effort and often achieve measurable results after a short time. It is necessary to continuously monitor and regularly evaluate the topic as part of a holistic mobility approach.
Digital tools and telematics-supported analyses also help to make implementation efficient. As part of modern mobility strategies, companies can systematically evaluate consumption and identify optimization potential. In this way, a sustainable vehicle fleet is combined with the opportunities offered by intelligent technologies to create a future-proof and economically viable solution.
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Alternative fuels: diversity for clean mobility
The use of alternative fuels is another key component of a sustainable fleet strategy. Biodiesel, bioethanol, compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen are just a few of the environmentally friendly options that can serve as substitutes for conventional fuels. They significantly reduce CO2 emissions and help to promote the circular economy. They also open up opportunities for companies to switch to renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
- Electricity: Electric vehicles use energy from batteries as a power source and produce no emissions.
- Hydrogen: Hydrogen-powered vehicles generate energy from fuel cells, where hydrogen reacts with oxygen.
- Biofuels: Biofuels are produced from renewable raw materials, such as biodiesel from vegetable oils or bioethanol from grain, sugar cane or maize. They can be used in conventional vehicles or blended with conventional fuels.
- Natural gas: Natural gas can be used in the form of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) or LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) for vehicles and produces less harmful CO2 emissions.
- E-fuels: These are synthetic fuels that are produced with the help of renewable energies such as solar or wind power. Their properties are similar to fossil fuels and they can be used in existing internal combustion engines. According to the DAT Barometer in March 2024, 91% of all fleet managers surveyed have already addressed the topic of e-fuels.
- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG): LPG is a mixture of propane and butane and is also known as autogas and has lower CO2 emissions than gasoline or diesel.
- Hybrid technology: In hybrid vehicles, an internal combustion engine is combined with an electric motor. The energy generated by braking is used to charge the vehicle.
Corporate car sharing: Sustainable fleet through vehicle sharing
Corporate car sharing is one of the key components of a sustainable fleet that reduces environmental impact and increases operational efficiency. Vehicle sharing is a modern and sustainable solution for reducing the number of vehicles in the fleet.
Instead of providing each employee with their own vehicle, a pool of vehicles is shared. This leads to resource optimization, as vehicles are better utilized and idle times are minimized. This not only saves costs, but also reduces the environmental impact, as fewer vehicles are produced and fewer CO2 emissions are generated. Moreover, car sharing in combination with electric or hybrid-powered vehicles can make an additional contribution to reducing pollutant emissions and contribute to greener mobility.
Another advantage is the flexible integration of electric company cars into the car sharing model. Especially in urban regions with heavy traffic, this can contribute to traffic calming and the productive use of commercial mobility. Companies that rely on corporate car sharing not only benefit ecologically, but also demonstrate innovative strength in terms of modern mobility strategies.
The car sharing concept can also be easily combined with the use of public transport. For example, employees can use public transport for longer journeys and use a vehicle from the company pool on site. This combination not only reduces emissions, but also makes mobility more flexible and environmentally friendly overall – an important step towards sustainable mobility concepts in everyday corporate life.
Sustainable mobility as a tool for staff retention
Many companies have recognized that sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet not only contributes to more climate protection, but also plays an increasingly important role in attracting and retaining employees. This is because more and more employees want their employer to contribute to greater climate and environmental protection.
When it comes to sustainable and e-mobility in the workplace, corporate car sharing also plays a key role. A smart car sharing concept can reduce the number of vehicles in the fleet and save valuable resources.
If vehicles with an electric drive are used in the company, employees benefit from the 0.5 or 0.25 percent special regulation when paying tax on the non-cash benefit. A company that offers its employees these options therefore not only sends a positive signal about climate-friendly mobility, but also promotes staff loyalty at the same time.
Involving employees in a strategy for more sustainable mobility
Employees play a central role in the implementation of a sustainable mobility strategy in the vehicle fleet. Actively involving them can not only increase the acceptance and use of environmentally friendly solutions, but also help to achieve the company’s goals.
The basic prerequisite is a targeted and uniform communication strategy within the company. Campaigns, newsletters and information events help to communicate the benefits of sustainable mobility and motivate employees to actively use it.
Through Surveys and joint workshops can help you better understand the needs and requirements of your employees and adapt your mobility offerings accordingly. Pilot projects in which a smaller group of employees sustainable mobility solutions such as e-bikes, car sharing and electric vehiclesprovide valuable feedback.
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A sustainable fleet through telematics and data analysis
In today’s era of digitalization, telematics and data analytics are opening up new horizons for fleet management and enabling companies to make their vehicle fleets more sustainable. Telematics is a system that makes it possible to record and transmit vehicle data in real time. This data includes a variety of parameters such as vehicle location, speed, fuel consumption, engine performance and much more. Digital networking enables fleet managers to monitor and control the use of vehicles.
By combining GPS technology, sensors and mobile communications, companies can determine the exact location of their vehicles to optimize route planning and minimize idle time. This leads not only to a reduction in fuel consumption, but also to a reduction in CO2 emissions. In addition, telematics also enables precise monitoring of driver behavior. By evaluating the collected data, valuable insights can be gained that optimize fleet management and contribute to greater sustainability in the fleet.
Measurable targets and reporting: transparency for a sustainable future in the fleet
To make the fleet sustainable, measurable goals and transparent reporting are essential for success.
- Measurable goals: The path to change: The first step on the road to a sustainable fleet is to set clearly defined and measurable goals. These goals should be specific, realistic and time-bound. Companies can, for example, set themselves the goal of reducing the CO2 emissions of their fleet by a certain percentage or increasing the proportion of electric vehicles within their fleet by a certain date.
- Transparency and credibility: Measurable targets not only serve as a guide for the implementation of sustainable measures, but also contribute to transparency and credibility. Companies that clearly communicate their goals demonstrate their commitment to a sustainable future and gain the trust of their customers, partners and stakeholders.
- Reporting: Regular reporting on progress is a critical step on the road to a sustainable fleet. By collecting and analyzing relevant data, companies can evaluate their performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and adjust their goals as necessary.
Conclusion: Sustainability in the vehicle fleet as a strategic success factor
- A sustainable vehicle fleet is no longer an issue for the future, but an integral part of a responsible corporate strategy. The combination of ecological, economic and social aspects increases efficiency, supports climate protection and strengthens employer attractiveness.
- Companies that involve their team in the transformation process, use digital technologies and pursue clear goals with transparent reporting achieve sustainable change faster and more successfully.
- Those who comprehensively implement sustainability in their vehicle fleet not only exploit potential savings, but also position themselves as a future-oriented, responsible employer and business partner.
FAQ - Sustainable mobility in the vehicle fleet
In the fleet context, sustainable mobility means operating the vehicle fleet in the most environmentally friendly and resource-conserving way possible. This includes measures such as reducing CO₂ emissions by using electric vehicles or alternative fuels and integrating more sustainable mobility concepts such as car sharing. The aim is to minimize the negative impact of the vehicle fleet on the environment, reduce costs in the long term and comply with legal requirements.
Sustainability offers numerous advantages here: Companies not only reduce their CO₂ emissions and thus make an active contribution to environmental and climate protection, but also reduce operating costs at the same time – for example through more efficient vehicle use, lower fuel consumption or tax advantages for electric vehicles. An environmentally friendly vehicle fleet also improves the company’s image and makes it more attractive as an employer. Legal requirements can also be met more easily through sustainable measures in the vehicle fleet.
Yes, an e-car in the fleet can be worthwhile both ecologically and economically. E-cars emit no local emissions and reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Despite higher acquisition costs, e-cars score points with lower operating costs, less maintenance and tax advantages, such as reduced taxation of the non-cash benefit. An e-car unfolds its full potential, especially for frequent short trips or urban use – provided the charging infrastructure is well planned and implemented.
The best known is the electric conversion of the fleet. This involves the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, which reduce CO₂ emissions. Car-sharing models and pool vehicles also help to optimize capacity utilization and reduce the number of vehicles. Drives such as hydrogen or biofuels and the promotion of bicycles and e-bikes also offer an opportunity to make mobility in the fleet 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. This increases the company’s attractiveness for customers and employees. At the same time, companies benefit from long-term cost savings, as electric vehicles have lower operating costs, especially in terms of maintenance and energy consumption.
Other useful articles on the topic of sustainable mobility
Mobility Budget Instead of Company Car: Flexible Mobility for Employees
Bicycles in the company: A sustainable alternative for employee mobility
E-mobility in the Company: 5 Important Points of the Fleet Analysis
Is an e-car worthwhile in the fleet? These 5 reasons speak for e-vehicles in the fleet
Sustainable Fleet: Measures for more Environmental and Climate Protection in the Fleet
Mobility of the Future: 5 Trends for the Vehicle Fleet
Pool vehicle management: advantages, organization and taxation of pool vehicles in the fleet
Fleet Management: Modern vehicle management for maximum fleet efficiency
Vehicle management: efficient processes for a modern vehicle fleet
