On the road to a sustainable future, electric mobility in the vehicle fleet is increasingly coming into focus. The subsidies and tax benefits offered by the German government in recent years have provided companies with an even greater incentive to opt for e-mobility. Even though only private individuals have been eligible for funding since Sept. 1, 2023, there are E-cars in the fleet still a good choice. In this article, we would like to present five compelling reasons why an e-car is worthwhile as a company car for your fleet, why they can be the ideal solution for your operational needs, and how they contribute to a sustainable, future-oriented fleet.
Reason 1: Electric cars require little maintenance and are therefore cost-efficient
A major advantage of electric cars as company cars is their lower maintenance intensity compared to conventional combustion vehicles. The reason for this is their simpler design, as they do not contain any components that are susceptible to wear and require high maintenance, such as the transmission, clutch, catalytic converter, fuel tank or alternator. There is also no need to change the oil. As calculated by the Institute of Automotive Economics (IFA), inspections of electric vehicles are on average around up to 35 % cheaper. Some wear and tear will still occur, of course, such as replacing tires and brake pads, but so the longer you use an e-vehicle as a company car in the fleet, the less maintenance and cost you will have overall.
Another plus is that the exemption from taxation for electric vehicles will continue until December 31, 2030, which adds to the savings. Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, are not exempt; as is usual for internal combustion vehicles, the tax is calculated on the basis of engine displacement and CO2 emissions.
The cost-effectiveness of e-cars also depends on annual mileage. Here, the so-called Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) can serve you as a reliable benchmark to measure the cost savings. Here, the energy costs are included and evaluated in the TCO procedure, taking into account the specific energy consumption of the vehicle, the fuel price and the electricity tariff. Additional factors such as vehicle tax and the cost of maintenance and repairs are also included in the overall calculation. A decisive factor in calculating the total cost and profitability of an e-car is also the mileage, which in turn influences fuel costs and contributes significantly to residual value development. If you look at these figures and compare them with the consumption values of combustion vehicles, you will see that the economy of the electric car stands out positively. All in all, electric cars offer clear economic arguments that make them an attractive option for your fleet.
Reason 2: Electric cars are ideal as pool vehicles in the fleet
A great way to leverage the economics of electric vehicles in the fleet is through their use as pool vehicles in corporate carsharing. Our research projects Shared eFleets and EMS have shown that e-cars achieve excellent results, especially in sharing concepts. The reason for this is that these vehicles are often used by several employees and therefore have a high utilization rate. In addition, they usually travel shorter distances, which further increases their efficiency. This high utilization rate means they quickly achieve profitability and show themselves to be an extremely cost-effective option.
Compared to a personal company car, pool vehicles are shared by employees. Flexible use makes it possible to optimize vehicle utilization and minimize unnecessary downtime. This can reduce the number of vehicles and cut costs . The clever integration of electric vehicles in a car-sharing concept can also further reduce emissions that are harmful to the environment. An e-car is therefore particularly worthwhile if you are planning to integrate pool vehicles or already have sharing vehicles in your fleet.
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Reason 3: An e-car pays off thanks to high mileage and advanced battery technology
Electromobility technology has made significant progress in recent years, especially in battery performance. Battery capacities used to be limited, but thanks to the latest generation of lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles now have a much longer service life.
With continuous development, batteries are getting bigger and more powerful. Modern electric cars can usually withstand at least 1,000 charging cycles before battery replacement needs to be considered. The increased performance of the batteries not only has a positive effect on the range of the vehicle, but also on its service life. A more powerful battery needs to be charged with electricity less often, ages more slowly and thus maintains a high range reserve for longer.
Improved battery technology is also contributing to the attractiveness of electric vehicles on the used car market. While first-generation vehicles often had a higher residual value loss, newer models are more stable in value. This means that an electric car is now also an economically interesting option for your fleet in the long term. The high mileage and advanced battery technology make electric cars reliable companions that also score in terms of long-term use. Worries about limited battery life are a thing of the past.
Reason 4: Electric cars create a greener future and strengthen corporate image
An e-car is not only economically worthwhile, it also sends a clear signal for more sustainable and environmentally friendly corporate mobility. More and more companies are recognizing their responsibility and taking steps to convert their fleets to electric mobility, perhaps with their own charging infrastructure, or have already successfully begun this process.
This environmentally conscious approach is not only good for the environment, but also brings positive effects for your corporate image. Customers, employees and business partners appreciate companies that actively contribute to promoting climate protection and are committed to sustainable solutions. Using electric cars in your fleet conveys a strong statement and shows that your company is leading by example. So by using electric cars, you are not only contributing to sustainability, but also showing your vision and willingness to innovate.
Reason 5: Earn money with e-vehicles thanks to GHG quota
An exciting opportunity to maximize the cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles in the fleet lies in trading what is known as the GHG ratio. But what is actually behind this concept and how can you earn extra money through it?
GHG ratio refers to the greenhouse gas reduction rate set by the government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Companies that operate a fleet of vehicles are required to reduce a certain amount of greenhouse gas emissions to meet regulatory requirements. This is where the electric car comes in: by using e-cars in your fleet, you can significantly reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. If you fall below the defined emission quota, you receive so-called GHG quotas that you can sell. This means that you make money by selling excess quota to other companies that have not met their emissions targets.
