Why an electric fleet policy?
To counter climate change, global greenhouse gas emissions must halve by 2030. Companies are taking responsibility towards customers, consumers, shareholders and regulators with a clear strategy to improve health and quality of life. As part of this, a large and growing number of companies are taking the initiative to switch to a fully electric fleet policy within the foreseeable future.
This article covers the implementation of an electric vehicle policy and links it to the broader sustainability goal: a practical guide to introducing an EV fleet, addressing common problems and offering concrete steps for success.
Four tips for a flying start
Zero-emission vehicles are becoming reality, but what if your company (or the country you operate in) is not yet ready to switch completely? Four tips to start the journey towards an electric fleet policy:
- Start with shared vehicles, such as pool cars, and with installing charging points at the workplace.
- Allow EVs in your car policy rather than excluding them, so early adopters can switch as soon as they are ready.
- Lower the barrier for drivers by including the home charging solution in the lease contract.
- Lead by example: provide senior management with electric cars.
How is the EV market in Europe developing?
In the EU, the car market closed 2023 with 13.9% growth versus 2022, reaching an annual volume of 10.5 million vehicles. Battery-electric cars established themselves as the third most popular choice: volume passed 1.5 million units, up 37% on 2022, with a market share of 14.6%. Hybrid-electric cars grew cumulatively by 30% to over 2.7 million units sold (a quarter of the EU market), while the plug-in hybrid market declined by 7% to an 8% share.
Drivetrain share in EU new registrations 2023 (source: ACEA, January 2024)
- Petrol: 35%
- Hybrid (HEV): 26%
- Battery-electric (BEV): 15%
- Diesel: 13%
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): 8%
- Other: 3%
These trends make clear that the time is ripe to switch to an electric fleet in a growing number of European countries.
What are the benefits of an electric fleet policy?
Electric vehicles contribute to lower emissions, less air pollution and a smaller CO₂ footprint, helping companies achieve their corporate social responsibility goals. But there are more reasons why companies start the journey to net zero:
- Cost savings: lower fuel and maintenance costs reduce the fleet's total cost of ownership.
- Government incentives: subsidies and allowances significantly ease the initial investment and increase economic viability.
- Improved reputation: the switch underlines the commitment to sustainability and innovation.
- Employee satisfaction and retention: the better reputation plus the direct benefits of driving electric make the company a more attractive employer.
Which seven steps lead to an electric fleet?
More and more organisations are considering adding (exclusively) electric vehicles to their fleet. Realise that the transition requires a carefully planned change management approach, with attention to employee engagement, vehicle choice and use, and charging infrastructure. The whitepaper elaborates seven steps:
- Project preparation
- Engaging suppliers and cost analysis
- Alignment with stakeholders, infrastructure and policy implementation
- Formalising the partnership with your EV supplier
- The launch phase
- Implementation support
- Handover to daily operations
How does Molthoff Fleetmanagement help with the transition?
Molthoff Fleetmanagement advises independently on the switch to electric: from an up-to-date mobility policy with EV and charging arrangements to procurement and implementation. We are happy to send you the full fleetcompetence Group whitepaper; just get in touch.
Download the whitepaper
Implementing electric vehicles: 7 steps