To everyone's surprise, the ecological bonus granted to businesses that buy or rent electric cars was simply abolished on 14/02/2024. A radical and brutal decision, which may seem paradoxical in view of the challenges associated with the decarbonization of corporate vehicle fleets.
Could this U-turn therefore compromise the necessary energy transition of vehicle fleets? At first glance, you might think so. This could seriously slow down the electrification of vehicle fleets, which has been temporarily initiated in recent years. However, if we analyze the situation more precisely, we can also think that the ongoing revolution will continue with or without a bonus. Let us explain it to you!
The abolition of the 3,000 euros ecological bonus for companies and administrations should not call into question the relevance of the energy transition. Beyond the obvious ecological impact, the advantages associated with the use of electric vehicles remain numerous and the prices are currently quite attractive.
The benefits of the energy transition for businesses
Reduced fuel costs
The use of electric vehicles reduces fuel costs. This can mean significant savings for businesses. The “vehicles” element is often the 2and the largest expense item after salaries.
Reduced maintenance costs
Electric vehicles require less maintenance than their combustion engine counterparts. There are no more oil changes to perform, no more timing belts, less wear on brake parts, etc. In use, maintaining an electric vehicle costs less for businesses.
Reduction of CO2 emissions
Electric vehicles produce no CO2 emissions. This makes it possible to reduce the overall environmental impact of the company.
A legal framework favourable to electric vehicles
Legislation is evolving in favor of the energy transition. For example, with the creation of low emission zones (LEZs). These zones will gradually limit the movement of combustion vehicles in certain traffic areas in cities. In addition, the LOM law introduces new quotas to accelerate the renewal of car fleets towards more ecological models. Thus, since January 1saintly In 2022, the LOM requires fleets of more than 100 vehicles to include at least 10% of vehicles with low CO2 emissions (<60 g CO2/km). From 2024, the required percentage of low-emission vehicles will be 20%, then 35% in 2027, and 50% from 2030.
So did the abolition of the ecological bonus spell the death knell for the energy transition of vehicle fleets? Given the various benefits that offset the loss of this financial boost, this is not so obvious.
But that's not really the question...
For business fleets, the major challenge is knowing which vehicles to electrify. Some companies have decided to electrify volunteers' vehicles. Others have chosen to target specific jobs within the organization...
In reality, the only option for a successful fleet's energy transition is to know the uses of each vehicle. Electrifying a vehicle that travels more than 500 km per day makes no sense. Likewise, electrifying a vehicle without taking into account charging needs and capacities can be particularly risky and counterproductive.
In summary, electrifiable vehicles are those whose use is compatible with the operation of an electric vehicle. If the use is in accordance with the requirements of an electric vehicle, savings will be achieved. To guide businesses in their choices... there is only one option: the collection and analysis of usage data.
How Optimum can support you in your energy transition:
Optimal offers various data collection and analysis solutions. This is done over a long period of time, providing an accurate overview of the use (distance, number of trips, downtime, etc.) of each vehicle. We help you determine which vehicles are best suited for electrification. Finally, we make specific recommendations on the necessary charging infrastructure (number, capacity and locations of charging stations).
