Fleet energy transition: companies must act
Introduction to the Damien Adam Law on the Decarbonization of Automobile Fleets
Damien Adam's proposed law, aimed at tightening the rules for decarbonizing car fleets, was adopted by the National Assembly's Sustainable Development Commission on April 9, 2024. This law puts pressure on companies with more than 100 vehicles in their fleets. It aims to speed up the transition to more environmentally-friendly vehicles, imposing electrification thresholds and introducing penalties for failing to meet targets.
It is recognized that these objectives are ambitious, and that electrification does not yet meet all the needs of fleet managers. The technical and logistical challenges associated with this transition are considerable. However, this legislation also represents an opportunity to adapt to an inevitable industry trend.
Fleet Greening Thresholds: What are the new requirements?
Greening thresholds shifted by one year
The greening thresholds initially set out in the bill were :
- of 30 % in 2025
- 40 % in 2026
- 50 % in 2027
- 60 % in 2028
- 70 % in 2029
- 80 % in 2030
- 90 % in 2031
- 95 % in 2032
However, nine amendments were adopted, pushing back these thresholds by one year. As a result, the greening threshold in 2025 is now 20 %, while in 2032 it is reduced from 95 % to 90 %.
Penalties for non-compliance with fleet regulations
A penalty mechanism will be introduced from January 1, 2026. Insufficient incorporation of low-emission vehicles in fleets would be punishable by a fine. This would represent 1 % of sales, at most, and a progressive fine per missing clean vehicle: 2,000 euros in 2025, 4,000 euros in 2026 and 5,000 in 2027.
In the event of reporting shortcomings, the company will be liable to a maximum fine of 0.1 % of sales, instead of the 10,000 euros stipulated by the MP, and 20,000 euros in the event of a repeat offence.
Fleet managers therefore need to take these penalties seriously. They need to put in place procedures to track and report the necessary information. This involves collecting and analyzing data relating to the vehicle fleet.
Optimize Your Fleet Management to Meet New Requirements
The first step is to collect and analyze vehicle usage data. The aim is to electrify those whose use is relevant with an electric 100% engine. Optimum offers an electrification study that collects the data needed to make an informed decision. Distances covered, journey times and frequencies, parking times and locations: all these parameters are analyzed over a significant period to determine, on an individual basis, the relevance of switching to an electric vehicle.
Incentives for the Integration of Electric Vehicles in Fleets
The proposed law is not limited to penalties. It also aims to promote electric vehicles with a good eco-score. In other words, they will be counted as "1.2 vehicles instead of 1" for administrative purposes.
In other words, if you add 5 vehicles with a good eco score to your fleet, 6 vehicles will be counted for administrative purposes (1.2*5 = 6).
Excluding Hybrid Vehicles: Focus on Complete Electrification
What about hybrids? It should be noted that plug-in hybrid vehicles will be excluded from the electrification quotas. This leaves room for 100 % electric models, retrofitted vehicles, heavy quadricycles and motorized tricycles.
Specific Framework for Short-Term Rental and Car-Sharing Companies
What about short-term rental companies? This proposal also includes a specific framework for LCD and car-sharing players. The law proposes an appropriate electrification timetable, with progressive targets starting only at 5% in 2025. And a review clause in 2027 to assess the effectiveness of the measures and adjust the trajectory if necessary.
The use of electric vehicles is one way of moving towards decarbonization... but not the only solution
To achieve decarbonization objectives in the mobility sector, a multi-faceted approach is required. At the same time, employees also have a crucial role to play in this transition. Their contribution can take many forms. For example, by reducing the number of kilometers driven, adopting less carbon-intensive modes of transport, and supporting the development of energy-efficient electric vehicles.
This is where Mobility Pack can play a decisive role. This mobility management platform provides fleet managers with an invaluable tool for navigating these new regulations. The solution not only "digitizes" the management of business expenses, but also manages government schemes dedicated to "soft mobility". Crédit Mobilité and Forfait Mobilités Durables can be managed using the Mobility Pack solution. The Mobility Pack solution provides the mobility manager with valuable dashboards and indicators. The TCM (Total Cost of Mobility) and the individual and collective carbon impact... These indicators make it possible to analyze and optimize employee mobility, both financially and environmentally.
Damien Adam's proposed law offers short-term measures and actions that can quickly contribute to reducing emissions from the transport sector and meeting our climate commitments. By engaging all players in the sector, fleet managers and employees alike, we can meet the challenges of the transition to a more environmentally-friendly vehicle fleet.
Take Action to Avoid Sanctions
In conclusion, the time for procrastination is over! The climate emergency is here, and no one can ignore it. After the recent backtracking on the subject of ZFEs (Zones à Faibles Emissions), the Damien Adam Law makes a point of emphasizing the importance of the energy transition. So it's only natural that companies with fleets of 100 vehicles or more should be required to contribute.
Vehicle electrification, company car-sharing and car-pooling, alternative mobility... the areas for development are real, and the tools to manage these changes are ready. Now it's time for action...
If you don't, watch out for the penalties!