Electric mobility, a key element in the decarbonisation of your company
In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, replacing internal combustion vehicles with electric vehicles is crucial. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to the transport of people and goods keep rising within the European Union. This concerns all types of vehicles, and a transition is necessary to meet national and European targets.
Purchasing these vehicles in principle requires the installation of one or more electric charging station(s) and can be supplemented by the installation of photovoltaic panels.
Key steps and aspects to consider when planning and implementing this change are outlined below.
Needs analysis regarding electric vehicles for the company
Carry out an inventory of the use of company vehicles.
Real needs must first be defined in order to identify a suitable vehicle.
By combining the inventory and the needs analysis, it will be possible to select the vehicle that suits the specific use case.
Definition of needs and evolution
The answers to the following questions will help with the purchase of one or more zero-emission vehicle(s) within the company
Do you know the usage patterns of your vehicles?
What are the daily distances actually travelled by vehicle type?
Which patterns are predestined to be converted into electric vehicles?
If the journeys exceed the battery range, are there charging opportunities at stops or at the destination?
If necessary, can your employees charge the vehicle at home or near their home?
Evolution of the European and national situation
To date, no European standard requires the electrification of any utility vehicle. However, there is an agreement on the zero CO2 emissions target for new passenger cars and vans from 2035 (Fit for 55), which means that after this date new cars or light commercial vehicles with an internal combustion engine (M1 and N1 classes) will no longer be sold on the European market.
To support the implementation of this transition, the European Commission stipulated, via the Regulation on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (AFIR), that fast recharging stations be installed every 60 km and hydrogen refuelling stations every 150 km on major roads.
Financial aid is also available to facilitate the transition right away.
In some EU Member States, toll charges are reduced for electric vehicles.
Vehicle identification tools tailored to your use case
To identify zero-emission utility vehicles that meet your needs, you can use, for example, a comparison tool for cost, performance, charging times and battery range: price comparator.
By learning about the different solutions offered by the dealers, you can find the optimal solution for the integration of this (these) vehicle(s): leasing or purchase. It is sometimes possible to take advantage of tests and customise the vehicle to your needs.
Practical information: a B licence holder, until now authorised to drive a vehicle with a maximum weight of 3,500 kg with a trailer with a maximum weight of 750 kg, is now authorised to drive an electrically powered N1 vehicle (usually a van), with a maximum weight of up to 4,250 kg. More details here.
Subsidy application
State subsidies
Please note: any application for government or non-government subsidies must comply with the “incentive effect”, subject to compliance with the subsidy conditions. To respect the “incentive effect”, no binding commitment (cost estimation signed; payed a deposit) can be made BEFORE having received the tentative settlement from the State or the electricity and natural gas supplier following an assistance request.
Subsidy for the purchase of a pure electric, fuel cell or hydrogen vehicle (M1, M1G + N1) for natural persons and legal entities under private law, amounting to €8,000 without exceeding 50% of the initial price excluding VAT, whose electrical energy consumption does not exceed 18kWh/100km for a van, or €3,000 without exceeding 50% of the initial price excluding VAT for other vehicles. This subsidy is available for vehicles purchased until 30 September 2024 and registered until 31 March 2025.
o Aid granted to the vehicle owner; in the case of leasing, aid may be granted to the lessee if the owner waives the aid.
o From 1 October 2024 the subsidy will amount to €6,000 without exceeding 50% of the initial price excluding VAT of the vehicle whose electrical energy consumption does not exceed 16kWh/100km, or €3,000 if it is between 16kWh/100km and 18kWh/100km for any vehicle kept for at least 3 years. By then, electric cars over 3 years old will be eligible for a €1,500 bonus.
Temporary support system for zero-emission heavy-duty commercial vehicles in N2 and N3 categories, battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell. Each company is allowed one aid application per year, to be submitted prior to placing the order. The maximum amount of aid is calculated on the basis of eligible costs (difference between the cost of the non-electric equivalent and that of the electric vehicle) and can reach 60% for small, 50% for medium and 40% for large companies while not exceeding €300,000 in aid per group.
Note: The subsidy is paid once the vehicle is registered.
Application for subsidies from electricity and natural gas suppliers
Since 2015, natural gas and electricity suppliers are required to make energy savings for consumers under the obligation scheme. Since then, energy suppliers have been offering support and advice, as well as subsidy programmes for consumers to implement energy efficiency measures.
Enoprimes (energy efficiency subsidies) are available for the improvement of your vehicle fleet in addition to state aid.
In some EU Member States, toll charges are reduced for electric vehicles, e.g.:
Manufacturing
Transport
Administration
Agriculture, viticulture
Aid and care sector
Craft Industry
Commerce
