Electric cars for companies

5 good tips how to convert to a green fleet

• Step 1 - Prepare

  It seems obvious, but make sure your planning covers all elements of the transition process and addresses the issues likely to arise. Here are some of the most common:

  • Which drivers? It’s likely that not all your employees will be able to transition EVs straight away. Clarify who can and find a solution during the transition period for those who can not change yet. For example, extension of leasing agreements
  • Charging solutions. Evaluate the costs and benefits of charging stations at home, in the workplace versus public chargers, as well as the various subscriptions available in the market. It is our recommendation that you get a home charging solution, which is also the most economical driveline for the company.
  • Vehicle budgets. If your current budget for fuel-powered cars includes fuel, you can set separate budgets for electric cars on the charging subscription. Thus, budgets for the different cars can be better compared.
  • Investment.  Calculate the financial impact of EV adoption based on the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) including any tax relief for both the driver and company. The latter varies considerably from country to country and in Denmark from year to year.
• Step 2 - Adjust your car policy

  Be sure to emphasize the company's ambition to transition to a full electric fleet in the car policy and other relevant internal policies. Be sure to include all the details about the benefits the employee gets by switching. 

• Step 3 - Communicate

  Transitioning your fleet to EVs could lead to many internal discussions and may not be welcomed by all drivers. A strong communication plan should be in place to address the needs of your audiences, and could include some or all of the following elements:

  • Clear messages. Be sure to explain the benefits of switching to an electric car for the company and its employees, and at the same time make room for everyone to have their say.
  • Sources of information. Feel free to link to material and websites from credible sources that can help answering questions about electric cars.
  • Q&A and test drive. The level of security increases when employees can ask about everything, and can also experience driving an electric car.
• Step 4 - Lead by example

  Managers should to be among the first to switch to electric cars to show support from the top throughout the organization. Also select enthusiastic employees to participate in a pilot project and become ambassadors for electric cars. 

• Step 5 - Monitor feedback

  Listen carefully to what employees, especially EV ambassadors, are saying about their experience with electric cars, so that early in the process you can deal with misunderstandings, concerns or worries. Also, be prepared to fine-tune your fleet policy to suit the needs of your company and employees on an ongoing basis during the transition period.