Stuttgart, 23.09.2024
Fleet-Charging-Study 2024
Two thirds of German companies are working on electrifying their fleets
The electrification of fleets has reached the German economy. Two-thirds of companies are specifically looking at converting their fleets from combustion engines to electric engines. The changeover goes far beyond simply replacing vehicles. It affects and challenges the entire company: In addition to the fleet managers, energy and building managers, human resources, purchasing, management, vehicle users and many other departments are also involved. The experiences of companies that electrify their fleets are overwhelmingly positive.
Companies in Germany have set out on their journey. To implement sustainability strategies, companies in all sectors are electrifying their fleets or have concrete plans to do so. Exactly two thirds of respondents to the latest USCALE survey state that their company is working on electrifying its fleet. This commitment is largely independent of the industry and the type and size of the fleet.
Only 34% of the companies surveyed are not looking into electrification. Those who do not electrify usually justify this with high costs for vehicles (52%) and charging technology (32%). There is also the concern that vehicle and charging technology are not yet fully developed (30%). Only a few state that they cannot find a suitable solution for their needs. Surprisingly, in the group of ‘non-electrics’, 42% are (very) positive and only 22% (very) negative about electromobility.
Among the companies that are electrifying, 35% are examining the concrete possibilities of using EVs in their fleets. 45% are already in the test phase and have their first electrical vehicles in use. 16% have completed the test phase and are making the switch across the board. 3% of those surveyed already operate 100% electric fleets. The proportion of those who are actually making the switch is therefore significantly higher than those who are still planning to do so.
In companies that are electrifying, many specialist departments are required to contribute their expertise to the changeover. In addition to replacing vehicles, many processes and systems need to be adapted or redesigned. In the early phase, the concept phase, the changeover is often a matter for the boss, while as the changeover progresses, the fleet managers take over and organise the system changeover.
The greatest focus when switching to electrical vehicles is on costs. Two thirds of respondents cite cost reduction as the most important goal, followed by considerations regarding availability, environmental goals and driver satisfaction. The larger a company is, the more important environmental goals and IT integration become.
The changeover affects all vehicle classes, from cars and vans to trucks. Despite great motivation, companies are struggling with a whole range of challenges. It is therefore not surprising that most of them seek external advice. 88% work with external partners. Energy suppliers are in first place, followed by the vehicle industry in second place.
Despite the major challenges, the companies are overwhelmingly satisfied with the solutions found or identified for charging on company premises. The respondents are more satisfied with the depot solutions than with charging in public spaces.
The market research company USCALE has conducted the Fleet Charging Study 2024 for the first time. What do companies in Germany think about electrification? What goals are they pursuing? How are they approaching the topic and what are their experiences? These were the central questions of the study. For the study, USCALE interviewed 630 employees from companies in Germany who are working on electrification at various points in the company.
The comprehensive study shows suppliers of charging technology and service providers what requirements companies have and how they can best support them with electrification.
Quote from Dr. Axel Sprenger, Founder and Managing Director of USCALE GmbH:
“Electrification is teamwork. For the changeover to be a success, many departments in the company need to be brought on board and, in most cases, external partners need to provide support. The data impressively shows that this is successful. The results contrast favourably with the perceived mood of crisis. Companies are much further ahead than we thought.”
The GERMAN press handout with graphics can be found HERE.
You can find an overview of all course contents HERE.
You can find a picture of Axel Sprenger HERE.
Company Abstract
USCALE is a consulting and market research company for electromobility based in Stuttgart. USCALE’s work is based on customer insights studies on all touchpoints of the e-mobility customer journey. USCALE is the only provider to have a panel specialising in e-mobility with over 10,000 panellists in German-speaking countries. Through its surveys, USCALE makes the customer perspective tangible for managers, developers and service providers in the operational business.
Contact
USCALE GmbH, Silberburgstraße 112, 70176 Stuttgart, kontakt@uscale.digital