Five steps to an electric fleet

Electric driving is increasingly becoming a must, especially with stricter environmental regulations being introduced in cities, attractive subsidies and customers increasingly demanding green solutions. But it's not as simple as just buying a few electric cars and charging stations. There is a bit more to it. A well-thought-out plan will help you make a smooth transition to a greener fleet. These 5 steps will help you get started.

Hely: exclusive shared transportation for your employees

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Are you looking for your own pool of shared bikes and/or shared cars available exclusively to your employees at any time? For example, for that business meeting outside the door or the last bit from the train station to the office? This convenience is offered by Hely, specialist in business shared transport, with the mobility hub.

Are you looking for:

A customized offer of (electric) shared bikes and shared cars?
Exclusively for your organization?
Where you control the costs with one all-in rate?
With which you can make your mobility sustainable, even if your organization is located further from a station?

Discover the benefits of Hely

1. Consider why you want to go electric

Before you begin, it is important to be clear about why you actually want to choose electric driving. Do you want to cut costs because you have to pay quite a bit otherwise? Emit less CO2 to help the environment? Or maybe because as an organization you want to be innovative with the times? These reasons will not only help you make your plans, but also get support from your employees. Together, you can set clear goals that everyone understands and agrees with. For example, if cost-cutting is your big driver, make sure finances are firmly scrutinized from the start. And if new technology plays a bigger role, then maybe other choices become important again.

2. Choose the right vehicles and check costs

Now that it's time to think about which electric vehicles best suit your business operations, this is an important step. What all should they be capable of, what should their range be and what type will best suit your business? And what about the costs involved? Websites such as whichbestelbus.nl can really help you compare the costs and see what is most feasible for your situation. Just remember to take into account all costs, so not only the price of the cars but also, for example, the infrastructure needed and price differences that may occur due to inflation and the BPM exemption. This preparation will help you avoid big and unwanted surprises.

3. Make sure your charging points are well taken care of

An important part is making sure your cars can always be properly charged when needed. Think about how and where your employees will charge: at home, at the office, or perhaps on the road? Also check what the electrical grid is like at your business location(s) and plan ahead so you're prepared for higher power demands. Smart ideas like setting schedules and using energy storage can really help keep things running smoothly. By planning correctly and thinking creatively, you'll avoid major problems and always have enough power on-the-go.

4. Involve your employees ahead of time

Technology is important, sure, but involving your colleagues throughout the transition is perhaps even more essential. Provide clear communication and explain exactly what electric driving entails and what new things are involved. Give them plenty of time to learn and get used to the change. Some colleagues can serve as pioneers - the so-called frontrunners - who share their good experiences and help others along. This makes the overall transition smoother, and it gives everyone a chance to get comfortable with this new way of working.

Want to know more about how to get employees on board?

Read the article “Six tips to get employees on board with electric driving”.

Read the article

5. Adjust your business processes

Because electric vehicles can often go just a little bit further without recharging, it sometimes means making some changes here and there in how you operate. Put together a project team to come up with practical solutions to improve operations. See if you might be able to carry less stuff on the bus, maybe smaller vehicles can be used, or plan your routes smartly. With handy tools like GPS telematics, you can optimize routes, better monitor and keep a close eye on everything, allowing you to get more out of the day.

By scrutinizing processes and examining how best to use electric vehicles, you have the opportunity to gain a lot in efficiency and save on costs. Use trip data to plan smartly and adjust things as needed to get the best results for your unique situation.