E-vehicle car policy: this is what an e-car policy is all about

The demand for climate-friendly mobility and the desire to enhance a company’s image are making electric vehicles increasingly relevant for fleets. A recent analysis by the data specialist Dataforce backs this up with figures: In the fleet market, the number of registrations for all-electric passenger cars in May 2023 nearly doubled compared to the same month last year. This brings their market share among company cars to 19.9%, their highest level to date.

To ensure the successful electrification of their fleets, companies should develop what is known as an “e-car policy.” In this article, you’ll learn what such a company car policy for electric vehicles should take into account.

What is an e-car policy?

An e-car policy is a specific company vehicle policy that defines all the rules governing the acquisition and use of electric vehicles in the company’s fleet. The rules and obligations set forth in it apply to the company and all drivers. As a central set of rules, the e-car policy can either be created as a standalone policy or incorporated into a general car policy.

What aspects should be covered in a car policy for e-vehicles?

The exact details of an electric vehicle policy may vary depending on the specific requirements, goals, and guidelines of the respective company. It is therefore important to tailor the company car policy to the individual needs and circumstances of the electric vehicle fleet. The following points are among the general aspects that should be considered in an e-car policy; we will discuss them in more detail in the sections below.

Acquisition of e-vehicles

Before rules for the use of electric cars in the fleet can be established, guidelines for the purchase, equipment, and retroactive upgrades of the vehicles should be defined in an e-car policy. The policy should therefore specify certain requirements for the selection of electric vehicles, such as preferred vehicle models or brands, range, compatibility with charging infrastructure, and battery capacity or charging power.

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Charging options and calculation of charging costs

Electric vehicles can be charged on the road, at work, or at home. The electric vehicle policy should therefore specify which options are available to drivers and how charging costs are billed when the car is charged, for example, at a home wallbox. The electric company car policy also specifies what types of charging stations are provided at the company’s location or other sites and how access to public charging stations is regulated.

Download at the company’s location

Time restrictions and different charging rates can be set for charging at the workplace. In most cases, charging on company premises is free of charge and tax-exempt for drivers. Electric vehicles with short dwell times may require appropriate fast-charging stations to charge the vehicle in time.

Charge at home

For charging at home, the purchase of a wallbox and the billing of charging costs must be clearly regulated. Many companies cover the costs of purchasing and installing a wallbox or provide their employees with a charging station through a leasing arrangement. Electricity costs can be billed at a flat rate or calculated precisely by kWh using a separate electricity meter.

Insurance and liability

Just like a conventional internal-combustion vehicle, an electric vehicle also requires auto insurance and, if necessary, comprehensive coverage. However, the battery-powered drive system affects the risk assessment. Although battery safety is continuously improving, operator errors during charging or improper handling can lead to short circuits, electric shocks, and damage to the vehicle. It is therefore important for the company to have a liability disclaimer in place regarding company car drivers. Otherwise, the company may be held liable if a faulty charging process causes a short circuit and, as a result, a fire. The extent to which drivers of electric vehicles are involved in accidents of their own making is also clearly regulated in the electric vehicle policy.

Dynamics of car policies for e-vehicles

The development of electric cars is advancing rapidly; models are constantly evolving, and driving ranges are steadily improving. Therefore, an electric car policy must be flexible and adaptive to keep pace with changing conditions.

A car policy for the gradual switch to electromobility

A car policy is an important tool for making a significant contribution to greater climate and environmental protection within a company’s vehicle fleet. It allows companies to establish clear guidelines and goals for reducing harmful emissions and creating a more climate-friendly fleet. For one thing, companies can set a CO2 limit in their car policy that can only be met by having a high proportion of electric vehicles. Or, company car drivers may only choose from different electric vehicle models when purchasing new company cars. For example, a bonus-malus system can reward employees who opt for a low-emission vehicle with a higher subsidy toward their lease payments. Alternatively, drivers can choose better equipment if they opt for a more environmentally friendly model.