The advantages of electric cars for company fleets

Every company that operates a fleet of vehicles is sooner or later faced with a crucial dilemma: to continue using traditional petrol- or diesel-powered vehicles, or to take the step towards electric mobility? The choice is not a simple one, given the financial, organisational and image aspects to consider. On the one hand, there are the immediate costs, established habits and familiarity with fuel-powered engines. On the other hand, the opportunity to innovate, reduce environmental impact and access a range of tax and management benefits.

In short, it is not easy to decide. Lately, aided by the rise in the number of electric cars available and the simultaneous growth of dedicated infrastructure such as charging stations and dedicated parking areas, the number of electric cars used in company fleets is steadily increasing, and it is estimated that a good 30% of company cars or vans now have an electric engine. Companies that have decided to convert all or part of their vehicle fleet are discovering that electric is not only an ecological choice, but also a strategic decision from a financial and reputational perspective.

Electric cars for company fleets now offer numerous advantages: from a reduction in operating costs to environmental sustainability, as well as tax benefits and a boost to image. In other words, choosing electric vehicles can radically transform the way a company moves, works and communicates.

Reduction in operating costs

One of the main reasons why more and more companies are considering electric cars for company fleets is the financial advantage. For the same mileage, an electric vehicle can cost much less in the long run than a combustion vehicle.
The explanation is simple: the costs of charging electricity, perhaps directly in-house, are lower than those of traditional fuel. Many companies that use electric cars for company fleets can also install in-house charging stations. This makes it even easier to control and optimise consumption, scheduling charging in the most convenient time slots and making the most of the electric charging stations in service areas when necessary.

It also significantly cuts maintenance costs, because an electric motor has far fewer wearing parts than an internal combustion engine: no oil to change, no spark plugs, and fewer brakes to replace thanks to regenerative braking. In the long run, in specific cases, the average savings can be up to 40% on the running costs of the entire fleet.

A long-term competitive advantage

Reducing costs does not only mean saving money; it also means being able to reinvest resources in other aspects of the business. The economic efficiency of electric cars for company fleets can, over time, constitute a significant competitive advantage.

Companies that have already made this choice also report benefits in logistics and in journey planning: thanks to fleet management apps and integrated monitoring software, consumption and journeys can be analysed in real time, optimising routes and improving overall productivity.

In addition, for urban delivery services and logistics companies, switching to electric is particularly advantageous. Many Italian and European cities have introduced low-emission zones accessible only to electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. Zero-emission fleets can therefore operate freely in urban centres, avoiding sanctions and restrictions, with a significant improvement in delivery times and costs.

A further aspect regards lower mobility costs: if the company has its own charging infrastructure, this has a positive impact on costs. In addition, the widespread use of electric charging stations at service stations, such as those of IPlanet, makes it possible for drivers to recharge their vehicles quickly and at very convenient rates.

Environmental sustainability and reduction of CO2 emissions

Electric mobility is an essential step towards a greener future. Electric cars for company fleets drastically reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to the sustainability goals that more and more companies are striving to achieve.

Every kilometre travelled by an electric car has a much lower environmental impact than an internal combustion car. And when the energy used for charging comes from renewable sources, CO2 emissions can be reduced to almost zero.

Reducing noise pollution

Another frequently underestimated advantage of electric cars for company fleets regards acoustic comfort. Compared to combustion engine vehicles, electric cars are much quieter, significantly reducing noise pollution in urban areas and near business premises.

This contributes to a more pleasant working environment, especially in companies operating in busy or residential areas, and also improves the perception of the company on the part of residents and customers: less noise means a more discreet, sustainable and green presence in the area.

A practical commitment to the environment

Integrating electric cars for corporate fleets within a sustainability strategy is also a powerful tool to boost brand value. Given the increasing importance of Corporate Social Responsibility, investing in an electric fleet can give off the right signals.

In addition, the reduction of CO2 emissions is today one of the most closely monitored indicators in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) reporting. A sustainable fleet therefore contributes to improving corporate sustainability scores, with benefits also in terms of attractiveness for investors and institutions.

Tax benefits, incentives and 10% fringe benefits

In addition to the operating and environmental savings, the advantages of electric cars also include important tax benefits. In Italy, companies that invest in electric vehicles can access incentives, direct purchase subsidies, discounts on stamp duty, reductions in property taxes and cost deductibility allowances.

For company fleets, this can mean significant savings, especially if several vehicles are replaced at the same time. Some Municipalities also provide free or subsidised access to LTZs and free parking in public car parks, all of which help reduce daily operating costs further.

The fringe benefit for electric company cars

One of the most interesting tax aspects concerns the fringe benefit. This is the portion of the value of the company vehicle that is considered as income in kind for employees who also use the car for private purposes. One of the most common fringe benefits is the granting to employees of company vehicles for mixed use, i.e. vehicles that can be used not only for work, but also for private needs.

For petrol or diesel cars, this percentage can be as high as 30% (or even higher, depending on the CO2 emissions of the vehicle). But for electric cars for company fleets, the regulations provide for a fringe benefit of 10%, precisely because they are low- or zero-emission vehicles. Specifically, the fringe benefit is 10% for electric vehicles and 20% for plug-in hybrids.

A move towards battery or plug-in vehicles also allows for a reduction in the taxable portion (10% or 20% of the ACI value, as we have seen), and can make the fringe benefit non-taxable within the exemption thresholds. Further benefits arise from rental contracts that include the rental fee, maintenance and insurance, reducing direct employee costs.

This measure, together with the other incentives, makes the adoption of electric cars for company fleets even more affordable and sustainable over time, helping to make company mobility more efficient and environmentally friendly.

How the adoption of electric cars can also help companies from an organisational point of view

The introduction of electric cars for company fleets is not only a financial or environmental choice, but a strategic decision that can improve the efficiency and the overall image of the company.

Adopting electric vehicles means modernising the way the company moves: reducing downtime, planning routes intelligently and offering employees more comfortable and technologically advanced working tools. Electric cars are quiet, responsive and equipped with advanced infotainment systems, making the driving experience safer and more relaxing.

The transition to an electric fleet can be gradual: many companies choose to start with a part of the vehicle fleet, gradually evaluating the results in terms of savings and sustainability.

Towards an electric corporate mobility future

The transition to electric cars for company fleets is no longer a remote possibility; it’s now very much a reality. Technological advances, the increase in vehicle autonomy and the spread of recharging infrastructures now make this choice more convenient and affordable than ever.

A reduction in CO2 emissions and in operating costs, tax benefits, fringe benefits at 10% and a strong positive impact on corporate reputation are just some of the reasons why more and more companies are embracing electric mobility.

Investing in a sustainable fleet means looking to the future with awareness and responsibility. Companies that choose this path not only contribute to saving the planet, but can build a more efficient, modern and competitive business model.