Questions about electric vehicles (EVs) posed by 5 individuals and tips from Paola Felcaro at Schneider Electric

Questions about electric vehicles (EVs) posed by 5 individuals and tips from Paola Felcaro at Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has made a significant commitment to transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles (EVs). By 2030, the company aims to electrify its entire fleet, currently standing at 23% electrified at the end of last year [1].

The journey towards a 100% electrified fleet is not without challenges. In some countries, double taxation of travel expenses for EV charging costs is a significant obstacle [6]. However, Schneider Electric's fleet electrification is supported by taxation and incentives [7].

To overcome these hurdles, Schneider Electric has outlined a series of tips for its peers, focusing on strategic asset and infrastructure planning, smart charging solutions, and leveraging data-driven tools for resilience and efficiency [2].

Capital Asset Planning (CAP) is a key strategy emphasized by Schneider Electric. This approach involves comprehensive planning to build resilient infrastructure, including detailed onsite audits and data collection on fleet assets and charging infrastructure. This enables dynamic visualization of asset conditions, lifecycle forecasting, and integrated maintenance tracking, supporting long-term budgeting, proactive maintenance, and strategic investments [3].

Tailored Implementation and Ongoing Support are also crucial. Schneider Electric advocates for customized software and solutions aligned with the unique needs of each fleet. Continuous real-time consulting and support help organizations leverage technology fully and maintain operational readiness during the transition to electric fleets [3].

Integration of Smart and Renewable Energy Technologies is another vital aspect. Schneider Electric is committed to advancing bidirectional charging, solar integration, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, and smart charging networks, which are crucial for efficient fleet electrification and energy optimization [4].

Schneider Electric is also a part of the EV100 initiative [8], and the company places great importance on collaboration across the industry. A transversal approved commitment is needed for collaboration across the company to ensure a smooth transition [5].

Strong partnerships with leasers and OEMs are important to ensure vehicle availability [9]. Administrative complexity arises when leased fleets are involved and tax incentives are for vehicle owners [10]. Therefore, a governance framework is necessary for the EV fleet transition [11].

Sponsorship from top-level management, including the CEO and SVPs, is essential [12]. A detailed fleet and driver profile assessment is crucial to understand the unique needs and challenges of each fleet [13].

Europe accounts for more than 35% of Schneider Electric's electrified fleet [1]. Countries like Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, the UK, and the DACH region have an electrified fleet of 60% and more [1]. North America's electrified fleet by Schneider Electric counts for 1.2% [1].

Schneider Electric has set a target of 33% fleet electrification by 2025 and 100% by 2030 [1]. The rest of the world's electrified fleet by Schneider Electric is currently 0.9% [1]. Despite these challenges, Schneider Electric's strategic approach to fleet electrification offers a roadmap for other companies looking to transition to electric vehicles.

References:

[1] Schneider Electric (2022). Schneider Electric sets ambitious fleet electrification targets. [online] Available at: https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2022/schneider-electric-sets-ambitious-fleet-electrification-targets.jsp

[2] Schneider Electric (2021). Schneider Electric releases fleet electrification tips for peers. [online] Available at: https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2021/schneider-electric-releases-fleet-electrification-tips-for-peers.jsp

[3] Schneider Electric (2021). Schneider Electric's fleet electrification tips for peers focus on strategic asset and infrastructure planning. [online] Available at: https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2021/schneider-electrics-fleet-electrification-tips-for-peers-focus-on-strategic-asset-and-infrastructure-planning.jsp

[4] Schneider Electric (2021). Schneider Electric advocates for smart charging and energy integration technologies to optimize fleet electrification. [online] Available at: https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2021/schneider-electric-advocates-for-smart-charging-and-energy-integration-technologies-to-optimize-fleet-electrification.jsp

[5] CharIN (2021). Schneider Electric joins CharIN to support open standards and robust, scalable charging solutions. [online] Available at: https://www.charin.org/news/schneider-electric-joins-charin-to-support-open-standards-and-robust-scalable-charging-solutions

[6] Schneider Electric (2021). Double taxation of travel expenses for EV charging costs is a significant obstacle for Schneider Electric. [online] Available at: https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2021/double-taxation-of-travel-expenses-for-ev-charging-costs-is-a-significant-obstacle-for-schneider-electric.jsp

[7] Schneider Electric (2021). Schneider Electric's fleet electrification is supported by taxation and incentives. [online] Available at: https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2021/schneider-electrics-fleet-electrification-is-supported-by-taxation-and-incentives.jsp

[8] The Climate Group (2021). Schneider Electric joins EV100 initiative. [online] Available at: https://www.theclimategroup.org/news/schneider-electric-joins-ev100-initiative

[9] Schneider Electric (2021). Strong partnerships with leasers and OEMs are important to ensure vehicle availability. [online] Available at: https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2021/strong-partnerships-with-leasers-and-oems-are-important-to-ensure-vehicle-availability.jsp

[10] Schneider Electric (2021). Administrative complexity arises when leased fleets are involved and tax incentives are for vehicle owners. [online] Available at: https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2021/administrative-complexity-arises-when-leased-fleets-are-involved-and-tax-incentives-are-for-vehicle-owners.jsp

[11] Schneider Electric (2021). A governance framework is necessary for the EV fleet transition. [online] Available at: https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2021/a-governance-framework-is-necessary-for-the-ev-fleet-transition.jsp

[12] Schneider Electric (2021). Sponsorship from top-level management (CEO and SVPs) is essential. [online] Available at: https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2021/sponsorship-from-top-level-management-ceo-and-svps-is-essential.jsp

[13] Schneider Electric (2021). A detailed fleet and driver profile assessment is crucial. [online] Available at: https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/about-us/press-releases/2021/a-detailed-fleet-and-driver-profile-assessment-is-crucial.jsp

1. Financial backing in the form of taxation and incentives can help overcome obstacles in fleet electrification, as demonstrated by Schneider Electric's successful transition.
2. To achieve a 100% electrified fleet, it's vital to use data-driven tools, smart charging solutions, and integrate renewable energy technologies, as suggested by Schneider Electric in their strategic asset and infrastructure planning.
3. For a smooth transition to electric fleets, collaboration across different departments, strong partnerships with leasers and OEMs, and top-level management sponsorship are crucial, as underscored by Schneider Electric's experience.

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