Inquiries on Electric Vehicles from Paola Felcaro, along with 8 recommendations, provided by Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation solutions, is actively driving the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in its fleet operations. The company's efforts are focused on integrating energy management and smart grid solutions to support the rapid growth of EV adoption.
The company's progress aligns with industry trends in smart charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies, which help manage grid load and optimize energy use for electrified fleets. Schneider Electric's expertise in energy management systems positions it well to address the challenges of scaling up charging infrastructure and navigating evolving regulatory frameworks.
Sponsorship from the top level of management, including the CEO and Senior Vice Presidents (SVPs), is considered crucial for the EV fleet transition. A governance framework is essential to guide this transition, ensuring smooth coordination among utilities, governments, and fleet operators.
Schneider Electric has set ambitious targets for fleet electrification. By 2025, the company aims to electrify 33% of its fleet, and by 2030, it aims to achieve a 100% electrified fleet. As of the end of last year, Schneider Electric's global fleet was 23% electrified, with Europe accounting for more than 35% of this electrified fleet. North America's electrified fleet counts for 1.2%, while the rest of the world stands at 0.9%.
To achieve these targets, Schneider Electric is investing in EV charging infrastructure and partnerships with leasers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure vehicle availability. A detailed fleet and driver profile assessment is necessary to tailor solutions to specific needs.
A specific and strong communication plan is essential to educate and engage drivers about the benefits of EVs, as well as to promote internal events involving EV drivers. Administrative complexity arises when leasing companies are responsible for tax incentives, requiring additional resources and follow-up.
Schneider Electric is a member of the EV100 initiative, a global business coalition committed to accelerating the transition to EVs. A transversal approved commitment is needed for collaboration across the company, involving Finance, HR, Real Estate, Sustainability, and Strategy. A strategy and investments for EV charging infrastructure are necessary for the EV fleet transition.
Countries like Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, the UK, and the DACH region have already achieved electrified fleets of 60% and more. However, some countries face challenges such as double taxation of travel expenses for EV charging costs, even for business needs.
In conclusion, Schneider Electric is progressing through its energy management technology portfolio to support fleet electrification amid accelerating EV adoption. The company faces challenges related to infrastructure scale-up and regulatory changes but remains committed to enabling the smart grid ecosystem that underpins successful fleet electrification and sustainable energy management.
[1] Schneider Electric White Paper: Fleet Electrification and Smart Grid Integration [2] Schneider Electric Blog Post: Navigating the Challenges of Fleet Electrification [3] Schneider Electric Press Release: Schneider Electric Aims for 100% Electrified Fleet by 2030 [4] Schneider Electric Annual Report 2020: Sustainability Performance and Goals
- Schneider Electric's goal of a 100% electrified fleet by 2030 aligns with their expertise in energy management systems and their investments in EV charging infrastructure, demonstrating their commitment to fleet electrification and technology advancements in the environmental-science field.
- To achieve this ambitious target, Schneider Electric will need to navigate business challenges such as regulatory frameworks, administrative complexity, and tax incentives, requiring strategic collaboration and finance resources across various departments including HR, Real Estate, Sustainability, and Strategy.
- By setting these ambitious electrification goals, Schneider Electric positions itself as a key player in the science, technology, and business sectors, contributing to deliberate changes in the environment-al science industry and fostering a more sustainable business model for the future.
