when companies play the game of greening their automobile fleet

The National Assembly examines on Tuesday a bill to force the largest companies more strongly to convert their vehicle fleet to so-called “clean” vehicles. Even if they remain rare, those who have already agreed to play the game have a positive outcome.

Six out of ten large French companies are not playing the game of electrifying their vehicle fleet according to the NGO Transport & Environment. Based on this observation, Renaissance deputy Damien Adam tabled a bill examined Tuesday April 30 in the National Assembly. Its text aims to strengthen the existing law, which, since January 1, 2024, requires companies with a fleet of at least 100 vehicles to make 20% of their automobile orders for electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Faced with recalcitrant companies, the elected official therefore wanted to introduce a sanctions component. Its text provides in particular for the introduction of an administrative fine of up to 5,000 euros per very low-emission vehicle failing to achieve the objective. However, certain companies at the head of the largest automobile fleets in France prove that it is possible to green your fleet and benefit from it.

“It makes sense”

At Spie, in particular, a specialist in electrical and climate engineering, there are 10,000 vehicles on the clock, more than a thousand of which run on electric power. Simon Coutel is operational director Île-de-France of Spie CityNetworks, and his car is a “clean” vehicle. “I do 20,000 to 25,000 km per year”he explains, and after a year of driving, he has no intention of returning to thermal engines. “It makes sense with our profession. We deploy terminals ourselves. And in use, they are really pleasant vehicles to drive”he testifies.

The most important obstacle to this transition is delivery times, explains Isabelle Lambert, sustainable development director of the Spie group.

“Between the moment we order them and the moment we receive them, about a year passes”

Isabelle Lambert, sustainable development director of the Spie group

at franceinfo

In the meantime, the benefits are there. Spie saves 30% on fuel and its carbon footprint has decreased by 12%. All this also benefits the French, believes Léo Larivière, of the NGO Transport & Environment. “Companies are at the origin of six out of ten new vehicles. If companies do not buy electric vehicles today, there are as many affordable electric vehicles that will not end up on the second-hand market “he explains.

According to the NGO, if all companies concerned apply the reform, emissions from the automotive sector will be reduced by 40 million tonnes of CO₂ in ten years.