E-Car Test for Companies

Many companies want to convert their fleet to e-mobility, either in the short or long term. The reasons for this vary: rising fuel costs, driving bans for combustion engines, and a sustainable company image, to name just a few. However, the transition represents a significant change that also comes with considerable costs. In addition, there are questions about whether electric vehicles are even suitable for business operations—keyword: range. For many companies, it makes sense to test e-vehicles first, without commitment, and for a longer period than just a test drive. This article explores questions surrounding e-car tests for companies.

Why an E-Car Test Makes Sense for Companies

Switching from a combustion engine fleet to an e-car fleet is a big step that requires careful consideration. A test phase helps avoid many pitfalls and mistakes.

• Practical Experience: Are electric cars suitable for all business applications? What about charging times and vehicle range? Can all deliveries and business trips be managed smoothly with e-vehicles? The test shows how well e-cars integrate into daily operations.

• Cost Analysis: The test phase allows companies to compare operating costs with those of combustion vehicles, highlighting potential savings.

• Technological Adaptation: The e-car test reveals the necessary investments in infrastructure to run the fleet fully or partially electric. How many charging stations are needed, and with what capacity? Are suitable locations available? Is investing in a company-owned photovoltaic system worthwhile?

• Employee Feedback: The test phase enables feedback collection from drivers. Involving employees in the decision-making process reduces acceptance barriers. Additionally, real-world experiences provide valuable insights into vehicle handling and required charging infrastructure.

Which E-Cars Should You Test?

E-cars are now available in all vehicle categories, making it easy for companies to replace their combustion vehicles with electric models. When selecting test vehicles, the current fleet should serve as a reference. Below are some high-range e-vehicles across different classes that excel in efficiency and functionality.

Microcars

• Fiat 500: With a range of nearly 300 km, this sporty city car is ideal for short urban trips.

Small Cars

• Opel Corsa: With a range of about 400 km, the Corsa is great for short and medium-distance trips.

• Peugeot 208: Offering a 340 km range, this electric French car is a solid option for corporate short trips.

Lower Mid-Size Class

• Volvo XC40: This reliable Swedish car requires recharging after 400 km.

• KIA Niro: A low price and an impressive 460 km range make the Niro a strong contender in this category.

• Citroën ë-C4: A price-performance winner with a slightly lower range of about 360 km.

Mid-Size Class

• VW ID5: A combination of features, price, and 420 km range make this Volkswagen a standout in its class.

• Skoda Enyaq iV: All-wheel drive, 460 km range, and modern features make the Enyaq iV a desirable company car.

• BMW i4: This premium-class car blends performance and luxury, boasting a range of over 480 km.

Upper Mid-Size Class

• VW ID.7: This sedan offers a 621 km range, combining comfort with low operating costs.

• BMW iX: A striking design, luxurious features, and all-wheel drive define the iX, though its range of 400 km is modest.

Luxury Class

• Porsche Taycan: Here, the focus is less on range and more on an exhilarating driving experience and prestige.

• Mercedes EQS 580: This sporty luxury sedan impresses with premium features and a 681 km range.

Commercial Vehicles

• VW ID.BUZZ: A good range and ample cargo space make this minivan ideal for deliveries.

• MAXUS eDeliver 9: A great choice for larger loads.

Beyond range, factors such as available charging infrastructure and budget play a crucial role in decision-making.

Who Offers E-Car Tests?

How should you approach the testing phase? More importantly, where can you test e-cars over an extended period?

Vehicle Selection and Provider Options

For the test phase, select multiple vehicles from each category currently in your fleet. This allows you to compare combustion and e-cars directly while also evaluating different e-car models against each other.

You have three options for obtaining test vehicles:

1. Leasing – Requires a long-term commitment, making it unsuitable if the chosen vehicle proves impractical.

2. Long-term rental – More flexible but often expensive.

3. Car subscription – Offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to test vehicles thoroughly and swap them as needed at a low cost.

Switzerland's leading car subscription provider, CARIFY, offers a particularly attractive business package called Try & Buy. This program allows companies to test a vehicle for 1, 3, or up to 6 months before deciding to buy. After the test period, you can:

• Buy or lease the vehicle, with subscription fees refunded.

• Return the vehicle, paying only the agreed subscription fees.

This setup provides a smooth transition between the test and implementation phases, ensuring employees can adapt gradually to new vehicles.

Employee Integration and Feedback

Not every employee is immediately convinced by e-cars—after all, switching to electric is a major transition. During the test phase, it's important to involve employees in the process to enhance acceptance.

Engaging Employees in the Test Process

• Provide comprehensive information and training at the start to eliminate fears and obstacles.

• Gather feedback after test drives via surveys or open discussions to understand employee concerns and challenges with e-mobility.

Feedback Mechanisms for Vehicle Assessment

For an objective evaluation, in addition to employee feedback, companies should analyze vehicle data and, for longer test phases, assess maintenance and repair reports. These insights help identify operational weaknesses and areas for improvement while providing key data on range, energy consumption, and charging times.

Benchmarking against conventional vehicles will help determine if a long-term transition to e-cars is practical.

Evaluating the Test Phase and Next Steps

After analyzing feedback from the test phase, companies must decide on the electrification of different fleet areas. If they proceed with electrification, investments in charging infrastructure will follow. Additionally, converting the fleet itself involves significant costs.

At CARIFY, business customers benefit from attractive fleet conditions. Our Try & Buy program offers a risk-free way to test e-cars before committing. The advantages include:

• Flexible trial periods of 1, 3, or 6 months.

• Transparent costs, with all expenses covered in the subscription fee.

• Two options after the trial:

  • Purchase at a discounted price with subscription fees refunded (excluding taxes, insurance, and services).

  • Return the vehicle with no further obligations.

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Conclusion

Before fully electrifying their fleet, companies should test various e-car models to assess their practicality in daily business operations. This test phase should run over an extended period to evaluate costs, use cases, and charging infrastructure. Car subscriptions, such as those offered by CARIFY, provide the most flexible solution for a tailored test phase. With the Try & Buy program, businesses can seamlessly transition test vehicles into their fleet.