Electric cars as company cars for field staff – sustainable, economical and suitable for everyday use?

There are different types of charging stations:

• Normal charging stations (AC charging): Charging with alternating current, usually with 11–22 kW of power – ideal for charging overnight or during longer stays.
• Fast charging stations (DC charging): Charging with direct current, often with 50–350 kW of power – enables fast charging within 30–60 minutes.
• Wall boxes for the home: enable convenient charging with up to 22 kW of power directly at the employee's home.

Range of electric cars

Modern electric cars now offer ranges of 400–600 km, depending on the model and driving style. This is a crucial factor for field staff in particular. With forward-looking route planning, even longer journeys can be made efficiently. With the increasing proliferation of fast-charging stations, charging on the road is also becoming easier.

Economic advantages of electric company cars

• Lower operating costs: While a gasoline-powered car costs an average of €10–12 per 100 km, the electricity price for e-cars is around €6–8 per 100 km. Costs can be further reduced by using off-peak electricity tariffs or company charging stations.
• Tax advantages: The 0.25% rule for electric company cars means that employees pay significantly less tax for private use of an electric company car than for a combustion engine.
• But be aware, this only applies up to a gross list price of a maximum of €70,000. Beyond that, 0.5% is calculated, as for plug-in hybrids.
• Lower maintenance costs: An electric motor is less subject to wear than a combustion engine – no oil changes, no clutch and less brake wear.
• Grants and subsidies: Companies can benefit from government grants and subsidized leasing offers.

Interview with our field representatives

Matthias shares his experiences with the BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupé and Carlos with the Audi Q4 e-tron 45.

Question: Right at the beginning: Many people shy away from buying an electric car because they don't trust the charging infrastructure in Germany. What has been your experience with this?

Carlos: I don't see a problem. The charging infrastructure in Germany is now absolutely sufficient. As a driver, you have to learn to plan differently, but then “recharging” is not a problem. I like to shop at Kaufland, a German supermarket chain, because there are fast charging stations there. When I'm done shopping, my car is full again.

Matthias: I couldn't agree more. We now have a really good charging infrastructure in Germany. You can also charge DC, especially on highways and at supermarkets. In about 30 minutes, I can raise my SOC from 10% to 80%. That's easily enough for the next leg.

Question: What about the rest of Europe?

Matthias: I've only been to Austria so far. There were fewer e-charging stations at the motorway service stations here. Instead, I was guided to villages where there are fast-charging stations.

Question: What about payment at the stations? We keep hearing in reports that the various operators all have their own payment systems. Was that a challenge for you?

Matthias: It's true, there are countless providers and each has its own card and app. You definitely get the best conditions with the respective app. I have a roaming charging card and that allows me to charge easily with all providers.

Carlos: I also find it very straightforward. I also have a charging roaming card and that allows me to charge with all providers. The only time the card didn't work, it wasn't a problem because I could just pay with my credit card.

Question: What do you think of the space available in your electric cars? Is it sufficient or is there still room for improvement?

Carlos: My car definitely has enough space for me and my family. As with any car, it just depends on your circumstances how much space you need.

Matthias: How much space you have in an electric car also always depends on the type of car. Is it a pure electric platform or a combustion engine platform that has been electrified? You always have a little less space in the latter case. My i4 is “electrified”. That's why you have less legroom. And with a baby, you have to play Tetris to get the stroller into the trunk.

Question: This is a crucial question for many field representatives: What about driving times on long distances? Do you need significantly more time?

Matthias: You need more time, but not significantly more. It took me only 10 minutes longer to drive 350 km to Kassel. I always drive in eco mode and challenge myself to drive as efficiently as possible.

Carlos: At the beginning, I thought it would be much worse. I thought a lot about capacity and range, but it's all much easier and more pleasant than I thought. It took me about 25-30 minutes longer than usual to drive 300 km to Leipzig.

Question: And what is the driving experience like?

Matthias: I arrive much more relaxed. That's really great.

Carlos: I enjoy driving an electric car more than a diesel or hybrid. I especially like the fact that it's not as loud as a diesel.

Question: What is your conclusion about e-cars?

Carlos: Personally, it's great in any case. It fits perfectly with my lifestyle with a child.

What I do see critically, though, is the extra half hour you need for longer trips. I only drive long distances every two weeks, but field representatives who are on the road every day and drive long distances certainly notice the half hour differently.

Matthias: That's right, the half hour can have a different effect, especially on field representatives who are on the road every day. But I think it depends on how you use the half-hour while the car is charging – making phone calls, answering e-mails, and don't forget, even field staff need to take a break sometimes.

In any case, I think my i4 is great and I wouldn't want to be without it!