As a result of more than three years of successful cooperation, our CEO, Zsolt Somogyi, received his new electric car from BMW Wallis Motor, serving as one of the brand ambassadors. The Bavarian car manufacturer's and Parkl's e-mobility efforts contribute not only to the sustainability of the automotive industry but also to the real estate and proptech markets. We asked Dániel Horváth, Fleet Sales Manager of BMW Wallis Motor and our Managing Director Zsolt Somogyi about the topic.
How can electric cars change corporate fleets, and what challenges do companies need to overcome for this transition?
ZSS: Companies are looking for a solution that practically equates to a fuel card, meaning the employee can charge the car individually, but the cost is billed to the company at the end of the month. The ideal solution would be a service available anywhere, which Parkl Fleet can achieve with its roaming package. However, this presents significant challenges in terms of proper charger installation and meeting network demands.
What trends are observed in charging needs?
ZSS: The trend shows that everyone wants DC chargers, even though 22kW AC chargers are more than sufficient in an office building where cars typically stand for 8-9 hours a day. With a dynamic load management system (DLM), smooth, simultaneous charging can be ensured even with lower-powered chargers. However, companies are still largely in transition and do not fully understand the cultural and practical changes electrification entails for stakeholders.
What is required for a well-functioning corporate charging infrastructure?
ZSS: Employee convenience is priority, so the process requires a slow but steady cultural shift. It’s not enough to just order a charging device; a stable, well-functioning system needs to be built around it to operate in harmony with the building. At Parkl, we have a mobility value proposition where we support our clients from assessment to operation, thus contributing to achieving sustainability goals with a smart, reliable system.
How often do existing customers switch to electric cars?
DH: Based on our customers’ needs, we see that typically two out of ten cars in corporate fleets are now electric. Unfortunately, it’s still generally true that both companies and end-users approach greening their fleets with caution.
What cars would you recommend to companies?
DH: Currently, the most popular electric vehicles among companies include the iX1 and i4 35-40 versions. Additionally, the i5 and Touring models are particularly favoured by senior executives.
Do plug-in hybrids or fully electric cars fit better with BMW's vision?
DH: From the BMW fleet, every customer can find the most suitable drive system for them, whether it’s plug-in hybrid, fully electric, petrol, or diesel. Most models are available with all four powertrains, so we can offer solutions within the same model for different users. However, we see an increasing demand from our fleet partners for plug-in hybrids or fully electric cars.
How can electric cars contribute to companies’ sustainability goals? Why is it financially worthwhile to use electric cars?
DH: Reducing the carbon footprint is one of the most critical parts of companies’ sustainability goals, to which the use of electric cars contributes. Additionally, these cars are significantly more cost-effective as they require less maintenance and have lower operating costs, resulting in substantial long-term savings for companies.
What trends are currently influencing corporate mobility? What should companies prepare for in the future?
DH: The future of driving faces numerous exciting developments. Alongside the rapid advancement of various propulsion systems, we must not forget the growing role of AI, which will increasingly pave the way for self-driving cars.
ZSS: As the charging infrastructure and electric cars develop rapidly, reservations against electric driving will gradually ease, generating even greater demand for sustainable transportation. Companies and office buildings will need to play an active role in serving this demand, as the average car spends most of its time at the workplace besides the home parking spot.
A big thank you to BMW Wallis Motor for the many years of cooperation and the quick and efficient handover!
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