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Electric driving: a collection of tips for professionals and fleet managers
The road to a greener future is undoubtedly electric. But switching to an electric company car or fleet is still a big step for some professionals. Even though the range of electric vehicles keeps increasing, “range anxiety” is still very real. And especially professional drivers still see charging times and the search for available (fast) chargers as an obstacle. We understand these concerns: their workday is already packed, so they can’t afford to lose extra time. But in practice, charging time is not lost time at all — professional drivers are using it in increasingly creative and productive ways, and employers are helping them do so. Want some tips you can apply straight away, wherever you are?
As a fleet manager, do your homework first…
The transition to an electric fleet is not a snap decision. To assess how feasible the switch is and where the possible stumbling blocks lie, it’s best to map out the driving patterns of your employees. How many kilometres do drivers cover on average per day? What are the typical routes? Where — and when — are company cars usually parked?
But averages don’t tell the whole story. So also consider the so-called “edge cases”: drivers with the longest routes, people who live or work in remote locations… Would the switch be realistic even in these extreme cases?
How do you choose today’s EV for tomorrow?
Once you’ve mapped the driving patterns, determine which type(s) of company car best match your company’s needs. Newer models often offer greater range and shorter charging times, so investing in the latest technology can pay off. Can people regularly top up during fixed stops? Then fast charging may be more important than a large range. Are the distances quite short and does everyone charge at home or at the office? In that case, even an entry-level model might be sufficient.
Our advice? Start with a pilot project and replace only part of your fleet first. Then evaluate the (positive and negative) experiences of your electric test drivers. With these learnings, you can assess whether your organisation is ready for the transition — and which type of EV is most suitable.
Electric charging: play the home advantage!
The switch to electric also requires a mental shift for drivers. Whereas fuel cars are always filled up on the road, electric drivers actually want to avoid charging on the road as much as possible. The place to be is the home or office charger, which offers a stream of benefits:
Your car charges while you work or relax at home
No time lost on charging stops
Increased productivity and efficiency
Slower charging is better for your battery
Charging sessions are often cheaper
Charging on the road: options and opportunities à la carte
In recent years, charging points have sprung up everywhere. Belgium already has 100,000; across Europe, the count is up to a staggering 1,000,000. After “charging stress”, “choice stress” is now taking over. So which one should you pick?
Beyond price and location, available time will be the biggest factor. A standard 22 kW charger provides over 100 km of range in an hour, while a fast charger can boost your battery from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes (depending on your vehicle). But no matter how long your session is — every minute counts!
3 tips to get more out of every charging session:
1. Turn your charging time into (extra) working time
Write your meeting report right after visiting a client, check your emails, prep tomorrow’s schedule — all perfect tasks to tackle during your charging stop! That’s exactly why Q8 puts extra effort into its stations: so you can not only charge or refuel, but also grab a coffee, use (free) Wi-Fi, work in peace, and so much more.
2. Electrification pairs perfectly with digitalisation
Companies that digitalise their workflows can gain even more. Collaboration tools, cloud-based files — all these enable employees to continue working seamlessly on the road.
3. Good planning is half the battle
Electric drivers plan ahead. Bundle your in-person meetings, group appointments in the same region, and then plan your route and charging stops. With the Q8 electric app, you can see in advance where you can fast- or slow-charge — and know exactly how much (work) time you have available.
Conclusion
If you don’t want to waste time searching for a charger, it’s best to plan your route a little in advance. But with over 100,000 charging points in Belgium and 1,000,000 in Europe, there’s almost always one nearby. Plus, Belgian fleet drivers cover only 70–100 km per day on average — only a minority drives more than 100 km per day. If research or pilot projects show that your company’s mobility needs are higher, investing in extra range may be worthwhile. Today, cars with a WLTP electric range of 600 km or more start at around €55,000.
Charging on the road doesn’t have to be a problem — on the contrary. With smart planning and support, you can drastically boost your efficiency and productivity on the road! You can handle small tasks immediately and put your charging time to good use. The shortest route to an efficient workday? The Q8 electric app helps you plan your charging stops around your schedule so you don’t lose precious time.
Questions or need advice?
Do you still have questions after reading this, or would you like advice on making your fleet more sustainable? We’re happy to help.