The findings are overwhelming: more than two thirds of businesses and local authorities – and up to 87% of state administrations! – do not respect the mobility orientation law requiring them to “green” professional cars. “Yet, in 2022, the quota of low-emission vehicles imposed when renewing their fleets was only 10%. And again, this figure takes into account plug-in hybrids, considered “green” even though they emit five to seven times more CO2 than the official measurements show”, laments Léo Larivière, responsible for transition advocacy for the professional vehicle fleet of Transport and Environment.
Many tackled groups
The NGO scrutinized the 100 largest French fleets. Result ? 58 of them do not honor their objectives. Among the groups tackled, Veolia, Saint-Gobain and Kiloutou object that the orders were in progress. Others argue that it is difficult to obtain supplies. “EDF, with a rate of 35%, La Poste (29%) or Française des jeux (25%) prove the feasibility of the conversion. Even small entities, although not affected by the law, demonstrate that the course can be held,” retorts Léo Larivière. Before putting forward a strong argument: the total cost of use (purchase or rent, maintenance, taxation, insurance, etc.) is much more advantageous than that of a model running on oil.
“Companies must take their share of responsibility. They represent half of annual registrations and put their cars back on the second-hand market after four years, which makes them more affordable for low-income households. There is a social justice issue in accessibility to electric cars”, insists Léo Larivière. Furthermore, their purchases are strategic from the point of view of industrial policy since they are much more loyal to French brands than individuals (48% versus 34%).
Rental companies singled out
The NGO finally criticizes the rental companies, at the origin of 52% of the automobiles put into circulation via long-term for professionals or rental with option to purchase for households. However, eight of the ten main players show a rate of electrification… lower than that of the market. It is true that the bad example comes from above since the Elysée displays a score of… 0% in 100% electric. When well-ordered charity begins with oneself…
A restrictive schedule
The countdown begins. And precisely timed. Since January 1, 2022, companies and administrations have been required to integrate electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicles when renewing part of their fleet. The current quota is 10%. And it increases at a good pace over the next three deadlines.
For private groups that own more than 100 vehicles, it increases to:
– 20% from January 1, 2024.
– 40% from January 1, 2027.
– 70% from January 1, 2030.
For local authorities and their groups as well as national companies, which manage a fleet of more than 20 units, the calendar is spread out differently:
– 30% until July 31, 2024.
– 40% between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2029.
– 70% in subsequent years.
Finally, the State and its public establishments must incorporate 50% of low-emission vehicles during replacements until December 31, 2026. A rate which rises to 70% thereafter.
For the moment, the regulations do not provide for any sanctions against entities which do not respect their quotas. Will relying on goodwill alone be enough?
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