Can businesses go electric?

Last week those interested in the advance of mobile technology could visit Ecomobile in Rotterdam, Holland. The fair showcases developments in ecological driving. This year, the motor vehicle industry proved that going electric is possible, even for businesses.

Choosing to drive an electric car is becoming an actual option, says Wout Benning of Mercedes Benz: "Especially short hauls within the city, or commuters who live just outside the city can benefit from an electric car. I think for the entire world to go electric is a bit too premature. But we are advancing. We have received test results from companies that have changed to using electric vehicles, and they are encouraging."

Click here for an impression of ecomobiel 2012.

Alternative

At Renault they are also ready to welcome the business community. City test rides can be made in the popular Twizzy and for urban logistics the Kangoo ZE is just perfect. Nissan is currently working on the Nissan e-NV200, planned for a 2013 production schedule. The car is based on the Nissan Leaf. Erik Heuer, LCV $ Fleet manager at Nissan, is using one himself: "I wanted to know what it was like driving an electric car. At home I have a charger that fills up the car in 8 hours."

The Dutch ANWB is also preparing itself for the arrival of electric cars. Lars Smit, marketing coordinator at the Royal Dutch Touring Club says drivers of road patrols are already trained to handle electric vehicles. "The ANWB is placing charging points along Dutch roads, but is also providing credit cards that allow people to charge their car. We bill them later."

Government

Government officials also attended the fair. Adviser Marijke van Haaren: "Many companies are already much more energy-conscious, by placing solar panels on their roof for instance. Going electric is the logical next step. There are government grants and tax breaks to ease the transfer."