A considerable number of new electric cars will appear on German roads in 2014. The German manufacturers alone will have 16 electric series models on offer by the end of the year. The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) is now firing the starter’s pistol for fleets of e-cars. Today it can already pay off to choose electric cars – for commercial fleets in particular. All questions about profitability, use profiles and the charging infrastructure should be answered at the VDA’s “E-Fleet” congress in Berlin from 25 to 27 March. The congress days are specially geared to questions from fleet managers in the public administration, large companies, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Alongside specialist lectures, the focus will be on experiencing electric cars. Throughout the congress the participants will have the opportunity to test for themselves over 50 vehicles provided by the manufacturers. Around 15 service providers and other companies will take part in the accompanying exhibition.
In addition to VDA President Matthias Wissmann, the speakers will include State Secretaries Stefan Kapferer (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) and Rainer Bomba (Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure). Furthermore, numerous experts will talk on all the major topics: It will become clear that despite high battery costs and as yet limited range, electric cars already represent an economical solution for certain use profiles. One has to view the operating costs for electric cars over the entire vehicle lifecycle. The agenda will also cover creating the necessary charging infrastructure for fleet operators, financing options, and tax regulations for e-vehicles.
To accompany the lecture programme, the E-Fleet congress offers an opportunity to test drive electric cars intensively in urban traffic. Battery electric vehicles will be available, alongside models with range extenders, and plug-in hybrids. They will include passenger cars, commercial vehicles and delivery vehicles.
The E-Fleet congress will be held in the environmental forum of the “Auferstehungskirche” church, Friedenstrasse 91, 10249 Berlin, from 25 to 27 March 2014. The daily programme starts at 9.00 h. The congress days are tailored to specific target groups: the first day is geared to those responsible for vehicle procurement and operating costs in public services and administration. The second day is intended for the managers of fleets and company cars in large corporations. The third day is oriented on the requirements of small and medium-sized companies. Attendance at the VDA’s E-Fleet congress is free of charge.
