In a recent interview, Ralph Icks, a representative of the company Scala Glasbau in Düsseldorf, Germany, discussed their decision to incorporate electric vehicles into their fleet. As a mobility partner of the city of Düsseldorf, Icks emphasised the company's commitment to actively participate in the mobility revolution and address social responsibilities. The use of electric vehicles offers the advantages of reduced emissions, contributing to cleaner air in the city, as well as quieter operation compared to combustion engines. The vehicles, including two electric Smarts, an e-moped, and an e-bike, are charged at their yard's WallBox, and maintenance costs are low. Icks highlighted the subsidies available for commercial use and the leasing option, making electric vehicles financially attractive, especially due to tax advantages for employees. Despite the smaller size of the vehicles, Icks emphasised that the focus should be on social and environmental responsibility rather than traditional symbols of success.
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Regarding customer reactions, Icks noted that they have been consistently positive, and discussions about the topic of electric vehicles often arise. While the e-bike and e-moped are used for customer visits and measurements, the company's employees primarily rely on larger vehicles for transportation of tools and materials. When asked about the future inclusion of electric cargo vehicles, Icks expressed interest but mentioned a lack of suitable options currently available on the market. Privately, Icks still drives a diesel car, considering it important for long distances, but acknowledges the cost savings and image benefits gained from the electric vehicles purchased for the company.
Here is the interview with Ralph Icks in full:
GW-News: Mr. Icks, you not only have a number of installation and transport vehicles in your fleet (and for hire), you have also recently started to rely on electric vehicles for operations, why?
Ralph Icks: We are one of the first companies here (www.scala-glasbau.de) to become a mobility partner of the city of Düsseldorf, and with our commitment we show that the skilled trades are actively involved in the mobility revolution and are also shaping it. Companies have a social responsibility that is reflected in their active participation in current topics and social tasks.
GW-News: What advantages do you see in the use of vehicles with electric motors?
Quite simply: fewer emissions for more clean air in our city! And the vehicles are quieter than vehicles with combustion engines.
GW-News: How are the vehicles in terms of daily handling and maintenance and how often do you have to charge them?
We have several e-vehicles, two Smarts, an e-moped and an e-bike. We charge our smarts at our WallBox as soon as they are back in our yard. The handling is the same as with conventional vehicles, but they accelerate faster. The electric cars are quieter and have no motor vibration.
GW-News: And what are the costs for interested parties who want to buy such a vehicle?
The purchase is subsidised by the state for commercial use - i.e. also as a tradesman's vehicle. In addition, the overall maintenance costs are low. For example, we pay about 120 euros a month for our Smarts in leasing. As a company vehicle, this is also very interesting because of the tax advantages for employees.
GW-News: With the E-Smarts, you have smaller vehicles than craftsmen are used to. Is this size enough?
Horsepower does not come from personality. The times when a craftsman had to drive to the customer with a big engine to radiate success are over. Today, what counts is less under the bonnet and more a sense of responsibility for the social environment and the climate. I can even get to the customer by electric bike.
GW-News: What do your customers say when you come to the construction site or to a consultation with them on an e-bike or e-smart?
The reactions are consistently positive. And you are immediately in conversation about how they themselves feel about the subject.
GW-News: You have an e-bike and an electric moped, how do you and your employees use them?
Our employees are usually on their way to the customer with tools and materials, so the bike is not suitable. We use it more for customer visits or measurements.
GW-News: Another question about the operating costs or acquisition costs. Are they on a par with conventional vehicles?
As I already said, the acquisition costs and the maintenance costs are currently subsidised by the state. The application procedure is a bit complicated, but it works. We drive about 1,000 kilometres a month just for city driving. In terms of consumption costs, we drive much more cost-effectively with these than with our conventional cars.
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GW-News: Do you think that if you need a new van, you will also shortlist an electric vehicle?
At the moment, we don't know of any offers on the market for cargo vehicles that meet our needs. But that should change soon and will certainly become an interesting alternative for inner-city or local installations. Especially because these vehicles are much quieter, which is an advantage especially for early installations.
GW-News: And what about your private vehicle, do you also have an electric vehicle in mind for the future?
Privately I drive a diesel car. This technology will remain important for me in the future, especially for long distances. After all, not all that glitters electrically is gold. The production and disposal of batteries for e-vehicles is a challenge today in terms of the environment and working conditions.
GW-News: So, was it worthwhile for you to purchase electric vehicles for your company?
Definitely. Cost savings and image gains are immediately noticeable.
The interview was conducted by Matthias Rehberger.
