On the occasion of the Autofestival 2021 which ended a few days ago, many offers of new vehicles appeared. Leisure, utility, leasing vehicles... The automotive world is becoming more diverse and consumers have now a wide range of choices.
After the large offers for owners and future buyers of “passive” or zero-emission flats or houses, it seems that manufacturers and engine-makers are now also taking on a societal role by producing less polluting vehicles. For several years, and after a rather timid start, the automobile offer in this sector has been expanding.
While it is true that the first Plug-In Hybrid or Full Electric vehicles initially met little enthusiasm from consumers who were used to refuel their car to the nearest filling station, more and more drivers wishing to reduce their CO2 emissions are now turning to "cleaner" vehicles.
Economic benefits
In order to discourage these persistent habits, the Luxembourg state has put in place various measures such as bonuses for the acquisition of "PHEV" (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) vehicles, which amount to 2,500€ for Hybrid Plug-ins and 8,000€ for Full Electric vehicles. The state has even reviewed the valuation of non-cash benefits for employees benefiting from a company vehicle. In a few figures, this valuation will be 0.5% of the vehicle's replacement value in the case of a Full Electric, 0.8% for the Hybrid Plug-In, peaking at 1.8% for the most polluting vehicles. To put it simply, this can represent a saving of several hundred euros per month if a zero-emission vehicle is chosen. We are therefore talking about several thousand euros per year (more or less, depending on the choice of vehicle) for the employee.
The calculation of the motor vehicle tax is based on the consumption and emission of carbon dioxide. As an example, the CO2 emission of a Full Electric vehicle is 0 grams per KM. The annual tax in this case will be 30€.
Increasingly more efficient vehicles
The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) launched a few years ago the counterpart of Plug-in Hybrid in the Formula 1 sector. After the confidential success of the beginnings, this first world championship for electric vehicles has grown in importance over the years. The first few races were replaced by a 14-race calendar for the 2021 season. Some drivers (who have the super license required by the FIA) come from F1 and others from endurance, DTM or American championships such as the IndyCar Series.
Manufacturers and engine-makers have embarked on the adventure with enthusiasm and hope. Indeed, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, BMW, Jaguar and Nissan (PSA) are now part of it and are fighting hard for the supremacy of the discipline.
All of these exceptional championships not only have a sporting stake, but serve as a full-scale test laboratory for all the progresses imagined in the factory. It is therefore easy to understand that all these winning developments will, over time, be integrated into the global mass production vehicle market.
The precursor Elon Musk, promoter of TESLA, probably worked for the global development of electricity by making all his patents public. As a result, he somehow encouraged traditional manufacturers and engine-makers to enter the renewable trend and to go even further in the performance and autonomy of batteries and vehicles.
However, the carbon impact of battery production, which divides scientists and politicians from all sides, still needs to be addressed. Let's stick to the established facts, namely that a Full Electric vehicle does not produce any carbon dioxide emissions.
Financially, it's easy to understand that a premium Full Electric vehicle is still expensive to purchase, even after deducting government financial assistance. However, the Luxembourg leasing market has developed a number of acceptable financial solutions for both companies and individuals. Some of them are studying and designing electricity billing solutions, via smart cables allowing direct reimbursement to the user and therefore billing to the employer in the context of a company vehicle.
The vehicles on the market today offer a better autonomy and increased performance. For instance, the new Mercedes EQC model offers an autonomy of 406 km and a 408 hp engine. Audi is not to be outdone with its E-Tron model.
Insurers are as well aware of these new needs. Thanks to a partnership with ALD Automotive, the Luxembourger insurer Bâloise Luxembourg has been able to lease this new Mercedes Full Electric EQC, thus expanding the range of courtesy vehicles available to affected customers, in order to best meet their needs.
What about tomorrow?
Manufacturers will be working to meet the ever-increasing requests of drivers who love top-of-the-range vehicles or beautiful sports cars!
Frédéric Hugot, Head of Inspection - Vehicle, Property & Civil liability at Bâloise explains: "They are working tirelessly on various parameters such as battery manufacturing technologies (even more powerful lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulphur batteries, the Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition concept, etc.). This leads to increased autonomy, shorter recharge times and even greater power. We are on the right track.”
Grégory Pauwels, Head of Claims Department for Standard Risks at Bâloise, says: "It seems that it is now quite conceivable to enjoy driving a high-performance PHEV vehicle, while taking on a more eco-responsible role.”
Always eager to further simplify its customers' lives by offering innovative solutions and an exceptional customer experience, Bâloise Luxembourg is preparing for the evolution of technologies in this market. Daniel Frank, Director of Operations at Bâloise says: "We want to be ready to offer specific and dedicated support and services to those drivers who will choose Full Electric and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles.”
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