Countdown to EnEfG Commencement: Effective Fleet Management of Electric Vehicles Averts Heavy Fines Worth up to €100,000
In the pursuit of energy savings, many companies are exploring areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and managing load peaks. This is particularly relevant for those with large vehicle fleets, which should carefully analyze their energy consumption to uncover potential savings.
One tool that has been highly recommended for continuous improvements in energy efficiency is the DIN EN ISO 50001 standard. First published in 2011, this standard shares its structure with other well-known standards like ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment), making it easier for companies managing certified processes to adopt. The updated version from 2018 offers a comprehensive approach that combines hardware, software, and technical consulting solutions to facilitate compliance with the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) in Germany.
Siemens, a leading company in this field, proposes a solution that facilitates data-driven decision-making by helping companies create savings plans, implement concrete measures, and track results in a documented manner. Their technological solution covers the entire lifecycle of an installation, from planning to operation, with a hardware and software portfolio enabling efficient process adaptation and an integrated view of energy consumption. An example of Siemens' hardware is the SENTRON Powercenter 3000, an energy monitoring tool that simplifies data management in low-voltage networks, reducing installation and commissioning costs.
Starting on 28 July 2025, all German companies consuming more than 7.5 GWh annually will have to comply with the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG). Companies that fail to implement an energy management system in compliance with the regulation on time could face fines of up to €100,000. The regulation requires the implementation of an energy management system in accordance with the ISO 50001 standard or an environmental management system validated under the EMAS scheme (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme Regulation).
The measure aligns with the objectives of the European Union's Energy Efficiency Directive and particularly affects energy-intensive sectors such as logistics, industry, and services. Fleet electrification is an effective measure for energy efficiency, but it is not the only option. Mobility Portal Data, a new market intelligence platform, offers reliable data, key reports, and up-to-date insights to support smart decision-making across the automotive sector, covering both combustion and electric vehicles, as well as charging infrastructure.
On a global scale, Flexecharge plans to expand to new countries in 2025 and 2026, partnering with major CPOs following the success of launching the world's first VPP based on high-power public DC chargers. Meanwhile, Spanish CPO partners are expanding their charging network in France with 2,500 points, marking a crucial step in accelerating its presence in France, which still lags behind in public charging infrastructure.
A significant development in this area is the opening of one of Germany's largest public charging parks at Munich Airport, boasting over 1,140 charging points for electric vehicles and devices used on the airport aprons. These initiatives underscore the growing importance of energy efficiency and the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
By implementing energy or environmental management systems, developing and publishing energy-saving implementation plans, utilizing technologies for precise energy monitoring and efficiency, and investing in innovative approaches such as electric heating in industrial processes to reduce emissions, companies can transform the obligations of the German Energy Efficiency Act into operational opportunities. Integrating systematic data management and daily monitoring to optimize resource use and compliance is key to ensuring a sustainable and energy-efficient future.
