Do electric cars fit into the everyday life of a medium-sized company? We accompanied BÄKO Ost eG for 8 weeks during their electric car test. We talked to Dr Daniel Linke - CEO of BÄKO Ost eG - about their experiences, findings and future plans.
Does a baker need an electric car? BÄKO Ost eG asked itself this question. As a cooperative for bakers, confectioners and gingerbread makers, it accompanies its member businesses on their way into the future. Electric mobility is undoubtedly part of this future: "Because the businesses have to deal with alternative drives and the question arises as to how electric mobility can be used sensibly in the businesses," says Dr Linke.
In order to find out how practical electric vehicles are in the region, BÄKO Ost and ENSO Energie Sachsen Ost AG (renamed SachsenEnergie AG on 1 January 2021) have tested two electric cars over the past eight weeks. We found out how the test went and whether the cooperative and its member companies will switch to electric mobility in the near future from board member Dr Daniel Linke. In the video, he tells us what experiences and findings the company has come to. We were also able to ask one of the 28 test drivers about her personal experiences.
"There was one surprise. Long loading times were hardly an issue with any of our testers, although we had suspected that."
SO THE BÄKO East HAS TESTED
For this purpose, BÄKO Ost had a BMW i3 and a VW e-Golf at its disposal for 4 weeks each. 28 employees took part in this test. They mainly completed their commute to work, did errands at home and drove back to the company in Klipphausen the next morning. Each individual was to find out for themselves and for BÄKO Ost how electric mobility works, how electric cars actually drive and how easy it is to charge them. A feedback sheet was then to provide more precise findings on suitability for everyday use, the respective purpose and the driving experience.
MANY INSIGHTS AND A SURPRISE
In the run-up to the test phase, the conviction prevailed that long charging times would be the greatest concern for the drivers. For most of them, however, this did not matter at all, as Dr. Linke notes: "There was one surprise. Long charging times were hardly an issue for any of our testers, although we had suspected that." Since the vehicles were always recharged at the company location during the day, they were ready to go in the evening for the next trip. For the majority of the testers, one charge is perfectly sufficient for the journey to work and back home. "Most of them didn't have to recharge at home at all," recalls the managing director. The main focus of the test drivers was then quickly on the driving performance. Melanie Seidel, for example, describes her surprise at how quietly the electric car drove and how quickly she was on the road.
Overall, the testers gave mostly positive feedback on the trial operation of the two electric cars. More than half of the respondents said that electric mobility is a good form of mobility. However, some were sceptical about the currently still high purchase costs of electric cars. "Therefore, the price-performance ratio of the vehicles certainly needs to be improved," says Melanie Seidel. The test has not only given the employees a personal experience. They are now also in a position to communicate with the bakeries on an equal footing on the subject of electric mobility.
THE BAKER, THE ELECTRIC CAR AND GROWING APPLICATIONS
For Dr Linke, whether or not a baker needs an electric car for his business depends on the purpose. Branches where the shop assistants have to move regularly between locations are in principle suitable for the use of electric vehicles. They can also be used to ensure fast deliveries. After all, the average distance bakeries travel is around 80 kilometres per day.
"We definitely see opportunities for BÄKO and our member companies.
He also sees potential in his own company, especially as an emergency vehicle for trainees and courier trips. However, the large radius of action of field staff and fitters cannot yet be covered by the range of the vehicles," says Dr Linke, limiting the possible use of electric cars in the near future. In general, however, he is open to the topic of electric mobility: "I can imagine electric vehicles in the BÄKO fleet if the issue of charging times and charging infrastructure is clarified. But there are possibilities for ENSO that we simply have to talk about again."
Would you also like to determine the potential of electric vehicles in your company and experience electromobility? Then write to us:
