Ludovic Lavarde, EDF: “I don't want to manage cars, let alone electric batteries”

Even a single shared car can make a big difference

Even a single shared car can make a noticeable difference – both in money saved and increased ease of travel. So says Ludovic Lavarde, who manages a team of Key Account Managers for EDF based at La Défense, on the western outskirts of Paris. Three years ago, he organised a shared car via Sodetrel, EDF's electric mobility subsidiary.

Logical solution

“When any of our KAMs need to be near the Gare de Lyon, of course it makes more sense to take the metro. But when they need to make multiple stops in the centre of Paris, or have a meeting at a place hard to reach via RER (Paris's overground rail network), a car is the logical solution”.

So Ludovic struck a deal with Sodetrel. His team now disposes of a Peugeot Ion. “A small car – ideal for parking in the city”. Why an electric car? “Because it fits with the overall objective of the EDF Group. And because it is not only good for our image and the environment, but also for our budget”.

Under-used

Even if the car is relatively under-used: “Our KAMs have business all over France, and beyond – in Belgium, the UK, etcetera. They don't need to be in Paris all the time, and when they do, the metro sometimes is an easier alternative, as mentioned. So our shared car is booked for about only 20% of the time. Even so, we have calculated that it saves us a couple of hundred euros each month in taxi fares and metro fees. Overall, and taking into account the cost of the contract itself, it saves us around €2,000 per year”

Electric cars have potential disadvantages, but none that Mr. Lavarde or his team have ever experienced: “The car can be charged here at its location at La Défense. Its range is limited to 150 km, and that is more than enough to cover Paris and environs. Everybody loves its smooth, dynamic driving. And it's an automatic, which makes driving in traffic jams a lot easier”.

Meeting room

So, does Mr. Lavarde have any tips for other fleet managers considering a shared car? “Well, I am not a fleet manager. I don't want to manage cars, let alone electric batteries. My advice: make sure your contract with your provider takes as much of the management of the car out of your hands. Also: make sure there is a tool to book the car as easily as a meeting room”.