The Importance of Photovoltaic Systems in the Electrification of Company Vehicle Fleets as Part of the Energy Transition to Meet the EU Climate Goals, on the Example of Austria

The decarbonization of the transportation sector and, thus, the Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (ICEV) by 2035, as defined by the Clean Vehicle Directive, can be seen as the starting point for this research work. Above all, the Austrian industry, which is heavily dependent on its vehicle fleet, is affected by the upcoming regulation. Companies must therefore decarbonize their vehicle fleets within this period. This master thesis aims to provide companies with four decarbonization scenarios for their ICEVs by 2035, only by using photovoltaic electric energy to electrify their vehicle fleet. The four scenarios aim to visualize investments in relation to the full PV potential on the company premises, using
roofs, facades, open spaces, and PV-integrated carports in parking lots for energy generation. The total yield of the PV system is then compared with the electrical energy requirement of the fully electrified company vehicle fleet. The decarbonization factor defines the percentage by which the company fleet can be decarbonized by the full PV potential on the company premises. Three representative companies were selected for the empirical
research work. Since all three companies have large company buildings with large areas on roofs, on the ground, and in parking lots, the electrical output of the PV system is sufficient in most cases for the complete decarbonization of the company vehicle fleet.
However, one company operates a truck fleet that extends the energy supply of the PV power plant. As this study has shown, the decarbonization of the company fleet not only has the advantage of saving CO2 certificates but also significantly higher fuel costs. The fuel savings and savings on investment are included in the scenario calculations. Overall, it can be said that the earlier the company invests in the implementation of PV on company premises and the early decarbonization of the ICEV fleet, the cheaper it is. Therefore, with early action, companies can save money on fuel and investment cost. Decarbonization will not only prepare the company for the CVD but will also significantly reduce the company's carbon footprint, boost the company's image, and enable it to drive carbon-free into the future.