CEE and the E-TRANS program: a strategic lever for electrifying heavy goods vehicles

In France, the Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) scheme offers a unique opportunity for transport and logistics professionals to reduce their carbon footprint while benefiting from significant financial aid. In addition, the E-Trans program provides essential subsidies and technical support to facilitate this transition. We're going to look at how CEE can be used to electrify trucks and what steps need to be taken to benefit from them.

CEE: a key scheme for electrifying heavy goods vehicles

Energy saving certificates (CEE) are tools introduced by the French government to encourage companies to make energy savings. By accumulating volumes of CEE, companies can obtain financial incentives to finance their energy efficiency projects, including the electrification of their truck fleets.

How does the CEE scheme work?

The CEE scheme is based on the performance of standardized energy-saving operations. Each operation generates a certain volume of CEE, expressed in kWh cumac (discounted cumulated). These certificates can then be traded on the market, or used to obtain premiums.

For fleet managers and hauliers, eligible actions may include:

• Conversion of diesel trucks to electric vehicles.
• The purchase of new electric trucks.
• Installation of electric recharging stations in depots.

The benefits of EWCs for transport companies

Energy saving certificates (CEE) offer many advantages for transport companies. They make it possible to significantly reduce the investment costs associated with the electrification of heavy goods vehicles, thanks to premiums. What's more, electric vehicles consume less energy per kilometer than diesel models, resulting in long-term savings. Fleet electrification also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a crucial step towards carbon neutrality. Adopting these technologies also reinforces a company's eco-responsible image, a gesture appreciated by customers and partners alike.

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The E-TRANS program: additional support for carriers

The E-TRANS program is a specific initiative designed to encourage the electrification of freight transport fleets. The program offers additional support to hauliers wishing to convert their trucks to all-electric power.

Key features of the E-TRANS program :

To facilitate the transition to cleaner mobility, the E-TRANS program offers concrete assistance to companies. These include 

• Financial assistance: specific subsidies for the purchase of electric trucks and the installation of charging stations.
• Technical support: technical support to help companies plan and implement their electrification projects.
• Training: training programs for drivers and fleet managers to maximize the effective use of the new electric vehicles.

Challenges and prospects for the electrification of heavy goods vehicles

Although the CEE scheme and the E-TRANS program offer many advantages, companies also face certain challenges:

• High initial costs: the initial investment to purchase electric trucks and install charging infrastructure can be high.
• Charging infrastructure: the development of a sufficient and efficient charging infrastructure is essential to support fleet electrification.
• Training and awareness: transport professionals need to be trained in new technologies and made aware of the benefits of electrification.

Introduction of the CEE scheme for the electrification of heavy goods vehicles

It's crucial for fleet managers to assess their company's specific needs and identify opportunities for energy savings. This includes an analysis of routes, recharging habits and available infrastructure.

Performing standardized operations

Once the needs and opportunities have been identified, companies must carry out standardized energy-saving operations to accumulate energy-saving certificates (CEE). For HGVs, this mainly involves two actions:

• Purchasing electric vehicles: replacing diesel trucks with electric models reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions, while complying with environmental regulations.
• Installing charging stations: setting up adequate charging infrastructure in depots, warehouses and on strategic routes ensures efficient use of new electric vehicles, minimizing downtime.

These operations must be precisely documented, with evidence such as purchase invoices and technical reports, to be eligible for CEE. By investing in these actions, companies can benefit from CEE premiums and contribute to more sustainable mobility.

Claiming and using energy saving certificates

Once the operations have been carried out, companies must submit an application to obtain the corresponding CEE. To do so, they need to provide proof of the energy savings achieved, such as invoices and technical reports.

The EWCs obtained can be used to obtain financial incentives. Companies can either sell their certificates on the CEE market, or use them to finance other energy efficiency projects.

An opportunity for transport professionals

Energy saving certificates represent a strategic lever for companies wishing to commit to low-carbon mobility. By optimizing their use, fleet managers and transporters can not only reduce their energy costs, but also actively contribute to France's energy transition.

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