Electrifying road operations: Egis leads the EV transition in O&M

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly transforming the road operations and maintenance (O&M) sector. This article provides an overview of key data, best practices, and lessons learned from Egis’ ongoing journey to electrify its vehicle fleets. Drawing on internal case studies and referencing leading industry sources, it summarises the main findings regarding EV vehicle types, operational use cases, efficiency, and transition management.

As major operators of road infrastructure, concessionaires and O&M suppliers are uniquely positioned to drive decarbonisation. Electrifying vehicle fleets is a key strategy for quickly and efficiently reducing emissions, improving air quality, and protecting operations from both regulatory pressures and the volatility of fossil fuel prices.

Egis operates a diverse fleet across road, airport, and mobility services. In 2024, its O&M activities (excluding airport O&M) consumed nearly 6 million litres of diesel and gasoline, resulting in 14,000 tCO₂e in Scope 1 emissions, with 12,000 tCO₂e attributed to mobile combustion [1].

For Road O&M specifically, the 2024 figures are striking [1]:

4 million litres

Volume of diesel and gasoline consumed

10,000 tCO₂e

GHG emissions associated with mobile combustion*

*Some emissions reported under Scope 3.15 are also included

22%

of total GHG emissions attributable solely to the combustion of fossil fuels

Egis’ net-zero decarbonisation targets, validated by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), are to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 54.6% by 2033 and by 90% by 2050, with Scope 3 reductions of up to 97% [1]. This underscores the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon alternatives and further accelerate fleet electrification.

EV vehicle types and use cases in Road O&M

Egis’ operational needs span light vehicles, vans, trucks, and specialised airport ground support vehicles.

Egis has piloted and deployed EVs across a broad range of O&M activities, demonstrating the adaptability of electric vehicles for:

Bridge maintenance and inspection in Turkey: Photo of GIIB’s Dacia Spring, captioned “GIIB uses a light EV for Osmangazi bridge’s inspection, saving 4.5 tCO2e a year”.

Electric vehicle that recharges

Motorway patrolling in Portugal: Photo of VW ID BUZZ on the A24 motorway, captioned "ERO Portugal patrols the A24 motorway exclusively with VW ID Buzz vehicles powered entirely by renewable electricity."

VW ID Buzz vehicles powered entirely by renewable electricity

Traffic management in Ireland: Photo of Volvo FM LE Electric Truck, captioned “Egis Lagan Services rolled out its first heavy-duty electric vehicle in September 2025”

Egis Lagan Services rolled out its first heavy-duty electric vehicle

While EVs now meet the needs of most use cases, some specialised operations—such as winter viability and heavy construction—are still being evaluated. [1].

Electric vehicles comes with multiple benefits

Across all vehicle categories, battery electric vehicles significantly outperform internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in lifecycle carbon emissions. For example, electric trucks can reduce GHG emissions by almost 80% compared to diesel equivalents [3]. The carbon intensity of the electricity used is a key factor—using low-carbon or renewable electricity maximises the benefits [3].

EVs produce no tailpipe emissions (NOx, PM, etc.), reducing urban air pollution. However, non-exhaust emissions (tyre and brake wear) remain, though EVs typically emit less brake particulate matter due to regenerative braking [4]. EVs are also substantially quieter, reducing noise pollution by up to 20 dB when idle [5].

When it comes to vehicle manufacture, EVs require more critical raw materials (e.g., lithium, cobalt, nickel) than ICE vehicles—394 kg per vehicle on average, versus 176 kg for ICE [6]. However, they avoid the lifetime consumption of 17,000 litres of fossil fuels per vehicle. Lighter vehicles and locally produced batteries further minimise the material and carbon footprint [7].

Finally, electrification supports local economies and job creation. For example, Ford Otosan’s EV plant in Turkey, where Egis is present, employs over 25,000 people and sources 68% of components locally [8]. EV adoption also enhances employer branding and attracts talent, with 66% of young people preferring environmentally responsible employers [9].

Case study: Moving towards smart charging to fully unlock electrification benefits

Once battery electric vehicles have been deployed within Egis operations, the ultimate challenge, beyond decarbonisation, is to charge vehicles more wisely. This means using cheap, low-carbon or even renewable electricity at the right moment, whether locally produced or direct from the grid.

Vehicle parked on electric charging stations

Autobahnplus Services (A+S) is the Egis company responsible for operating and maintaining the 52-kilometre-long section of the A8 motorway between Augsburg and Munich in Germany. A+S has been using solar PV at its O&M centre since 2022. The operator also introduced company electric cars and road inspection EVs. The transition to electromobility led A+S to rethink electricity usage to take advantage of solar PV.

Before, A+S used to have two consumption peaks: the first peak occurred between 8:00 and 10:00 am when company EVs were charged at the base, and the second peak took place in the afternoon when road inspection EVs were charged. Recently, A+S successfully shifted the first peak period, enabling company electric vehicles to fully utilise renewable electricity generated by solar PV systems.

This example illustrates how coupling locally produced electricity and electric vehicles can be achieved within Egis operations and is one of the features of a smart charging strategy.

Common EV Questions

Q. How do teams respond to the change to EVs?

Despite the compelling benefits of EVs, barriers to adoption exist. Initial driver reluctance (range anxiety) is common, but we have seen that this diminishes with experience and operational trials. Most O&M use cases can be addressed with current EV ranges, provided logistics are adapted (e.g., shift planning and payload management) and operational requirements are taken into account [10].

Successful electrification is as much about people as it is about technology. Change management involves stakeholder engagement, skills development, and continuous communication

Q. Will we need to upskill to maintain these vehicles?

EVs require less maintenance than ICE vehicles due to fewer moving parts and regenerative braking. However, high-voltage systems and batteries demand specialised skills and certifications for safe maintenance and operations, so some upskilling or outsourcing will be necessary. [11][12].

Q. How do EVs compare cost-wise with ICE vehicles?

While EVs typically involve higher upfront costs, their lower operating and maintenance costs result in competitive or lower total cost of ownership (TCO), especially with high annual mileage [13]. Egis has framework agreements with international OEMs and usually recommends leasing for annual mileage below 50,000 km.

Q. What are the risks?

EVs introduce new risks, notably high-voltage components and battery fires. Although EV fires are rare (430 incidents globally from 2010-2023 out of over 10 million EVs sold in 2022), they require specific response protocols, including prolonged cooling and isolation [14]. Insurance considerations include battery degradation, recycling, and supply chain risks [15].

Q. What is the case for electrification in this sector?

Road transport remains a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), transport accounts for more than a third of CO₂ emissions from end-use sectors, with road transport responsible for 74% of transport emissions in 2022 [16]. In the European Union, cars, heavy-duty vehicles, and vans together represented 72% of transport emissions in 2023 [17]. Achieving net zero by 2050 requires annual CO₂ reductions of over 3% until 2030.

Lessons learned and recommendations for road operators

EVs offer the fastest and most effective route to decarbonisation in road O&M, provided low-carbon electricity is used.
Most O&M use cases are now feasible with EVs, with ongoing innovation in heavy-duty and specialised vehicles.
Smart charging and renewable integration are essential to maximise environmental and economic benefits.
Change management and skills development are as critical as technical solutions.
Total cost of ownership, not purchase price, should guide procurement decisions.
Safety and risk management require new protocols and insurance considerations.

Practical recommendations:

Conduct a detailed use case analysis to match vehicles and charging to operational needs.
Invest in scalable, future-proof charging infrastructure, considering both depot and public charging.
Prioritise light, locally manufactured EVs and renewable electricity contracts to maximise decarbonisation.
Leverage partnerships and knowledge sharing with OEMs, energy suppliers, and peer operators.
Engage staff and stakeholders early, providing training and addressing concerns to ensure a smooth transition.
Monitor technological developments in retrofitting, battery recycling, and smart charging.

Conclusions

Yesterday’s world of fossil-fuel mobility

Today’s world of electromobility

A car with a charging station

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

· Cost and supply of liquid fuels

· Few options for cost optimisation

· Standalone cost item

· Significant carbon impact

· Electricity price

· On-site solar self-consumption

· Flexibility and smart charging

· Electricity contract optimisation

· Integrated site expense

· Lower carbon impact

Adapted from [18]

The electrification of road O&M fleets is not only a regulatory or environmental imperative, it is a strategic opportunity. By adopting best practices and learning from industry leaders like Egis, road operators and concessionaires can reduce their carbon footprint, control energy costs, improve operational resilience, and position themselves for future success in a rapidly changing landscape.