Why is TCU the smart fleet manager’s favourite KPI?
Your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculation may look perfect on paper. All assumptions are sound, the spreadsheet is flawless, and management has given the green light. But when the first monthly invoices arrive, you start to wonder: “This can’t be right.”
This is a challenge almost every fleet manager faces when transitioning to electric vehicles: the gap between what your TCO model predicts and what you actually pay. At Blossom, we see this pattern time and again. And we know how to solve it.
When good figures turn into unpleasant surprises
Let’s take an example. Sarah in your team paid €180 for charging last month, while your TCO model had forecast €60. A difference of 200%. What happened?
Sarah lives in an apartment without a charging point. She relies heavily on public fast chargers, while your TCO model assumes mostly home charging at a lower cost. The model wasn’t wrong, it was simply based on an average situation that doesn’t apply to Sarah.
And Sarah is not alone. One third of Belgian households live in apartments. Their reality simply does not fit into your averages.
This is the fundamental problem with TCO: it predicts what electric driving should cost in a perfect, standardised world. But your employees don’t live in spreadsheets. They have different home situations, driving patterns, charging habits and energy contracts.
Total Cost of Use: the reality of your fleet
Total Cost of Use (TCU) is something entirely different. It reflects your real charging costs. Not what a model predicts, but what your employees actually pay. Per person, per month, per charging location.
TCU shows the reality of your fleet instead of a theoretical average. Jan, with solar panels and a home charger, pays 40% less than expected. Sarah pays 180% more due to her reliance on public infrastructure. Instead of one average, you now see multiple charging profiles, each telling a different story.
And that insight changes everything.
Why TCU is a better KPI than TCO
TCO is based on assumptions: average consumption, average energy prices and average charging behaviour.
TCU is based on reality: how much someone actually drives, where they charge and what they really pay.
TCO is useful at the purchasing stage.
TCU is essential for day-to-day management and optimisation.
The first helps you choose vehicles.
The second helps you control costs once they are on the road.
From surprises to strategy
With TCU insights, you can take targeted action instead of reacting to unexpected costs.
For example, you can:
- support or subsidise home charging for employees without access
- encourage employees with solar panels to charge during off-peak hours
- negotiate better tariffs with public charging networks
The result? Lower costs and more satisfied employees.
Transparency reduces frustration. Employees understand why their costs differ from their colleagues. They no longer feel “expensive”, they understand their situation is simply different.
At one of our corporate clients, employees reduced their charging costs by 23% within six months. Not by driving less, but by charging smarter: more overnight at home and less via expensive public fast chargers.
This behavioural change didn’t come from rules. It came from insight.
In practice: getting started with TCU in three steps
Step 1: Collect three months of real charging data
Break down charging data per employee: home, office, public AC and public DC (fast charging). Calculate the real cost per kWh for each category.
The differences can be significant. Some employees pay €0.22 per kWh, others €0.42, while driving similar distances.
Step 2: Analyse home situations
Map out who has access to what: driveway, garage, apartment, solar panels or street parking.
This explains most cost differences. Employees don’t pay more by choice, but because they have no better alternative.
Step 3: Compare with your TCO and optimise
Compare your real TCU data with your original TCO model and identify the biggest gaps.
This gives you clear opportunities for optimisation: adding office chargers, supporting home installations or adjusting supplier agreements.
One solution doesn’t fit all. That’s exactly why TCU is so powerful, it shows where targeted actions have the most impact.
How TCU improves your ROI
TCU turns you from a cost controller into a strategic advisor. Instead of reacting to invoices, you anticipate and steer proactively.
Employees become aware of their charging costs and naturally adjust their behaviour. Transparency works better than control.
The value comes from three things:
- more satisfied employees
- more predictable budgets
- better investment decisions
You know where additional charging points will deliver the highest return. You negotiate based on real data. And you position yourself as an innovative employer focused on optimisation, not restriction.
Real-time TCU with the right platform
At Blossom, we believe TCU monitoring should be simple. Our platform gives fleet managers instant insight into where the budget is going, without complex data handling.
You see charging behaviour and costs per employee. Data is automatically split by location: home, office, public AC and public DC. Trends become visible that would otherwise go unnoticed.
If someone suddenly uses more fast chargers, there may be an issue with their home setup.
Everything is centralised in one clear overview. No more juggling dashboards, invoices or spreadsheets.
This transparency also makes conversations with employees easier. You can review the data together and identify solutions.
From theory to practice
Moving from TCO to TCU is more than adopting a new KPI. It’s a shift from assumptions to facts. From averages to real, individual insights.
Companies that embrace TCU achieve lower and more predictable costs, less frustration and better strategic decisions.
At Blossom, we help companies make this transition every day. We provide not only the technology, but also the insights to act on it.
Because data alone is not enough. It’s what you do with it that matters.
Would you like to understand your real Total Cost of Use?
Get in touch. We’d be happy to show you how transparency in charging costs can benefit both your budget and your employees.
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At Blossom, we love simplicity, efficiency, and smart technology. Your charging card is the key to hassle-free charging, but how do you keep it in top shape? A few smart habits can help prevent damage and ensure you can hit the road worry-free.
How does your charging card actually work?
Inside your card, a small antenna and an RFID chip draw power from the charging station’s signal.
This signal activates the chip, which then sends a unique code: “It’s me, and this is my key.” Once the charging station recognizes your key, charging begins. No batteries are required. The system is lightning fast and super energy efficient.
But because the antenna and chip are delicate, it’s important to handle your card with care. Here are the biggest pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Biggest mistake: Leaving your card in “the storage compartment”
Many drivers leave their charging card in the car’s storage compartment, right next to their wirelessly charging phone. Big mistake! Wireless charging creates an electromagnetic field that can damage your card’s antenna. This is one of the most common reasons charging cards stop working.
Other risks to your charging card
- Physical damage: Your card isn’t designed to be bent or scratched. Store it in a secure place, such as a sturdy cardholder.
- Heat and moisture: Avoid extremes of temperature and humidity. Don’t leave your card in a hot car or expose it to water.
- Magnetic fields: Strong magnets can interfere with your card. Keep it away from magnetic clips or speakers.
Blossom’s tips for a happy charging card
- Keep it away from your phone: Never place your card near a wireless charger or in the same pocket as your phone. Use a dedicated cardholder instead.
- Give it a permanent home: Keep your card safely secure in a wallet or holder to prevent accidental damage.
- Keep it clean: Wipe it with a soft cloth to remove dust and grease.
- Protect it from the elements: Keep it dry and away from extreme heat.
What if your card stops working?
No worries! If your card stops working, just let us know. We’ll get you a new one in no time. Of course, prevention is always better than cure.
Charge with confidence, the Blossom way
At Blossom, we make things simple and seamless. Taking good care of your charging card will help you avoid unnecessary hassle and keep your charging experience as smooth as the rest of our solutions. Store it wisely and make sure you’re always powered up and ready to go.
Let’s keep it simple, smart, and seamless – just the way you like it!
Managing an electric fleet does not have to be complicated. At Blossom, we have worked with dozens of Belgian companies during their EV transition and have identified a clear pattern. The organisations that succeed are not necessarily those with the largest budgets or the most advanced technology. They are the ones that understand three fundamental insights about how electric mobility really works.
These insights are neither revolutionary nor complex. In fact, they are surprisingly simple once you understand them. However, they fundamentally change how you approach your car policy, and the results speak for themselves.
Insight 1: Optimise your Total Cost of Use by combining office and home charging
Most fleet managers approach charging infrastructure with an either-or mindset: either they provide office charging, or they support home charging. This binary thinking misses the point.
Why both matter
The reality of hybrid working means employees come to the office two to three times a week. Office charging alone is simply not sufficient for most drivers. However, relying only on home charging leaves employees without access at home, such as those living in apartments, tenants, or people with limited parking options, without a solution.
The real value comes from combining both options and managing them centrally by the employer. This creates flexibility for everyone while giving you full visibility and control over your Total Cost of Use (TCU).
What office charging offers:
- Central management and straightforward control
- Cost-efficient at sufficient scale
- Ideal for employees without home charging options
- Strategic use of your existing infrastructure
What home charging offers:
- Tailored solutions for individual home situations (garage, driveway or apartment)
- Comfort and flexibility for employees
- Smart charging makes it highly energy-efficient
- Automatic reimbursement of charging costs
The result
By managing both office and home charging centrally, you can maintain a consistent policy for all charging solutions. You gain full visibility and control without having to juggle multiple systems or suppliers. For employees, the experience remains simple and seamless, whether they are at home or in the office.
Most importantly, you gain a clear view of your TCU and can optimise it with targeted interventions. Should you encourage more overnight home charging? Is office charging being used efficiently? The data tells you exactly where to focus.
Insight 2: Cost transparency beats cost control
Here is an uncomfortable truth about the EV charging market: it resembles the early days of mobile telephony. There are multiple networks, opaque pricing and hidden costs that quickly add up. A typical public charging transaction can involve four to five different parties, each taking a margin.
The traditional “roaming jungle”:
- Energy supplier: €0.20/kWh
- Charge Point Operator (CPO): +€0.05/kWh
- Roaming hub: +€0.03/kWh
- Mobility Service Provider (MSP): +€0.07/kWh
- Total: €0.35/kWh (75% higher than the actual energy cost)
The radical transparency approach
Instead of trying to control every charging decision through complex rules and restrictions, we embrace full transparency. This allows both employees and fleet managers to clearly understand the cost of each kWh, with no hidden margins.
For home charging, use the CREG tariff, which is transparent and uniform for all employees, regardless of their energy contract. For public charging, apply the actual energy cost plus a clearly defined service fee. There are no hidden margins, and monthly reporting provides a full cost breakdown.
Why this works better than control
When employees understand the cost of their charging behaviour, both at home and on the road, they naturally make better decisions. They will choose more cost-effective options without the need for micromanagement. At the same time, you can objectively compare suppliers.
For fleet managers, budgets align with expectations. There are no surprises at the end of the month due to expensive charging sessions. Costs are transparent from the start, allowing for informed discussions and adjustments based on real data.
Shifting from control to transparency reduces administrative overhead while improving decision-making at every level.
Insight 3: Prioritise the experience
Many companies approach the transition to electric vehicles as a logistical challenge. Vehicles need to move from A to B, charging points must be available, and costs must be controlled. This approach overlooks the human element entirely.
The reality is simple: a positive EV experience is the most important factor in encouraging optimal charging behaviour. When employees feel confident about charging, know where to charge, understand how costs work, and know who to contact in case of issues, they naturally make better decisions.
What stress-free charging looks like:
- A consistent charging experience everywhere
- Reliable charging points with over 99% uptime
- Transparent costs with no surprises
- A clear charging policy covering home, office and public charging
What proactive service means:
- A responsive local service team that knows your fleet
- Fast support when issues arise
- Continuous improvement based on feedback and usage patterns
What empowerment enables:
- Choice of charging solutions tailored to individual needs
- Insight into personal charging behaviour and costs
- Flexibility to adapt solutions as circumstances change
Why this matters more than you think
Every minute an employee spends worrying about charging, searching for a working charger, or dealing with unclear reimbursements represents lost productivity. But the impact goes beyond individual efficiency.
Satisfied employees share their experiences. In the war for talent, a forward-looking mobility policy attracts stronger candidates. Companies that deliver an excellent EV experience not only reduce frustration, but also create advocates who actively promote the company’s progressive approach.
From insight to implementation
These three insights, optimising TCU through combined charging, prioritising transparency over control, and putting the experience first, are not theoretical concepts. They are practical principles that transform how your car policy works in everyday reality.
At Blossom, we have built our entire platform around these principles. We believe that managing an electric fleet should be simpler and smarter, not more complex. That is why we provide fleet managers with an intuitive and reliable platform to easily manage home chargers, charging cards and associated costs.
Companies that understand these insights early gain a competitive advantage in cost, experience and employee satisfaction. Those that stick to outdated approaches to fleet management often find themselves dealing with ongoing frustration and inefficiency.
Would you like to discover how these insights can transform your fleet management? Get in touch. We would be happy to discuss how Blossom can help you implement a car policy that truly works for everyone involved.
Belgian company mobility is on the brink of a fundamental transformation. In less than five years’ time, the way we think about company cars will have changed dramatically. At Blossom, we closely monitor emerging trends and are confident enough to make concrete predictions about what lies ahead.
Spoiler alert: the changes are bigger than you think, yet more predictable than many companies fear. Let’s take a look at what the future holds.
Prediction 1: Every employee will be driving electric by 2030
The figures speak for themselves. In 2025, more than 70% of all new company cars ordered were electric. This is no longer a gradual transition, it is a full-scale revolution.
According to forecast models, as much as 84% of the entire Belgian company car fleet will be electrified by 2030. This means that within five years, almost every company car on Belgian roads will be electric. This trend is further reinforced by the fact that 87.7% of new electric vehicles were registered by companies and leasing firms.
What does this mean for you as a fleet manager?
The question is no longer whether you will switch to electric vehicles, but when and how. Companies that continue to hesitate will soon find themselves paying more for fewer and less attractive options. The best suppliers will have waiting lists, and there will be a shortage of experienced installers. By acting now, you can build valuable experience and avoid the rush of 2027–2028.
Prediction 2: The mobility budget will create new opportunities
From 1 January 2026, employers offering company cars will also be required to offer a mobility budget as an alternative. Currently, only 3.23% of employers do so, but that situation is set to change dramatically.
The mobility budget enables employees to exchange their company car for a flexible budget that can be spent on various modes of transport, such as a smaller car combined with a bicycle, public transport, occasional car-sharing, or even mortgage repayments. This fiscal instrument shifts the focus from ownership to usage.
What will this mean for company mobility?
We are moving from a one-size-fits-all approach to more tailored solutions. Employees increasingly value flexibility over ownership and want freedom of choice within their mobility package. The traditional company car will remain, but as one option within a broader mobility offering. This requires new management systems capable of handling this complexity.
Prediction 3: The second-hand market will be the game changer
An underestimated factor in the EV transition is the role of the second-hand market. Companies are the first to invest in electric vehicles, largely due to tax incentives. After three to five years, these vehicles will become available to private buyers.
This creates a cascade effect: by 2030, millions of affordable EVs will be available on the European second-hand market, significantly accelerating private adoption. Leasing companies will also develop new business models, such as offering second-hand leases to former employees through the mobility budget.
What does this mean for your fleet?
The residual value of your electric company cars will become a strategic factor. Those that are well maintained and have a documented history of good battery health will retain their value more effectively. This makes smart fleet management even more important, particularly with resale value in mind.
Prediction 4: Total Cost of Use will replace Total Cost of Ownership
The traditional TCO approach (Total Cost of Ownership) relies on assumptions and averages. However, in the world of electric driving, where charging costs can vary significantly depending on where and when charging occurs, this model is too imprecise.
The TCU (Total Cost of Use) approach uses real data: how many miles are driven, where vehicles are charged, and what is paid for energy. This provides a far more accurate picture of costs and creates opportunities for optimisation.
What does this mean for cost management?
Smart systems that monitor and optimise your charging mix will become the norm. Fleet managers will gain real-time insight into where savings can be made. Is home charging cheaper than office charging? Which employees rely too heavily on expensive rapid chargers? These insights will enable targeted interventions.
Prediction 5: The car policy will become the essential EV enabler
A well-designed car policy is not an administrative obligation but a strategic instrument that can make or break your EV transition. Clear agreements on charging, reimbursements and responsibilities establish trust and encourage optimal charging behaviour.
Companies with a clear, inclusive policy enjoy higher employee satisfaction, lower costs and fewer frustrations. Those without a solid policy struggle with ambiguity, ongoing discussions and dissatisfied employees.
What does this mean for your organisation?
Invest time in developing a well-considered car policy. Involve your employees in the process, anticipate different home situations, and communicate your expectations and responsibilities clearly. This will prevent 90% of issues before they arise.
From prediction to preparation
These five trends are not distant possibilities, they are already under way. Companies that act now will gain a cost, experience and employee satisfaction advantage. Those that wait will ultimately pay the price.
At Blossom, we help organisations navigate this transition successfully. Not only do we provide the technology, but we also offer the strategic insight and operational support needed to turn these predictions into reality for your business.
Would you like to know how your organisation can best prepare for company mobility in 2030? Get in touch. We would be delighted to explore the best route to the future with you.
At Blossom, we believe that managing an electric fleet can be easier and smarter. That’s why we offer fleet managers an intuitive and reliable platform to effortlessly manage home chargers, charging cards and associated costs. No unnecessary complexity – just all the support you need to transition smoothly to a modern, sustainable fleet.
From invitation to installation
The Blossom platform starts by inviting employees who need a home charger or charging card. This process is completed in a few simple steps:
- The fleet manager enters the employee’s email address and they receive an invitation.
- The employee is guided to request their charging card and/or home charger on the platform.
- We arrange the installation appointment.
- The fleet manager can track each employee’s progress through the installation process.
This approach ensures a streamlined onboarding experience while keeping the process simple and transparent.
Full visibility and control
Once the home charger is installed and the employee is fully ‘on board’, Blossom provides a detailed overview of all charging sessions, costs and any reimbursements. This gives fleet managers the insights they need to effectively monitor and manage energy consumption and associated costs. Clear reports and a user-friendly interface make it easy to optimise charging costs and fleet usage efficiently.
Discover how Blossom makes fleet management easier
From onboarding and installation to managing charging sessions and costs, Blossom’s easy-to-use solution saves fleet managers significant time and effort throughout the entire process. Whether you’re setting up a new electric fleet or optimizing an existing one, we’re here to help.
Curious about how we can improve your fleet management?
Contact us and see for yourself!
Together, we can make electric driving easy and worry-free.
The electric revolution is in full swing. More and more companies are offering their employees electric company cars as part of their sustainability strategy. But this transition also raises new questions: How does home charging work? And what are the tax implications? A recent circular from the Belgian Federal Public Service for Finance (2024/C/77) provides answers. At the same time, Blossom demonstrates how companies can seamlessly integrate this into their policies.
A look at the tax guidelines
Imagine an employee charging their electric company car at home. Who pays for the electricity? And what does that mean from a tax perspective? This is exactly what the circular clarifies. A distinction is made between electricity supplied directly by the employer and electricity paid for by the employee and reimbursed afterward.
In the case of direct supply, for example, through a charging card or a charging station at the office, the costs fall under the fixed taxable benefit of the company car. However, if an employee initially pays for the electricity costs themselves, the reimbursement is considered a separate taxable benefit—unless it concerns professional travel expenses. For commuting, employers can reimburse part of the cost tax-free, up to a maximum of €490 per year in 2025. Private kilometers, however, remain taxable.
The circular also provides a special exemption to facilitate the transition to electric driving. If a charging station is equipped with a system that accurately records the electricity used for the company car, the employer may reimburse these costs without additional taxation. A fixed rate per kWh, known as the CREG tariff, can even be used, simplifying administration as long as the rules are followed.
Practice: simplicity versus complexity
While the circular provides clarity, practical challenges remain. How do you accurately register the company car’s consumption? How do you ensure that employees are not taxed on their charging costs? And how do you keep the entire process transparent and fair? This is where technology and smart solutions become essential.
Blossom addresses these challenges by offering companies comprehensive charging solutions that not only comply with tax requirements but are also practical, user-friendly, and future-proof.
Blossom: bridging the gap between regulations and ease of use
At Blossom, simplicity is key. Our goal is to relieve companies and their employees of both technical and administrative burdens. We start with a high-quality home charging solution: reliable chargers designed with the whole family in mind. An employee can charge their company car, while other family members can use the charger for their private vehicles. The smart system automatically records the electricity used for the company car.
But Blossom goes even further. Thanks to our Fleet Dashboard, employers have real-time insight into each employee’s consumption. This allows for effortless reimbursements based on the CREG tariff. Additionally, all our home chargers are equipped with MID-certified meters, ensuring the highest standards of measurement accuracy. This guarantees that every kilowatt-hour charged is correctly recorded.
By combining technology with tax expertise, Blossom perfectly aligns with the requirements of the circular. Reimbursements are processed smoothly, with no surprises for employers or employees. The result? Less administrative hassle, happier employees, and a company ready for the future.
A step forward in sustainability
The transition to electric driving is more than just a technical adjustment; it’s a step towards a more sustainable world. With solutions like those from Blossom, this transition becomes simpler, more feasible, and more attractive—not only for employers looking to become more sustainable but also for employees who want to switch to electric driving worry-free.
Blossom proves that the future of mobility can be green, smart, and user-friendly. Curious about how we can support your company? We’re ready to help you build an electric mobility policy that works for everyone.
Want to learn more? Check out the circular here: MyMinfin
At Blossom, we love simplicity, efficiency, and smart technology. Your charging card is the key to hassle-free charging, but how do you keep it in top shape? A few smart habits can help prevent damage and ensure you can hit the road worry-free.
How does your charging card actually work?
Inside your card, a small antenna and an RFID chip draw power from the charging station’s signal.
This signal activates the chip, which then sends a unique code: “It’s me, and this is my key.” Once the charging station recognizes your key, charging begins. No batteries are required. The system is lightning fast and super energy efficient.
But because the antenna and chip are delicate, it’s important to handle your card with care. Here are the biggest pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Biggest mistake: Leaving your card in “the storage compartment”
Many drivers leave their charging card in the car’s storage compartment, right next to their wirelessly charging phone. Big mistake! Wireless charging creates an electromagnetic field that can damage your card’s antenna. This is one of the most common reasons charging cards stop working.
Other risks to your charging card
- Physical damage: Your card isn’t designed to be bent or scratched. Store it in a secure place, such as a sturdy cardholder.
- Heat and moisture: Avoid extremes of temperature and humidity. Don’t leave your card in a hot car or expose it to water.
- Magnetic fields: Strong magnets can interfere with your card. Keep it away from magnetic clips or speakers.
Blossom’s tips for a happy charging card
- Keep it away from your phone: Never place your card near a wireless charger or in the same pocket as your phone. Use a dedicated cardholder instead.
- Give it a permanent home: Keep your card safely secure in a wallet or holder to prevent accidental damage.
- Keep it clean: Wipe it with a soft cloth to remove dust and grease.
- Protect it from the elements: Keep it dry and away from extreme heat.
What if your card stops working?
No worries! If your card stops working, just let us know. We’ll get you a new one in no time. Of course, prevention is always better than cure.
Charge with confidence, the Blossom way
At Blossom, we make things simple and seamless. Taking good care of your charging card will help you avoid unnecessary hassle and keep your charging experience as smooth as the rest of our solutions. Store it wisely and make sure you’re always powered up and ready to go.
Let’s keep it simple, smart, and seamless – just the way you like it!