Electric island Astypalea: Transformation of mobility fully underway
Island in the Agean sea serves as a future laboratory for smart, sustainable mobility All measures to electrify cars and scooters on the island fully implemented High demand for digital mobility services; number of electric vehicles is growing continuously 3-megawatt solar park will supply electric vehicles entirely with electricity generated from renewable sources from 2024
June 13, 2023 – The island of Astypalea serves as a future laboratory for smart, sustainable mobility. As part of a joint project of the Volkswagen Group and the Hellenic Republic, it is to be gradually converted to e-mobility, digital mobility solutions and green energy. First results are positive: The new, digital mobility solutions are well established, 25 percent of the inhabitants regularly use the ASTYBUS ridesharing service. Over the past twelve months alone it has completed more than 200,000 customer kilometres. Electrification also makes progress: Almost all new cars to be registered on Astypalea are now fully electric.
The ridesharing service ASTYBUS has replaced the traditional bus line, which had offered a very limited local transport on Astypalea . Unlike the bus line, ASTYBUS operates all year round and connects many more places on the island. Depending on the season, up to five vehicles are used for this service. Through the vehicle sharing service astyGO, customers can rent e-cars from Volkswagen as well as e-scooters from SEAT MÓ and e-bikes from Ducati. The booking is made via smartphone via the integrated astyMOVE app. Maik Stephan, Head of Business Development of the Volkswagen Group, said: "Over the next two decades, we will see many of the changes that make up the Astypalea project in other regions of Europe as well. Particularly impressive is the people’s change in mood from initial skepticism to great approval. This shows that rapid transformation is possible if companies, politicians and society work together."
ID. Buzz (NWB) - Power consumption in kWh/100 km: combined 22.0-20.6; CO₂ emissions combined in g/km: 0; consumption and emission values in accordance with WLTP and not NEDC are available for the vehicle. Information on consumption and CO₂ emissions, shown in ranges, depends on the selected vehicle equipment.
ID.3 Pro - Power consumption in kWh/100 km: combined 16.5-15.2; CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0; consumption and emission values in accordance with WLTP and not NEDC are available for the vehicle. Information on consumption and CO₂ emissions, shown in ranges, depends on the selected vehicle equipment.
SEAT MÓ eScooter 125 - Power consumption in kWh/100 km: combined 7.0; CO₂ emissions combined in g/km: 0; consumption and emission values in accordance with WLTP and not NEDC are available for the vehicle. Information on consumption and CO₂ emissions, shown in ranges, depends on the selected vehicle equipment.
Volkswagen starts mobility services on Astypalea, marking next step in Greek island’s electrification
The mobility of the future is already becoming a reality on the Greek island of Astypalea . The ridesharing service "ASTYBUS" and the vehicle sharing service "astyGO" were put into operation today in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess. Both mobility services are operating exclusively with fully electric vehicles and ensure significantly improved mobility on the island compared to the previous public transport system. It’s the next step in the transformation of Astypalea : By 2026, the island wants to switch to smart, sustainable mobility and completely modernize its energy system. The joint project of the Volkswagen Group and the Hellenic Republic serves as a future laboratory for a rapid decarbonization in Europe.
Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group: "The discussion about the shift from fossil fuels to renewables has gained new momentum in Europe. Volkswagen is a driver of change, leading the transformation to e-mobility in Europe. Here on Astypalea , we are introducing new mobility services as the next step towards the future of transportation. It’s exciting to see the project grow, with people willing to change their habits. It demonstrates that a rapid transformation to green mobility and green energy is feasible if businesses and governments work hand in hand.” Kostas Frangogiannis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy and Openness: "The project of Astypalea reflects all the comparative advantages of today's Greece, that is, how the traditional natural wealth and the precious human capital of the country, can, with the support of a political leadership facing the future and its challenges, with an open eye and with vision, bring the country to the world forefront.
Smart & Sustainable Island: First electric cars for private customers on Astypalea
, ID.3 , ID.4 und SEAT MÓ eScooter to private customers, removing gasoline vehicles from the islandNew recycling initiative to make the island even more beautiful and sustainableAll-electric ride sharing and vehicle sharing will be launched in summer
The electrification of Astypalea is picking up speed: The Volkswagen Group has delivered the first electric cars to private customers on the Greek island. A turquoise ID.3 Pure was handed over to its new owner directly at the windmills of Chora, the main town on Astypalea . Further deliveries included the ID.4 and e-up! as well as the Seat MÓ eScooter 125. As a result, the e-fleet on Astypalea is further growing, after the local authorities have been using electric vehicles already since last year. The "Smart & Sustainable Island" project is a joint initiative of the Volkswagen Group and the Hellenic Republic. In the coming years, Astypalea will be converted into an island where the mobility will be smart and sustainable, and the energy system will be completely renewed.
Thanos Papagiannis, the first ID.3 customer on Astypalea , is a firm advocate of e-mobility. His new electric vehicle replaces a Volkswagen Golf 3: "E-mobility is a perfect match for Astypalea . The distances here are short, the power consumption is low, and the charging network is now very well developed.
ID.3 - combined power consumption in kWh/100 km (NEDC): 14.0-13.7, CO2 emissions in g/km: 0; efficiency class: A+++.
Astypalea: Kick-off for transformation to smart, sustainable island
First electric vehicles being used on Greek island with the aim of full transition to e-mobility Academic study to monitor transformation of Astypalea Green energy: Solar Park will provide 3 MW by 2023 Volkswagen CEO Diess: “Astypalea is a future lab for Europe”
Astypalea is on course to become a smart, sustainable island. The first electric vehicles, including the first fully electric police car in Greece, were taken into service today in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess and Deputy Foreign Minister Kostas Fragogiannis. The first public and private charging points were also inaugurated. The event marked the launch of the transition to full electrification on Astypalea . In the coming years, the island wants to switch to smart sustainable mobility and completely modernizing its energy system. Volkswagen and the Greek government signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect last November.
Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, said: “Astypalea will be a future lab for decarbonization in Europe. We will be researching in real time what motivates people to switch to e-mobility and which incentives are needed to transition to a sustainable lifestyle. The learnings will help to accelerate the transformation towards sustainable mobility and green energy in Greece. Worldwide, climate protection is gaining enormous traction. Volkswagen has been driving this change, offering the full range of sustainable mobility – from cars, to charging to sustainable energy solutions. Astypalea can become a blue print for a rapid transformation, fostered by the close collaboration of governments and businesses.” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “Greece is on a mission to transform our economy and society into “Greece 2.0”, by leading the green revolution and harnessing the latest digital technology. Our plans are bold.
ID.4 - power consumption in kWh/100 km (NEDC): combined 16.9-15.5; CO2 emissions in g/km: 0; efficiency class: A+.