Syntus deploys electric VW e-Golf within its concessions

Syntus will be deploying electric cars in the concessions of Twente, Veluwe, Midden-Overijssel and, from December 2016, Utrecht. The goal is to eliminate harmful emission gases from its logistical processes for drivers. The use of electric cars ties in with Syntus' vision on sustainable mobility as a subsidiary of Keolis.

In light of its Corporate Social Responsibility, Syntus views it as its duty to ensure responsible treatment of the environment in any way possible. The choice of fuel and the associated reduction of CO2 emission are important factors in this respect. The cars are used to eliminate harmful emission gases from logistical processes for Syntus drivers. The e-Golf is a fully equipped Golf that operates without noise or emissions. It has a radius of 190 kilometres: enough to transport drivers and ticket inspectors during a working day. The acquisition of fifty electric Volkswagens ties in perfectly with Syntus' vision on sustainable mobility. By employing these vehicles, Syntus saves around 50,000 litres of diesel fuel every year.

By now, all Syntus locations, including its head office, feature the necessary infrastructure to recharge the cars. Future drivers have also received instructions on how to operate the electric Golf. For many employees, the switch to the e-Golf marks their first introduction to 100% electrical driving, which e.g. eliminates the need to switch gears. 

The delivery of the fifty vehicles was preceded by a period of intensive collaboration between Syntus,  importer Pon and Volkswagen dealership A-Point. There was quite a lot involved in making this green switch. "We are proud to have worked together with Pon and A-Point to realise this first large-scale deployment of electric cars within the Dutch public transport sector. It is great to see these vehicles become part of the Syntus fleet. This will allow our drivers to move between our driver locations and the bus stations in a sustainable and safe manner."

The demand for electrical and zero-emission transport is increasing rapidly. Provinces, transport regions and the government have agreed that all buses used for public transport in the Netherlands must be emission-free from 2025. With the acquisition of these electric cars, Syntus has taken a large step towards zero-emission transport. Additionally, Syntus started a two-year pilot programme with an electrical hydrogen bus on 17 June. This concerns a city bus that runs entirely on electricity and only emits clean water. This bus will be deployed by Syntus between Arnhem and Apeldoorn. These developments fit perfectly within Keolis' strategy to make mobility even more environmentally friendly. Keolis Sweden's fleet of vehicles recently abandoned fossil fuels entirely.