The pilot project, “E-Moving”, the first electric car experimentation in Italy, will start in June 2010 in the cities of Milan and Brescia, and is scheduled to run for one year. The objective is to test the components of the electric mobility model designed in partnership by Renault and A2A. More specifically, the tests will focus on:
· technology and distribution of charging infrastructures
· commercial processes and offerings (sales and rental solutions for electric vehicles)
· interaction between the charging network and the electric cars
· electricity supply for the vehicles and associated invoicing systems
· battery management
· electric vehicle maintenance.
As part of this project, consumers and businesses (public and private) will be able to test the first 60 zero-emission Renault electric vehicles to arrive in Italy. The two models included in the test will be: Kangoo Express Z.E., a light utility vehicle for business use, and Renault Fluence Z.E., a family sedan for both private and professional use.
During the pilot phase, both electric vehicles will be available for an exclusive monthly rental comparable to that of a diesel car of the same size and performance.
The two cities in the Lombardy region will be the first in Italy to gain a complete, innovative charging infrastructure with 270 charging points for the mobility of electric vehicles. Milan in particular and Lombardy in general are perfect testing grounds for the electric vehicles given the pronounced enthusiasm for sustainable development of the government and the population in a region confronted with high levels of pollution.
At a press conference held today, Jacques Bousquet, Managing Director of Renault Italy, and Giuliano Zuccoli, Chairman of the Managing Board of A2A, officially finalized the agreement on a zero-emission* public and individual transport system. This will involve an initial test period followed by deployment on a larger scale.
Jacques Bousquet, Managing Director of Renault Italy said: “The objective for Renault is to promote sustainable mobility for all, by making electric vehicles available to and affordable for the greatest number. As a result, these vehicles will no longer be a niche product, but a mass-market product.
The cooperation between Renault, the multi-utility A2A, and local authorities will involve an initial test phase, followed by the promotion and roll-out of 100% electric vehicles. This will be achieved through the deployment of advanced technologies, infrastructure tailored to users’ requirements, and an offering comprising both commercial and technical solutions. The aim is to deploy electric vehicles that revolutionize mobility and respect the environment, by emitting no CO2, and provide a practical service for motorists.”
Giuliano Zuccoli, Chairman of the Managing Board of A2A, adds: “The multi-utility A2A is investing in tests on electric mobility as the first step forward in the development of a dense charging infrastructure. The aim is to develop a “point-to-point” network across the main cities of Lombardy as part of an approach to encourage sustainable development and limit pollutant emissions. A2A has provided its skills and expertise, investing in infrastructure to become an active player in promoting energy efficiency and reducing harmful emissions in the cities of Milan and Brescia (and subsequently all the cities where A2A is present, including Bergamo, Como, Monza, Sondrio and Varese). Through this pilot project, these cities will be in the forefront of trials, alongside the European capitals most focused on this issue.”
The Renault group, present in 118 countries, designs, develops, produces and sells passenger cars and light commercial vehicles under three brands, Renault, Dacia and Renault Samsung Motors. To succeed in the new ecological and economical challenges facing the automotive industry, Renault is working on two fronts: the improvement of existing technology with new generations of carbon-efficient engines and the “zero-emission” program. Renault will launch a “zero-emission” range of three vehicles in 2011, followed by a fourth in 2012. This line-up will make innovation accessible to all. With its partner Nissan, Renault aims to become the world leader in the mass marketing of zero-emission vehicles.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance, formed in 1999, sold 6,085,058 vehicles in 2009. It is pursuing its objective to rank in the world’s top three carmakers in terms of quality, technology and reliability. As part of its zero-emission strategy, it works with governments, municipal authorities, energy specialists and other partners. Thus far the Alliance has signed more than 50 agreements worldwide aimed at preparing markets and infrastructures for the mass launch of electric vehicles starting in 2011.
A2A is a multi-utility company founded on January 1, 2008 from the merger of electric utilities Aem Milan and Asm Brescia. It also includes two companies from the environmental sector, Amsa and Ecodeco, considered as standard-setters in Italy and across Europe. A2A is the Italian leader in the environmental sector with 3 million metric tons of waste treated, 1.7 million of which used to produce electricity. The new Group is also number one in Italy in district heating and number two in terms of installed electricity capacity and sales volumes. Nearly 30% of its production is hydroelectric, setting a record on the share of renewables in energy use. A2A is also the third-largest gas company in Italy, with sales of over two billion cubic meters. The creation of A2A reflects the growing interest in sustainable development. A2A works unceasingly at grass-roots level to promote sustainable development by supplying top-quality services to its customers, and also by producing energy using innovative technologies adapted to new social, economic and environmental requirements.
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