Volkswagen project: in Stampalia, islet of the Aegean, only and exclusively electric vehicles
Source: HW Upgrade added 06th Nov 2020
The German company will exploit as a bank test a small island of the Aegean to test an exclusively electric mobility using cars, electric scooters and e-bikes. Here’s what we know so far.
by Alessandro Bordin published 06 November 2020 , at 11: 41 in the Technology channel
Volkswagen
Although there is no time indication, Volkswagen seems strongly intending to bring exclusively electric mobility to a small Aegean island, Stampalia, to be used as a proof of concrete sustainability. Directly in contact with the Greek government for the implementation of the project, Volkswagen aims to demonstrate that it is possible, at least in very particular circumstances which we will discuss later, to build a whole transport network such as zero emissions .
The project
The means combustion engines on the island will disappear, leaving space only for electric vehicles (also shared), electric scooters and e-bikes . Currently on the island there are about 1500 internal combustion vehicles, which will be replaced by 1000 full electric (in smaller numbers also by virtue of sharing). There are no exceptions to the rule, so the (few) commercial vehicles in circulation will also be eliminated.
The recharging points are decidedly numerous (partnership with Elli , as quoted by the source Greencarreports), approx. 230 , almost one every four means, both public than private. The charging points will be powered by wind and solar energy sources , thus bringing to zero the use of fossil fuels throughout the project.
Why Stampalia (or similar places)
To be honest, although the project is very good, Volkswagen likes to win easy . Basically, a goal that is easily reachable with today’s technologies has been chosen. The island is very small, 16 Km x 10 Km , effectively eliminating any problem of autonomy of vehicles over long distances. The location also enjoys abundant sun exposure for most of the year, as well as the wind to move the wind turbines.
In addition to this, the choice of an island is not accidental (something similar has already been done by Renault off the coasts of France and Portugal): often isolated from the electricity grid national, allow you to create a closed, small and easily manageable system. In the case of Stampalia the population is about 1300 people : not very few, but certainly we are far from a normal scenario in any town on the mainland.
The project however, it remains very interesting, hoping to see it implemented relatively quickly. More than one analyst sees a way to put the scandal behind us as soon as possible dieselgate , thus giving Volkswagen the opportunity to make up a face towards some realities, USA above all, to which history has not yet gone down. We do not feel like indulging this mischievous reading too much: Volkswagen is investing an immense amount of resources for its current but above all future electric car list, which is why the Stampalia project takes on the appearance of a whim, albeit an appreciable one.