Kosmocar fully implements "astyMOVE" smart mobility services in Astypalaia
The transformation of Astypalaia into a "smart and sustainable" island is progressing rapidly with smart transportation services replacing the traditional bus line and now coming into full effect, with the coordination and support of Kosmocar and the assistance of the Volkswagen Group.
The pioneering program "Astypalaia - Smart and sustainable island", which is now in its second year of implementation, aims to improve the lives of the residents through the transformation of Astypalaia into a model of green mobility and circular economy, both in terms of transport as well as in the energy production sector. In the pillar of smart mobility, the operation of the vehicle sharing service "astyGO" has now officially begun, with the coordination of Kosmocar, which together with the shuttle service "ASTYBUS" completes the innovative ecosystem of smart and ecological movement on the island of Astypalaia. Thus, all transportation needs on the island can be carried out in an easy and simple way through the innovative "astyMOVE" application, integrating in an innovative way all the services on the smartphone of the visitor and permanent resident of Astypalaia. The app is available on Android and iOS.
The "astyGO" service is carried out using the electric Volkswagen e-up! & ID.3, the SEAT MÓ 125 eScooter and Ducati's powerful eBikes fully covering the transportation needs of both visitors and the daily lives of permanent residents.
The "astyGO" service is carried out using the electric Volkswagen e-up! & ID.3, the SEAT MÓ 125 eScooter and Ducati's powerful eBikes fully covering the transportation needs of both visitors and the daily lives of permanent residents.
Accordingly, the "ASTYBUS"service is offered using the Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV, giving users a completely new alternative to travel to and from all popular destinations in Astypalaia. From autumn 2022, the ASTYBUS vehicle fleet will include the long-awaited ID.Buzz, Volkswagen's iconic new electric mini-van.
The number of electric vehicles in Astypalaia is constantly increasing both from local state institutions and private individuals. After the adoption of electric mobility last year by the island’s Police Authorities, the Airport Services and the Municipality of Astypalaia, now, the first electric ambulance in Greece, an e-Crafter, donated by the Volkswagen Group, is being added. Also, the first electric taxi is transporting customers around the island and recently, the first private customers took delivery of Volkswagen e-up!, ID.3 and ID.4 electric cars. In total, as of this summer, 50 electric vehicles are circulating in Astypalaia, with charging needs covered both by the public charging network (20 charging points) and by private chargers of hospitality and vehicle rental businesses, while, of course, private individuals also have the ability to purchase subsidized AC chargers through the e-Astypalea program. Thus, the Volkswagen Group and Kosmocar, with the digital application "astyMOVE" and services "ASTYBUS" & "astyGO" are taking another consistent step towards sustainable mobility, using electric vehicles.
The "Astypalaia - Smart and Sustainable Island" project, jointly implemented by the Hellenic Republic and the Volkswagen Group, aims to provide a deeper understanding of the transformation of an entire system. Within five years, Astypalaia is set to become an island with a high degree of sustainable mobility and energy – with all-electric vehicles, smart mobility services and a green hybrid power generation system.