VW ID. Buzz Joins Ridesharing Program In The Greek Island Of Astypalea

Those who want to be among the first to try out the much-anticipated VW ID. Buzz should book tickets to the Greek Island of Astypalea, where it will be available for ridesharing The “ASTYBUS” ridesharing program, in combination with the “astyGO” vehicle sharing will replace the conventional bus line on the island, which is a case study for decarbonization and e-mobility.

Both of the new mobility services were put in operation yesterday, with VW CEO Herbert Diess and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis being present for the inauguration event. While a couple of colorful ID. Buzzs were sent to the island for the presentation and the photoshoot, the ASTYBUS service temporarily operates with ID.4 models until the minibus launches properly in autumn 2022. Five electric buses will be in service, allowing locals and tourists to try them out.

Read Also: VW Delivers First Privately-Owned EVs To Greek Island That Plans To Become An Electric Car Paradise

Additionally, the “astyGO” vehicle sharing program gives access to a selection of VW Group’s electric models including the e-Up!, SEAT MÓ e-scooters, or Ducati e-bikes, through the astyMOVE application.

Last but not least, Volkswagen deployed an electric ambulance and an electric taxi, joining the fleet of ID.4s that were delivered to the police, coastal guard, airport authorities, and municipality last year. Mind you, last April VW started deliveries of privately-owned EVs to the island’s residents which get a special discount when they trade in their vehicles.

A Sustainable Island

In a survey conducted last year, more than 65 percent of the Astypalea residents said they are willing to switch to an EV, benefiting from the grants, although they are still concerned about costs and charging infrastructure. Half of the responders would consider giving up their privately-owned vehicles and using the new mobility services instead. Note that the small island with a population of around 1,331 people, gets visited by an average of 36,000 tourists each year.

Astypalea, located in the Aegean Sea, has become a “Smart & Sustainable Island” thanks to a new program by Volkswagen in collaboration with the Greek government. The plan was first announced in November 2021, with the goal of replacing the island’s fleet of 1,500 ICE-powered vehicles with 1,000 EVs, and ridesharing services. By 2026, Astypalea will switch to sustainable mobility and modernize its energy system. The conversion includes solar systems supplying the entire EV fleet with green energy by 2023 and expanding further to cover 80 percent of the total energy demand by 2026, replacing the old diesel generators.