Kiloutou, Europe’s 3rd largest rental company and a major player in the rental of materials and equipment for the construction and public works sector in France, has announced a new milestone in its ecological transition roadmap with the integration of 760 100% electric vehicles into its service fleet. This initiative goes beyond the legal obligations set out in the French Law on Mobility (LOM) and reflects the Group’s voluntary commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.
A deliberate acceleration in the pace of renewal of the service fleet
Kiloutou has long been committed to transforming its business in an environmentally-friendly way, and has now set itself apart by anticipating legal requirements, with a fleet renewal rate of 27% for 100% electric vehicles from 2024, compared with the 20% required by the LOM law. Replacing the current fleet with very low emission vehicles also contributes to the Group’s objective of reducing its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
This vehicle renewal concerns Kiloutou’s fleet of light, company, service and operating vehicles, i.e. the vehicles used by Kiloutou’s teams to deliver small items of equipment or for various technical and commercial interventions with customers. As a result, 760 100% electric vehicles, including the Volkswagen ID.3 Pro Life Max, Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo models, have been added to the fleet to replace older combustion engine vehicles.
Close support for teams to get to grips with the new vehicles quickly and responsibly
The arrival of these new 100% electric vehicles means that teammates will have to adapt and get to grips with them. Kiloutou is aware of these changes in usage and has put in place a series of measures to support them.
A handover session will be organised for each team member concerned with a Volkswagen sales representative. In addition, each driver will be given a digital booklet explaining in detail all the vehicle’s features (charging system, range, use of the charging point locator application, etc.). The aim is to make it as easy as possible to get to grips with the vehicles, and to provide teams with the best possible support in their day-to-day use. Teammates will also be taught eco-driving techniques to maximise the electric vehicle’s autonomy (maintain a moderate speed, use the regenerative brake, anticipate recharging during the journey, etc.).
Finally, in parallel with this investment, Kiloutou has stepped up the installation of electric charging points in its branches. Around a hundred sites are already operational, with a total of 230 charging points. In addition to these facilities, each Kiloutou team member driving an electric vehicle in the service fleet will be issued with a card giving them access to the charging stations.
This measure will ensure greater fluidity in the use of these new vehicles, both by allowing the vehicle to be recharged quickly on its journey, without the need to return or make a diversion via the branch, and by optimising the use of the charging points installed in the branches, which are also used for recharging the electric vehicles offered for hire, such as the electric tippers.