German technology and automotive giants Siemens and Volkswagen have signed an agreement which will see Siemens supplement their company fleet of vehicles with up to 1,000 Volkswagen ID.4 EVs.
Siemens set out its decarbonisation plans back in early 2021 which committed the company to a science-based reduction pathway across its entire value chain. Amongst these goals was a commitment to operate a fleet of vehicles made up entirely of electric vehicles by 2030.
Announced early in the New Year, Siemens signed an agreement with Volkswagen Financial Services which will see Siemens lease up to 1,000 Volkswagen ID.4 EVs.
The first all-electric compact SUV from the Volkswagen brand, the ID.4 delivers a spacious interior with a maximum range of around 500 kilometres (depending on the variant). The ID.4 is also equipped with charging up to 135kW helping to deliver quick charging times and drive longer distances.
“The electrification of our fleet is a clear commitment to achieving our climate goals,” explained Stefan Kurz, Head of Global Fleet Management at Siemens.
“But we also want to be a pioneer in our industry and send a clear signal for sustainable fleet management in line with our DEGREE framework.
“We chose the Volkswagen ID.4 because, in our opinion, the vehicle offers a good combination of range, charging speed, trunk volume, and price.”
No indication was given by either Volkswagen or Siemens as to when delivery of the first ID.4’s will take place.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.