Vestas, a prominent wind turbine manufacturer based in Europe, has made a significant move towards decarbonization by ordering over 100 VW ID. Buzz Cargo electric vans. These innovative vehicles, specifically designed for the service and maintenance of Vestas wind turbines, were first introduced into operation in February 2023. The partnership between Vestas and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles goes beyond the purchase of electric vans, as they aim to collaborate on electrified transport solutions to accelerate the decarbonization process within Vestas’ service fleet.
While the ID. Buzz Cargo is primarily based on Volkswagen’s passenger car model, the ID. Buzz, it incorporates unique features tailored to the van sector. This unconventional approach provides advantages such as increased suitability for long journeys and higher charging capacity. However, it also exposes certain weaknesses in other areas. Our comprehensive driving report delves into the details of these aspects.
Vestas plans to introduce electric vehicles to its service fleets in other European markets, including France and Spain, in the coming months. Additionally, Vestas recently placed an order for over 300 units of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks for its operations in North America. With a global presence in 87 countries and a remarkable 164 GW of installed wind turbines, Vestas is dedicated to expanding its sustainable initiatives.
Christian Venderby, the executive vice president of service at Vestas, expressed their commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 without relying on offsets. He emphasized the significance of integrating zero-carbon operations into their scalability journey and acknowledged the critical role played by collaborations with industry leaders like Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Venderby stated, “We are proud to be collaborating to build a decarbonized service business that can grow alongside the energy transition.”
VWN CEO Carsten Intra highlighted the importance of their company’s vehicles and services in supporting Vestas’ pursuit of sustainable and climate-friendly mobility. Intra mentioned that the partnership with Vestas provides valuable insights into the requirements for their vehicles. As Vestas was recognized as the world’s most sustainable company by Corporate Knights in 2022, Intra considered them an ideal partner.
The joint efforts of Vestas and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles signify a significant step towards sustainable transportation and the fight against climate change. By electrifying their service fleet and prioritizing decarbonization, Vestas sets a notable example for other companies operating in the renewable energy sector.