Kiloutou reaches “new milestone” in ecological transition

France-based rental company Kiloutou has said that it has reached a “new milestone” in its ecological transition roadmap with the addition of 760 100% electric units into its service fleet.

The investment includes the Volkswagen ID.3 Pro Life Max, Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo models. 

Kiloutou said the vehicles, which are set to replace older combustion engine vehicles in its fleet, will be used to deliver small items of equipment or for various technical and commercial interventions with customers.

The company said it has organised a handover session for employees to enable them to “adapt and get to grips” with the vehicles. 

Each driver will be given a digital booklet explaining in detail all the vehicle’s features such as charging system, range and use of the charging point locator application. They will also be taught eco-driving techniques to maximise the electric vehicle’s autonomy, the company said. 

At the same time, the company is also increasing the installation of electric charging points in its branches. At the time of writing, around 100 sites are already operational, with a total of 230 charging points.

In addition to these facilities, the company is to issue each employee driving an electric service vehicle a card giving them access to the charging stations. Kiloutou said the move will give “greater fluidity” in the use of the new vehicles, allowing them to be quickly recharged.

The move to renew its service fleet with electric vehicles is the latest Kiloutou has made to reduce its emissions.

In June last year the company added a 32 tonne electric truck to its fleet to enable it to reduce emissions when delivering to customers.

More recently, it partnered with Manitou Group to deliver the first electric retrofit telehandler back in June 2024. 

Speaking to IRN earlier this year, executive chairman Olivier Colleau said the company expects roughly 1/3 of its motorised fleet investment this year to be on low carbon equipment.