Translations

EUROTUNNEL makes electric recharging stations available to customers.

4. Environment

Energy / Greenhouse Gases (GHG)

Sector Transports

Year 2017

Country France

Transmitter

Context

Created in 1994, the Eurotunnel Group consists of several companies versed in infrastructure management and transport operations in France and Great Britain.

Eurotunnel who was pioneering electric vehicles back in the nineties, decided to revive the idea: in 2013, eight electric vehicles were introduced. In 2014, their number which was due to double, in fact quadrupled to 32 in all and 35 in 2015. The same year, the Group ups the tempo by providing customers with electric recharging stations.

Eurotunnel had originally planned to double its fleet of electric vehicles between 2013 and 2014; it in fact quadrupled, emphasizing the Eurotunnel Group’s firm commitment to reduce its carbon footprint.

Objectives

Contribute to energy savings and the reduction of the carbon footprint
Strengthen its commercial offer and anticipate customers’ needs
Constantly improve the energy efficiency of its electrically powered transport system

APPROACH

The fleet of electrical vehicles used on the Coquelles and Folkestone terminals reached, by 2016, 37 units. 12 other vehicles have been ordered and will be delivered in March 2017.

In 2015, to strengthen its commercial offer and anticipate customers’ needs, the Group ups the tempo by providing its customers with electric charging stations in the immediate vicinity of the passenger buildings: 8 stations per site. All customers with electric vehicles can access these stations.

The number of passengers using the Shuttle by electric vehicles has increased from 40 in 2014 to 800 in 2015, and to more than 3,500 in 2016. It is expected to be around 5,000 by 2017.

The Coquelles and Folkestone terminals are the only places in Europe to provide in one spot all the facilities required for quickly recharging vehicles (vehicles can be 80 % recharged in 30 minutes).

Best practice spotted in 2015 by the World Forum for a Sustainable Economy and updated in 2017.

CONTRIBUTION TO COMPANY PERFORMANCE

Eurotunnel’s efforts and reputation in the field of environmental sustainability are acknowledged by its customers, staff and neighbouring communities.
Commercial offer strengthened and customers’ needs anticipated.

Benefits

The fleet of electric vehicles used on the French and British terminals contribute to energy savings and carbon footprint reduction.
The availability of electric charging stations on both terminals enables the Eurotunnel Group to efficiently support transport solutions that are cleaner and more ecological.
CO2 emissions reduced by about 90 tons a year.