Our progress

Progress Timeline

June 2020
  • Astypalea selected as project location
September 2020
  • Framework of project agreed between the Hellenic Republic & Volkswagen Group
  • Project governance undertaken by the Hellenic Republic
  • MoU prepared
November 2020
  • Virtual signing ceremony of the MoU
December 2020
  • Kick off meeting marks the project's implementation
  • "e-astypalea" action plan prepared
January 2021
  • Concrete planning for project implementation started 
  • Construction begins on upgrading Astypalea's energy network and infrastructure 
February 2021
  • Action plan for alternative RES production in Astypalea
March 2021

 

  • Publicly accessible charging point locations selected
  • "On demand shuttle service" legislative framework identified
April 2021
  • The first 12 publicly accessible charging points installed
  • "e-astypalea" program and digital platform finalized
May 2021

  • First electric local utility vehicles transported to Astypalea
  • University of Strathclyde and University of the Aegean joint research project commences
June 2021
  • Astypalea Smart and Sustainable Island " from vision to action". Progress report event in the presence of the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Chairman of the BOD of Volkswagen Group Dr. Herbert Diess
  • "e-astypalea" platfrom launch
  • Handover of first electric local vehicles from Volkswagen Group to Police, Civil Aviation and Municipality
July 2021
  • First test drive event with electric cars, for the residents of Astypalea.
October 2021
  • Townhall meeting, open to all Astypalea residents. Presentation of the project and its progress by the Mayor.
February 2022
  • Agreement with the companies Alpha Bank and Sky Express to support the new service, AstyBUS, as sponsors.
March 2022
  • Delivery of the first electric vehicle on the island, through the “e-astypalea” program.
April 2022
  • Start of the transportation and the recycling initiative for the abandoned vehicles in Astypalea.
May 2022
  • Construction of the “Shuttle Hub” for the new on-demand mobility shuttle service.
  • Training of the drivers.
June 2022
  • Astypalea Smart and Sustainable Island " Year 2”. Progress report event in the presence of the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Chairman of the BOD of Volkswagen Group Dr. Herbert Diess.
  • ASTYBUS and astyGO, the ride and vehicle sharing services are launched, replacing the conventional public transport on the island.
August 2022
  • The new mobility service, ASTYBUS, has already been in operation for 3 months having completed over 18,000 trips!