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!