57 new electric commercial vehicles are already in use.

Netz Oberösterreich is investing in clean mobility: Chairman of the Supervisory Board Alexander Kirchner (left), Managing Director Manfred Hofer (second from left), and Head of Network Technology Günther Rieder (right) handed over the first of 57 electric vehicles to "implementation driver" Stefan Holzinger. © Netz Oberösterreich

As a distribution system operator, Netz Oberösterreich GmbH, the electricity and gas network operator of Energie AG, is setting a strong example for sustainability and climate protection: Following a successful pilot project spanning several years, a major step has now been taken toward decarbonizing its vehicle fleet, expanding its network technology fleet with 57 new, all-electric Opel Combo Electric commercial vehicles. This provides the technicians working in the network area to ensure the secure supply of electricity and gas to network customers with modern, environmentally friendly vehicles for their daily work.

Alexander Kirchner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Netz Oberösterreich GmbH: "A quarter of our grid technicians are already using electric vehicles, sending a visible message across all regions: We are taking responsibility and consistently driving forward the path to a fossil-free future for future generations!"

Manfred Hofer, Managing Director of Netz Oberösterreich GmbH: "Electromobility is not an end in itself: We invest here for our customers because it is economical – we save money in the long term and make the grid more efficient and cheaper!"

The decision to invest €1.7 million in vehicles, equipment, and charging infrastructure was preceded by a five-year pilot project with 16 electric vehicles in the grid technology. The experience was positive and demonstrated clear benefits for daily work and the company.

The 57 new vehicles we've now acquired, with an electric range of approximately 300 kilometers, 100 kW output, and a payload of 650 kilograms, are a perfect addition to the demanding daily workload of service and troubleshooting operations. The new electric vans provide our employees with the best possible support in ensuring reliable service for our customers. At the same time, expenses for mileage allowances and fossil fuel operating costs will be significantly reduced, and the network operator's visibility in the regions will be increased.

A clear commitment to sustainability and climate protection

"This commitment fulfills several goals: sustainable work, environmentally conscious mobility, an investment in greater environmental compatibility and climate protection that pays off economically and allows us to underscore our role as a role model: We can prove every day that electromobility is suitable for everyday use," says Managing Director Manfred Hofer. Furthermore, this efficiency measure will make a significant contribution to further reducing running costs through savings.

A Europe-wide tender resulted in an attractive framework agreement: In addition to the 57 Opel Combo Electric electric commercial vehicles, a total of additional electric commercial vehicles can be ordered. With the environmental subsidy for emission-free drive systems in the commercial vehicle sector, the net purchase price per vehicle, including tool and material holders, is approximately €15,000. Approximately a quarter of the network technology team is now driving electric and environmentally friendly vehicles within the supply area.

Netz Oberösterreich Supervisory Board Chairman Alexander Kirchner also underlines the importance of the investment: "This commitment perfectly supports our sustainability goals: We are consistently pursuing the goal of decarbonization by reducing fossil emissions as far as possible and thereby making a decisive contribution to climate neutrality."