In March 2019, a call for a Tender was launched for the conclusion of a Contract for the supply of two electric buses and the installation of their accompanying charging stations. The Contract concerns the Municipality of Heraklion, within the framework of “Innovation Zero Pollution Vehicles”, which is part of the realization of the project: “Common Actions to Develop Green – Environmentally Friendly Tours in Tourist Areas”, also known by the acronym “ECORouTs”, which is part of the “INTERREG VA Greece-Cyprus 2014-2020” Cooperation Programme. The program is funded by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund), by Greece (Public Investment Program), Cyprus and the Municipality of Heraklion. MES ENERGY S.A. was selected for this purpose, as it presented the most cost effective offer, and signed the Contract on October 15, 2019. As a result, the company undertook the supply of two electric buses with a capacity of at least 30 people each, as well as access and space for one wheelchair. The buses have an autonomy of 120km, full charge capacity in less than 8 hours, easy battery replacement between shifts (Quick Fit Battery System), electronic energy recovery system during braking and deceleration of the vehicle, as well as built-in charger (“on-board charger ”).
In addition, the mentioned electric buses produce zero pollutants and they have a small size but sufficient capacity, in order to meet the needs of visitors and residents of the Municipality of Heraklion in specific areas with attractions, such as the historic city center. MES ENERGY S.A. also undertook the supply and installation of two charging stations for the aforementioned vehicles. The route of the buses and the location of the charging stations were selected with respect to the environment and on the basis of the optimal route, in order to ensure the necessary time for the charging of the buses. Furthermore, due to the electric vehicles’ different driving features and maintenance needs compared to the conventional ones, the company undertook the training of the staff of the Municipality of Heraklion, which took place at the premises of the Municipality, in order to optimize the performance of the buses, given their special characteristics. It is also worth mentioning that electric buses present many advantages over conventional ones, such as cheaper and easier maintenance and repair, reduced risk of ignition, as they do not use fuel, and decreased noise emissions.
However, their most important advantage remains the zero pollutants emission. Thus, through this project, MES ENERGY S.A. contributes to the satisfaction of the needs of both the local population and visitors of the Μunicipality for transportation, without a parallel burden on the natural environment.