Environmental problems and the objective (and need) to reduce emissions are topics that are discussed every day. Real progress is achieved when something is done about the problem.
Ducati Energia has joined up with three partners (Margana Eventi, LS & Partners e Axel Servizi) to create "
Progetto + Eco".
The project will supply local councils and other agencies involved with a series of emission zero lightweight four-wheel vehicles called "
FreeDuck" created by Ducati Energia. They will be used for free for two years, after which, the vehicles will become property of the councils and agencies. The cost will be covered by a sponsor, who will obtain a return on their investment thanks to the frequent use and visibility of the vehicles. The vehicles will also promote green methods of transport thanks to an original and innovative type of branding.
The four-wheeled "FreeDuck" vehicles are compact in size, legal to carry two passengers and can reach a maximum speed of 50km./h. Thanks to eight batteries in the base, FreeDuck has 45km of autonomy (for eight hours of charging), while better data is possible with a hybrid model. Both models are green and compact and so easy to use in town centres and restricted movement areas.
The "FreeDuck" vehicles have already been tested with success as part of a European project that included the post service in Belgium, Bulgaria and in Perugia, Italy. From March they will be on the island of
Ischia near Naples which has become the first council to sign up to the new project with the support of the Vivai del Sud. Another project in Milan is also close to being concluded and will be supported by the Italian
Ministry of the Environment.
A first phase for the project has identified 34 councils, mainly on coastal and tourism areas, which will be followed by a second phase in town centres. However "Progetto + Eco" is up and running and that’s the best news of all for the environment.