Kiloutou reaches “new milestone” in ecological transition

The move is the latest in a series of strategic actions that Europe’s third-largest rental company has taken to reduce its carbon footprint.

The recent investment includes the Volkswagen ID.3 Pro Life Max, Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo models. 

Kiloutou said the vehicles, which are set to replace older combustion engine vehicles in its fleet, will be used to deliver small items of equipment or for various technical and commercial interventions with customers.

Kiloutou Executive Chairman Olivier Colleau told IRN earllier this year the company expects roughly 1/3 of its motorized fleet investment this year to be on low carbon equipment.

“It’s quite a big amount and this will include electric equipment, while we are starting to buy some hydrogen units for generators,” he said. “We are also doing some actions for our own resources in terms of delivery trucks. We were the first company I think in Europe to buy 32 tons electric trucks, which is the big thing to deliver to our customers.”

Kiloutou announced in June it added a Volvo 32-tonne electric truck to its fleet, with expectations it will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by 88%.

“The acquisition of a 32T electric truck reflects our firm belief that the environmental transition is no longer an option,” said Pierre Knoché, managing director France, Kiloutou Group. “Whether for Kiloutou or for our industry, we are committed to accelerating the sustainable transformation of our businesses and, more broadly, of carbon-free mobility.”

Incorporating new vehicles into the fleet

Kiloutou said it has organized a handover session for employees to enable them to “adapt and get to grips” with the new electric vehicles. 

Each driver will be given a digital booklet explaining in detail all the vehicle’s features such as charging system, range and use of the charging point locator application. They will also be taught eco-driving techniques to maximize the electric vehicle’s autonomy, the company said. 

At the same time, the company is also increasing the installation of electric charging points in its branches. At the time of writing, around 100 sites are already operational, with a total of 230 charging points.

In addition to these facilities, the company is to issue each employee driving an electric service vehicle a card giving them access to the charging stations. Kiloutou said the move will give “greater fluidity” in the use of the new vehicles, allowing them to be quickly recharged.

Collaboration on electrification

When it comes to the equipment itself, Kiloutou has collaborated with a major OEM, working with Manitou Group to to present the first electric retrofit telehandler. 

The preview of the first unit, converted from a used combustion model, is the result of a partnership which began in early 2023.

Manitou Group’s R&D and Services & Solutions teams has been working on the technical feasibility of the project over the last year, and came up with an electrification kit in line with the specifications shared by Kiloutou. Manitou said all safety criteria had now been met, and performance is equivalent to the internal combustion version, while providing a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with a internal combustion machine.

Once fitted with its electrification kit, the converted equipment will be integrated into Kiloutou’s IMPAKT range, dedicated to alternative, more environmentally friendly powertrains and available at the rental company’s branches in France.

Building a community to effect change

Olivier Colleau, executive chairman, Kiloutou.

Finally, Kiloutou has also created a community of the entire value chain, including manufacturers, rental companies and construction companies (denominated “Sustainable Fleet Community,” or “Communauté des Acteurs du Matériel Durable” in French). There are 10 companies involved, including four manufacturers, four construction companies and two rental companies. 

“We try as far as we can to contribute to the overall actions of the ecosystem,” Colleau told IRN. “We cannot act alone... the purpose of this is to align ourselves on a common roadmap, share best practices and work on common projects.”

He added, “It goes beyond the usual boundaries of being competitors. We have a relationship between customers and suppliers, yes, but as far as carbon is concerned, we are not competitors. The only fight is against carbon and climate change.

“So, we decided to say, let’s work together to share knowledge, to share the trajectory we have in terms of energy.”