Bosch is preparing to launch an electric van-sharing
service in German later this year. The van-sharing service will
initially be offered at hardware stores operated by toom, a subsidiary of
German retail group Rewe, in Berlin, Frankfurt, Leipzig, Troisdorf, and
Freiburg. Bosch will team up with German retailer Rewe to ensure all the
hardware stores in question have electric vans available to rent.
Providing the vans will be Deutsche Post startup
StreetScooter. The electric powertrains of these vans are already supplied by
Bosch.
Charge spots for the small electric vans are in
place at the hardware stores across major German cities. The automotive
supplier wants to eventually expand its van-sharing service to other locations
including furniture stores, supermarkets, and electronics stores. An electric
scooter rental service dubbed Coup is already operated by Bosch in Paris,
Berlin, and Madrid.
Customers at the hardware stores in the
aforementioned five German cities will be able to book an electric van on site
from December 2018. The vans will be especially useful for customers who
purchase stone slabs, plants, and other heavy items from the hardware stores.
