GREENFLEET's first EV Rally overseas clocks-up over 1,300kms

GREENFLEET has successfully completed its first-ever electric vehicle rally overseas – the Europa EV Rally – racking up over 1,300km across five European countries.
 
Starting from the iconic Atomium in Brussels on May 20, the Rally took teams on an eye-opening tour through Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Luxembourg, testing EV charging infrastructure and showcasing cutting-edge clean energy projects along the way.
 
Powered by Octopus Electroverse for Business, each team was equipped with a charge card and app for seamless, cross-border charging. Vehicles and logistics were handled by SIXT, while roadside support and driver training expertise came courtesy of the AA and Drivetech, with the background support of the European governing body, ARC Europe. Other teams included IVECO, Ecofactor, and Fastned.
 
A route packed with clean energy innovation
 
The first checkpoint on day was the Kristal Solar Farm, Belgium – a 93-hectare solar site generating enough power for 25,000 homes and offsetting 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
 
Teams then headed to the Electra Charging Hub, hosted by Electroverse for Business – where teams prepped for the next leg into the Netherlands. Dutch highlights included the Hague beachfront battery project, a picturesque windmill at Strohandel van Dijk, and a pit stop at the Zandvoort Circuit, home of the Dutch F1 Grand Prix.
 
Day two started with a visit to Vattenfall Hydro, showcasing how hydro power can be turned into electric fuel, followed by a stop at ElaadNL, a hub of e-mobility testing and smart EV charging innovation. After an enjoyable stretch depleting their batteries on the world famous autobahn in Germany, teams powered up at the IONITY hub in Castrop-Rauxel, before visiting the disused Zollverein coal mine - a significant reminder on the progress made in the transition to clean energy. The day wrapped up at the Aral Pulse charging hub in Mönchengladbach.
 
The final push
 
The third and final day of the Europa EV Rally kicked off at Sixt Rent A Car in Liege before crossing into Luxembourg to explore the Vianden Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Plant – which combines both wind and hydro power. The final charging stops included hubs by Fastned, Powerdot, and Electra, before crossing the finish line at King Baudouin Stadium back in Brussels.
 
Celebrations were in full swing at the wrap party, where every team was awarded a medal for their incredible efforts across the continent.

Commenting on the Rally, Matt Pretorius, Head of Fleet Solutions at Octopus Electroverse for Business, said: "As the headline and charge card sponsor, Octopus Electroverse for Business was thrilled to get involved with the first electric vehicle rally across Europe, because it’s not about what could be, it’s about showcasing what’s possible now and the benefits of going electric for both individuals and businesses. 

"Driving long distances, crossing borders, and doing it all on the public charging network using Electroverse - without a single problem - proves that the present is electric. 
 
"At Electroverse, we believe in pushing boundaries, having fun while doing it, and showing people that electric vehicles aren't just practical - they're powerful, exciting, and ready for anything. The Europa rally is a rolling celebration of what EVs can do, and we were proud to have been a part of it."

The Check-Ins and Social Media
 
Teams were armed with their Driver Packs that gave detailed route and logistics information. At each Checkpoint, they ‘checked-in’ using the QR codes on the banners, before taking to social media to enable those watching to follow their progress. Reaching more than 876k followers from the participating Teams corporate accounts alone, the Rally is estimated to have reached more than 1.5 million LinkedIn feeds, when including the driver’s personal posts!
 
The Energy Efficiency Challenge
 
Efficiency wasn’t just encouraged – it was celebrated. The Rally tracked each team's energy usage in miles per kilowatt-hour, crowning the most efficient drivers.
 
Guinness World Record holder Kevin Booker joined the journey and set the bar high for all competitors, with those getting closest to him crowned the winner. Leading the charge was Team Sixt in a Mini, followed by Sixt in a BMW iX3. Filling the podium in third place was team IVECO in an eDaily, followed by Team AA & Drivetech in a Ford Capri.
 
Taking in solar farms, former coal mines, charging hubs and hydro plants, GREENFLEET’s Europa EV Rally was more than just a real-life test of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure across different countries – it was a powerful showcase of a cleaner energy future.

Preparations are in progress for next year, keep an eye on LinkedIn and www.ev-rally.co.uk for further announcements.