The RuralMED Mobility project is making significant progress in promoting sustainable electric mobility in the Alto Alentejo region of Portugal. One of the key activities of the project involves the implementation of a pilot initiative developed by the partners CIMAA (Alto Alentejo Intermunicipal Community) and AREANATejo (Regional Energy and Environment Agency from North Alentejo).
The region’s 15 municipalities face similar challenges to other rural areas, such as low population density, long travel distances, and inadequate infrastructure for electric vehicles (EV). For this reason, the project is focused on establishing a test network for electric vehicle charging stations and exploring funding models to make electric mobility more viable and boost its adoption.
Key Actions in Alto Alentejo
As part of the pilot initiative, two electric vehicle charging stations will be installed in Portalegre. The location for these stations was carefully selected following a feasibility study, which considered factors such as proximity to CIMAA’s facilities and the availability of parking spaces and connections to the electricity grid. These charging stations aim to provide essential infrastructure to support the growing demand for electric vehicles in the region.
Additionally, the project will provide two zero-emission electric vehicles to the municipalities in the Alto Alentejo region. This includes a detailed study for the electrification of CIMAA’s fleet and an assessment of the municipal fleets across the 15 municipalities in the region. The goal is to develop a comprehensive Fleet Electrification Plan that aligns with national and European environmental goals.
Another important aspect of the project is the implementation of a fleet management and monitoring platform. This platform will collect data on the performance of the vehicles, helping to optimize their use and reduce operational costs. Moreover, a shared mobility platform will be developed to promote collaboration between public entities, allowing for more efficient vehicle sharing by aggregating journeys with similar routes.
A Path Toward Sustainable Mobility
The RuralMED Mobility Project is a crucial step in the transition toward a greener and more sustainable future for Alto Alentejo. As the project progresses, it will not only provide a model for other rural areas in Portugal but will also pave the way for future investments in electric mobility infrastructure throughout the region. The tools, knowledge, and infrastructure developed through this initiative will help inform decision-making regarding electric mobility in the region and support the long-term goal of fostering territorial development and attracting investment.
Looking ahead, the project will continue to develop and implement shared mobility systems, integrating electric vehicles and enhancing intermodality across the Alto Alentejo sub-region.
