This Italian Rental Giant Just Got $52.5M to Electrify Corporate Fleets Across Europe

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Drivalia secures $52.5M from EIB to deploy 2,900 electric vehicles for corporate fleets in Italy and Finland, cutting CO₂ emissions by 3,300 tons yearly.

Drivalia, a Rome-based rental and mobility company under the Crédit Agricole Auto Bank (CAAB) group, just locked in a $52.5 million (€48 million) financing deal with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The goal? To supercharge electric vehicle adoption for businesses in Italy and Finland. ### What This Funding Means for Electric Mobility The money will put nearly 2,900 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the road. These cars are headed to companies and freelancers through long-term rental contracts. According to EIB estimates, this shift will cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 3,300 tons of CO₂ each year compared to a similar fleet of gas-guzzlers. That's a big deal for two markets with very different dynamics. Italy has a hot climate and a love for small cars, while Finland deals with cold winters and longer distances. Both need tailored solutions, and this funding helps make that happen. ### Drivalia's CEO on the Bigger Picture Roberto Sportiello, Drivalia's CEO, shared his excitement: "We are proud of this agreement with the EIB. It's a major step toward our vision of democratic, zero-impact mobility. This financing lets us speed up the electrification of corporate fleets in Italy and Finland. Our mission is to lead the energy transition by offering flexible, integrated, and sustainable solutions." ### What Drivalia Offers Beyond Rentals Drivalia isn't just about long-term rentals. They've built a whole ecosystem of mobility options: - **Electric car sharing** for short trips - **Car subscriptions** with flexible monthly plans - **Rentals of all durations**, from a few days to several years The company manages 360-degree mobility, blending flexibility, digital tools, an on-demand approach, and sustainability. They operate in 16 European countries with a fleet of roughly 216,000 vehicles. That's a lot of cars moving people and goods across the continent. ### The Mobility Store Network Back in June 2019, Drivalia launched its Mobility Stores—physical locations where customers can access all their services. The first fully electric store opened at Turin Caselle airport in 2020, and others followed. Today, they have over 1,900 charging points installed across all stores. That's a solid infrastructure for EV drivers. ### New Products: CarCloud 2027 and Drive to Buy Earlier this month, Drivalia unveiled CarCloud 2027. It's an evolution of their monthly car subscription, designed for private individuals and professionals. The idea is simple: you book a subscription today that starts in September, skipping the summer months but locking in the best rates now. It's a smart way to plan ahead. Then there's Drive to Buy, launched last month. This long-term rental product targets businesses and freelancers. Here's how it works: you rent a car for 48 or 60 months with a fixed monthly fee. At the end, if Drivalia decides to sell the vehicle, you get first dibs to buy it at a set price. It reduces the uncertainty about the car's future value—a big plus for companies managing budgets. ### Why This Deal Matters for the Climate The agreement backs the strategies of both the EIB (the EU's climate bank) and Crédit Agricole Auto Bank. Both want to push sustainable mobility by increasing the share of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Drivalia's fleet. The company operates in major European markets, so this shift could have ripple effects. Gelsomina Vigliotti, Vice-President of the EIB, put it this way: "Adopting electric mobility is key to Europe's energy transition. This project accelerates zero-emission vehicles in two markets with very different dynamics. It supports European climate goals and offers new sustainable solutions to businesses." ### The Takeaway for US Professionals This deal is a clear signal that European companies are serious about fleet electrification. For US professionals watching the space, it shows how targeted financing can drive real change. Drivalia's mix of subscriptions, rentals, and buy-options offers a blueprint for flexible EV adoption. And with 1,900 charging points already in place, they're building the infrastructure to back it up. Whether you're a consultant, a fleet manager, or just curious about green mobility, this is a story worth tracking. It's not just about cars—it's about how money and innovation can reshape transportation.

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