Prioritizing climate protection

Deutsche Telekom employees spend a lot of time on the road – driving to clients, to meetings, and to repair and maintenance call-outs. Mobility is a key part of their work.

Mindful of the environmental impacts, Deutsche Telekom is committed to making its fleet management as sustainable as possible.

The corporate fleet of Deutsche Telekom comprises a number of low-consumption, low-emission vehicles. The proportion of such vehicles among the fleet is to be further increased, and CO2 emissions significantly reduced. In recent years, Deutsche Telekom has therefore invested in the modernization of its vehicle fleet.

Fill up with natural gas
With about 650 vehicles, Deutsche Telekom operates one of Germany’s largest corporate fleets of natural gas-powered cars. At T-Hrvatski Telekom, around 15 percent of the fleet is powered by natural gas, and Slovak Telekom is likewise trialing the use of such vehicles. Natural gas-powered vehicles emit up to 25 percent less carbon dioxide than their petrol counterparts, and up to 75 percent less carbon monoxide. What is more, emissions of soot and dust particles are negligible.

New vehicle models on trial
Deutsche Telekom is involved in the long-term testing and trialing of alternative fuels and drive systems. For example, Deutsche Telekom employees are currently trialing hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles to assess their suitability for everyday use. Their experiences will help manufacturers to perfect the technology from a practical viewpoint. In Hanover and Berlin, the T-Home Technical Customer Service is trialing hydrogen-powered bicycles. These "cargo bikes" can carry loads of up to 150 kg, and are ideal for service call-outs in heavy city-center traffic. The cargo bike has a range of around 250 km with one hydrogen cartridge. Because they are classed as bicycles, they can use cycle paths to circumvent traffic jams.

Eco-driving courses
While the type of vehicle is a key consideration, fuel consumption is also influenced by driving style. With this in mind, Deutsche Telekom holds eco-driving courses in Germany. In 2008, additional motivation was provided by the "Fleet Energy Trophy" competition for drivers of company cars. On average, participants reduced their fuel consumption by more than 8 percent. Following a good response to the pilot phase of this project, eco-driving courses will be offered in all Group units in the future.