Schiphol is rapidly positioning itself at the lead of sustainable travel solutions. The airport’s current construction of a state-of-the-art car rental hub is a testament to this commitment. It will offer an unprecedented opportunity for travelers to rent electric vehicles (EVs).
An Electrifying Move in Car Rentals
Slated to be the most expansive car rental location in the Netherlands, the Car Rental Service Center at Schiphol will have a total surface area of 40,000 m2 and capacity to house approximately 2,500 vehicles. This monumental project sees Schiphol’s five major car rental companies converging under a single, eco-efficient roof. The structure will be powered by 17,000 m2 of solar panels, helping to drive the transition from fuel to electric vehicles.
Schiphol’s Green Blueprint
The ongoing transformation of the former P4 car park into this next-gen car rental facility should be completed by the end of 2024. Designed meticulously by De Zwarte Hond Architecten and executed by Friso Bouw B.V., the facility comprises five dedicated buildings for vehicle maintenance, repairs, and cleaning, all interconnected under the solar panel roof.
Championing Electric Mobility
The strategic alignment of Schiphol’s values with the emerging electric mobility wave is apparent. By harnessing the sun’s energy, the solar panels on the roof will generate electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 1,000 households. Notably, this renewable energy will simultaneously fuel over 300 electric cars, painting a promising picture for sustainable airport commutes.
Arthur Reijnhart, the Director of Commercial at Schiphol, said, “With this new location, we are not only providing the car rental companies with better facilities. But, most importantly, we are encouraging the use of electric cars. If it were up to us, it would be the most normal thing in the world to drive an electric car to and from Schiphol. Together with the car rental companies, we are moving in this direction.”
Smooth Transitions for Customers
The strategic move of Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Enterprise, and Avis/Budget from Schiphol Centre and Schiphol South to Schiphol North in 2024 ensures seamless services for customers. Despite these large-scale changes, renting cars remains as convenient as ever, with pickups near the terminal.
Schiphol’s car rental facility is an example of the airport’s commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring that the future of air travel is green and efficient.