About the City

Carcaixent is a small city in Spain’s Valencian Community, known as the birthplace of orange cultivation and commerce. With a Mediterranean climate, a population of 20,777, and a rich agricultural heritage, the city is surrounded by citrus orchards and a vibrant natural environment, including nearby municipal and national parks.

Main Objectives

This pilot aims to:

• Decarbonize last-mile logistics for food delivery from Carcaixent’s municipal market.
• Promote the use of renewable energy in urban transport.
• Support local businesses and farmers through sustainable solutions.

Innovative Technical Solution

Carcaixent city council, in collaboration with the Ribera Consortium, is introducing an electric vehicle for food deliveries. The vehicle will be charged via a solar-powered station located near the municipal market, with the energy supplied by a photovoltaic plant installed on a public building. This approach integrates clean energy with urban mobility solutions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the city’s sustainability goals.

Key Stakeholders

The pilot brings together a range of stakeholders, including:

• Local Authorities: Leading the initiative and facilitating implementation.
• Retailers and Farmers: Benefiting from improved logistics and greater support for their eco-friendly products.
• Citizens: Encouraged to adopt sustainable consumption practices while enjoying better service.

Implementation Strategy

The pilot will involve:

1. Collaborative Planning: Carcaixent city council will organize public consultations with retailers, local businesses, and citizens to design the logistics system.
2. Electric Van Deployment: The municipal market retailer association will oversee the operation of the electric vehicle service.
3. Renewable Energy Integration: A solar-powered charging station will ensure the vehicle operates sustainably.

Expected Impact

• Environmental: Reduction in carbon emissions from transportation.
• Economic: Increased support for local businesses and agriculture through improved logistics.
• Social: Enhanced awareness and adoption of sustainable practices in the community.

This pilot reflects Carcaixent’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and local development, making it a model for eco-friendly urban mobility solutions.