The first bidirectional Hyundai IONIQ 5 was launched at the CAB, the living room of Cartesius Utrecht, a green, sustainable, and healthy urban neighborhood. Cartesius is part of the first region in the world with a bi-directional ecosystem, where electric shared cars function as batteries for large-scale sustainable energy storage. During the festive launch, Onno Dwars (CEO of Ballast Nedam Development), Bart Meijer (CEO of MRP), and other key partners, including State Secretary Vivianne Heijnen, Mayor Sharon Dijksma, Anneke de Vries (Director of Stations and Risk Management, NS), Michael Cole (CEO of Hyundai Europe), and Robin Berg (Director of WeDrive Solar), gathered to celebrate this groundbreaking innovation in Cartesius.

Utrecht testing ground for local energy generation.

Hyundai headquarters in South Korea has chosen the historic CAB location in Cartesius to launch the global first for the V2G (two-way) Hyundai IONIQ 5. This location, once home to the Central Auto Repair Company (CAB), now serves as the foundation for a significant step in the energy transition, integrating mobility and sustainable energy. The Utrecht region is leading the way in creating a unique global testing ground, linking local energy generation to smart charging for electric cars. The Smart Solar Charging concept is central to this, paving the way for the large-scale implementation of a future energy market. This development positions the Netherlands and Utrecht as international leaders in the energy transition, particularly with the upscaling of bi-directional charging. This initiative aligns with the City of Utrecht’s Mobility Plan 2040, which focuses on sustainable mobility and improving quality of life. The scaling of electric shared cars in Utrecht will contribute significantly to climate goals, offering cities and companies across Europe a model for leading the energy transition.

Cartesius - electric driving with shared cars becomes the norm

In Cartesius, healthy and sustainable mobility is becoming a natural part of life. With the introduction of new mobility solutions, car ownership will decrease, offering residents attractive alternatives for getting around. The district will provide a smart mobility offer that makes it easy for both residents and visitors to choose sustainable transportation options. Located next to Utrecht Zuilen NS railway station, Cartesius offers easy access to public transport, making commuting to and from the area both convenient and environmentally friendly. The neighborhood will also feature ample and comfortable bicycle parking and well-designed bike paths, ensuring cyclists are well accommodated. In the first two phases, shared cars will be widely available to further promote sustainable mobility choices.

Cartesius: a progressive healthy urban neighborhood

In and around Cartesius, people will live in harmony with each other, the city, and nature. Inspired by the scientific theory of Blue Zones, Cartesius will be a vibrant, sustainable, and green urban neighborhood, designed as a place to recharge. At its heart will be the monumental CAB, serving as a second living room and the radiant center of the community. Cartesius will offer a differentiated and inclusive residential environment, where meeting and natural movement are at the core, surrounded by spaces that encourage connection and active living. With a distinct identity and high ambitions, at least 30% of the district will be green, fostering both enjoyment and promoting climate adaptation and biodiversity.

Program and facilities in Cartesius

The Cartesius area development consists of multiple phases, with phases 2-6 (comprising 2,530 homes) being developed by Ballast Nedam Development and MRP. Alongside the first phase, which includes 322 homes by Keystone Vastgoed, the total neighborhood will include 2,852 homes, complemented by two parks, an elementary school, a sports hall, a supermarket with organic products, restaurants, and various cultural and sports facilities. This car-free district will prioritize walkers and cyclists, with ample space for smart mobility solutions to ensure sustainability and accessibility. Want to know more about the City Deal Healthy and Sustainable Food Environment and its role in Cartesius?

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