ORANJESTAD – The Aruban government is expanding the electrification of its government vehicle fleet to include the Council of Ministers. Following a market consultation and public tender, Green Wheels has been selected to supply electric vehicles for the ministers. Prime Minister Mike Eman is not included in this delivery.
The move is part of a broader programme to make the government’s vehicle fleet more sustainable and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Several government departments and state-owned companies already use electric vehicles, including DEZHI, SEDECO, the Central Bureau of Statistics, the Directorate of Telecommunications Affairs and Post Aruba.
According to the government, the transition should yield not only environmental benefits but also financial savings. Reference is made to experiences at the CBS. There, fuel costs per vehicle are said to have dropped from an average of 1,500 florins to 405 florins per month in the first six months — a reduction of approximately 70 percent.
The purchase is said to be in line with the Government Programme, which stipulates that ministerial vehicles may not cost more than electric or hybrid vehicles valued at 70,000 florins.
The government also views electrification as part of its drive towards greater energy independence. Aruba is heavily dependent on imported fuels for transportation and is therefore vulnerable to international price fluctuations.
Alongside the procurement of electric vehicles, Aruba is working on a plan for the further electrification of its entire government vehicle fleet. This is taking place within the GO programme, funded by the European Union.
The project is being carried out by German consultancy Energynautics, with project management by Expertise France. Areas under investigation include future procurement policy for electric vehicles, battery management, charging infrastructure, and the implications of further electrification for the electricity grid.
ELMAR and DOW are also involved in the process. The ultimate goal is to develop a plan that will allow the government vehicle fleet to be electrified on a larger scale.
