Government will retain and distribute eight electric vehicles (EVs) it previously tried to sell due to lack of bids likely caused by affordability concerns. These eight EVs were part of a larger purchase of 25 Hyundai Ioniq electric cars acquired for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held in Rarotonga last November at a cost of $1.7
The 25 Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicles, which cost the nation $1.7 million, are parked at the Prime Minister''s office for security reasons. Government has confirmed some of them will go to tender next week. The vehicles are pictured during the first trial of the Pacific Islands Leaders motorcade movement last month. MELINA ETCHES/23103001
Cook Islands Government will retain and distribute eight electric vehicles (EVs) it previously tried to sell due to lack of bids likely caused by affordability concerns. These eight EVs were part of a larger purchase of 25 Hyundai Ioniq electric cars acquired for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held in Rarotonga last November at a
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) on behalf of Cook Islands Government, is offering for sale eight (8) used Electric Vehicles (EVs) by way of a competitive tender and on the basis set out in this Invitation to Tender (ITT) and related Attachments.
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Cook Islands Government will retain and distribute eight electric vehicles (EVs) it previously tried to sell due to lack of bids likely caused by affordability concerns.
These eight EVs were part of a larger purchase of 25 Hyundai Ioniq electric cars acquired for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held in Rarotonga last November at a cost of $1.7 million (US$1.2 million).
However, "none of the EVs were sold during the tender process," confirmed Financial Secretary Garth Henderson in a statement, following inquiries from Cook Islands News.
Henderson said the Government then decided to retain and distribute electric vehicles across its agencies.
"Given the governments ageing fleet and constrained budget for vehicle replacements, a decision has been made to retain the EVs and distribute them across government agencies requiring vehicle support to sustain core business and delivery operations," Henderson said.
"In this way, Government will continue to lead the way in its continued efforts towards clean green transportation and lowering vehicle emissions."
According to the statement, the EVs for sale, the Hyundai IONIQ Electric 38.2kW Entry models, are well known for their eco-friendly design, energy-efficient performance, spaciousness and comfort, and excellent fast-charging capability.
The EVs were being sold by MFEM on an "as is, where is" basis. To purchase an EV, a reserve price of $45,294.00(US$27,774.44) (exclusive of VAT) was set.
"This reduced price offered great value for money, with similar medium-sized EVs selling in the $50,000(US$30,663) to $100,000(US$61,321) price range. In comparison, the more well-known Nissan Leaf EV, is presently selling in the $60,000(US$36,796)-price range," Henderson said.
Feedback from interested buyers indicated affordability concerns and had expectations that the reserve price would be lower, as reasons for not submitting bids.
"Notwithstanding comments that the EVs ''are great cars to operate and no issues with them being electric and charging from home'', and ''having Pickering Motors readily available to service and do diagnostic work is a bonus'' – the key issue was financial position/affordability.
"To date, Pickering Motors Ltd, Cook Islands have provided professional and readily available service for the EVs. Pickering have the requisite diagnostic tools and expertise to resolve mechanical and technical issues, but also work closely with Hyundai to resolve these matters if and as they arise."
Henderson also clarified there were seven charging ports available for use around the island.
"By way of information and contrary to newspaper reports, when all of the EVs were originally purchased, seven charging stations were also procured to complement the use of the EVs. The purchase of the charging stations was always a part of the EV acquisition plan.
"For convenience, these charging stations were sited where the Pacific Leaders were staying. After the Forum, two of the charging stations were added to TAU''s public charging stations and made available for public use. Another two were installed at the Te Atukura Grounds in Avarua, unfortunately these are not yet available for public use.
"Plans are in progress to relocate and install the remaining three charging stations."
The purchase of the vehicles was overseen by MFEM after an expression of interest process was completed, followed by a "competitive" quote processing, including local suppliers to tender their bids, with Hyundai Motors NZ Ltd being awarded the tender.
The Cook Islands Government has acquired a fleet of 25 Hyundai Ionic electric vehicles, valued at $1.7 million (US$1 million) landed cost which will be used to transport the Leaders during the five days of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders (PIFLM52) to be held in November.
Two processes, overseen by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM)were carried out for the purchase of these vehicles – an expression of interest process was initially completed followed by a competitive quote process including local suppliers to tender their bids, with Hyundai Motors NZ Ltd tender the successful bid as a result of this process.
The purchase of these electric vehicles are in keeping with Government''s continued efforts towards green and clean transportation.
In keeping with past practice, the vehicles will be available for pre-sale to the public and for replacement vehicles within the Government''s vehicle fleet. Information pertaining to viewing and purchase of the vehicles can be found on the PIFLM52 website.
The process for viewing and purchase of the electric vehicles will be overseen by the Major Project and Procurement Support Division of MFEM.
The Cook Islands assumed Forum Chair responsibilities at the conclusion of the Special Leaders Retreat hosted by Fiji Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, in Nadi in February 2023 and preparations for PIFLM52 which will be held in Rarotonga and Aitutakifrom 6 – 10 November have advanced, and are being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Amongst hosting obligations is the requirement for the provision of in-country transportation for Leaders during the week of PIFLM.
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