The new EV, displaying in Bislama: "I am 100% Electric, No Dirty Smoke, Save the Planet."
In a groundbreaking move for Vanuatu''s sustainability efforts, the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation (MoCCA) has become the first government agency to incorporate Electric Vehicles (EVs) into its fleet.
This milestone, achieved through an investment of VT8 million, marks the beginning of Vanuatu''s ambitious journey towards greener transportation, as outlined in the National Energy Road Map (NERM) and the country''s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets.
Yesterday at the ceremony held to unveil the new vehicles, Minister Ralph Regenvanu emphasised the importance of this step. "We are here today because the MoCCA is now the first government agency to purchase and use EVs. This marks a historic milestone for Vanuatu," he declared.
"Land transport is the second biggest consumer of fossil fuels in Vanuatu after the use of diesel for national electricity grids.
"As the owner of the largest vehicle fleet in the country, the government must lead the transition to electric vehicles, with the purchase of these two vehicles, the Ministry of Climate Change is leading the way." The two newly acquired EVs, Build Your Dreams (BYD) Yuan Pro Mini-SUVs, will replace the Ministry''s existing Kia Sportage vehicles.
This pilot project, approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC), will run for the remaining five months of the year, during which the performance and financial savings of the EVs will be closely monitored and compared to traditional fuel-using vehicles.
Minister Regenvanu highlighted the broader economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to EVs. "The less fossil fuels Vanuatu uses, the less money we send overseas to buy fossil fuels, which means more money to spend on our domestic economy," he said.
"We will be less vulnerable and dependent on external shocks, becoming more energy independent and able to determine our own energy future."
The economic benefits extend beyond just savings.
The MoCCA confirmed the two EVs have been purchased at a cost of VT8 million (exclusive of Value Added Tax), under an interest-free loan arrangement with the National Green Energy Fund (NGEF), with full repayment expected by December 2027.
The two mini-SUVs with five doors and five seats were sold by local company, Nambawan EV, an importer of EV''s with the ability to service and provide replacement parts.
The NERM identifies the National Green Energy Fund (NGEF) as a key policy tool and financing mechanism to support the implementation of actions in the energy sector.
As well as financing this EV purchase for the MoCCA, the NGEF is currently negotiating grant funding to pilot EV''s with 10 taxi beneficiaries in Port Vila.
This initiative will require beneficiaries to provide 10% equity, receive a 50% grant subsidy, and obtain 40% of the vehicle cost through a soft loan from NGEF at rates below commercial bank rates.
The Government, in its continued efforts to increase renewable energy generation in the electricity subsector, favours the principle of promoting the implementation of EVs in Port Vila and other urban centres in Vanuatu. The initiative is part of a larger plan to pilot EVs in Port Vila''s taxi fleet, providing substantial grant subsidies and soft loans to support local drivers in making the switch to electric.
Adapting to EV technology comes with its challenges, particularly regarding charging infrastructure.
The Ministry has already taken steps to address this by installing normal power points for charging and planning to apply for a three-phase meter to speed up the process.
Ivan Oswald from Nambawan EV, the local supplier of the vehicles, provided insights into the practical aspects of using EVs in Vanuatu.
"Currently, in Vanuatu we use standard AC power from UNELCO. With the proper setup, like a big enough power point in a house or a government department, the fastest this car will charge is 6 kW on a single charge, which requires a 30-amp outlet," he said.
Oswald also detailed the cost-efficiency of EVs, noting that running an EV is cheaper than a petrol car.
"For 100 kilometers, it costs about Vatu (VT) 960 to run, compared to other cars like the Kia Seltos or the Honda Accord, which costs around VT1,300 for 100 km, it''s cheaper than a petrol car. Plus, it''s more fun, safer, and has better technology," he added. The transition to EVs promises not only economic benefits but also significant environmental and health improvements.
"EVs will create a much cleaner environment for pedestrians, reducing smoke and respiratory illnesses, and a quieter environment as electric vehicles are much quieter," Minister Regenvanu added.
As Vanuatu continues to increase its renewable energy generation, the integration of EVs is expected to play a crucial role in maximising the use of renewable energy sources.
By 2026, with the commissioning of new renewable energy projects, the Port Vila grid aims to be almost 50% powered by renewable energy, supporting a more sustainable future for all. Minister Regenvanu expressed hope for rapid adoption of EVs across the government and private sectors, urging others to follow the Ministry''s lead.
"My hope is that in the next few years, the entire government fleet will be electrified. I encourage private sector companies and the general public to do the same," he said.
Electric Mini SUVs Facts
The two cars acquired by the MoCCA have a range of 401km each on a full charge and are one of the best value and most reliable electric SUVs available.
100km of range costs approximately VT1,000 (equivalent benzine SUV would cost VT1,300).
The cars have "Bidirectional" charging — meaning they have a standard 240v power plug and can be used to power a small house in case of a power cut.
They could also be used for power tools, fridges, TVs, pumps in remote areas. The output is 2.2kw — roughly the power of an electric kettle or enough for a small home of lights, small fridge, TV and phone charges.
Your comment has been submitted.
About Electric vehicle incentives vanuatu
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Electric vehicle incentives vanuatu have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Electric vehicle incentives vanuatu for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Electric vehicle incentives vanuatu featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
Related Contents
