This feature by Professor John Hay looks at the introduction of fully battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) in the Cook Islands and discusses their advantages in an island environment. Contact online >>
This feature by Professor John Hay looks at the introduction of fully battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) in the Cook Islands and discusses their advantages in an island environment.
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
While 17 vehicles were allocated to replace aging government vehicles, the remaining eight were offered for sale by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) late last year. Paul Lynch/FACEBOOK/24030525
These eight EVs were part of a larger purchase of 25Hyundai Ioniq electric cars acquired for the Pacific Islands Forum LeadersMeeting held in Rarotonga last November at a cost of $1.7 million.
While 17 vehicles were allocated to replace aginggovernment vehicles, the remaining eight were offered for sale by the Ministryof Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) late last year.
However, "none of the EVs were sold during the tenderprocess," confirmed Financial Secretary Garth Henderson in a statement,following inquiries from Cook Islands News.
"Given the governments ageing fleet and constrainedbudget for vehicle replacements, a decision has been made to retain the EVs anddistribute them across government agencies requiring vehicle support to sustaincore business and delivery operations," Henderson said.
According to the statement, the EVs for sale, theHyundai IONIQ Electric 38.2kW Entry models, are well known for theireco-friendly design, energy-efficient performance, spaciousness and comfort,and excellent fast-charging capability.
"This reduced price offered great value for money,with similar medium-sized EVs selling in the $50,000 to $100,000 price range comparison, the more well-known Nissan Leaf EV, is presently selling in the60,000-price range," Henderson said.
"Notwithstanding comments that the EVs ''are great carsto operate and no issues with them being electric and charging from home'', and''having Pickering Motors readily available to service and do diagnostic work isa bonus'' – the key issue was financial position/affordability.
"To date, Pickering Motors Ltd, Cook Islands haveprovided professional and readily available service for the EVs. Pickering havethe requisite diagnostic tools and expertise to resolve mechanical andtechnical issues, but also work closely with Hyundai to resolve these mattersif and as they arise."
"By way of information and contrary to newspaperreports, when all of the EVs were originally purchased, seven charging stationswere also procured to complement the use of the EVs. The purchase of thecharging stations was always a part of the EV acquisition plan.
"For convenience, these charging stations were sitedwhere the Pacific Leaders were staying. After the Forum, two of the chargingstations were added to TAU''s public charging stations and made available forpublic use. Another two were installed at the Te Atukura Grounds in Avarua,unfortunately these are not yet available for public use.
The purchase of the vehicles was overseen by MFEMafter 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.
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