Aruba expands electric government fleet to cut costs and fuel dependence

ORANJESTAD – The Government of Aruba is expanding the electrification of its vehicle fleet, now including electric vehicles for ministers, as part of a broader transition toward a more sustainable, efficient country with less dependence on fossil fuels.

According to Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and the Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever, several government departments and state-owned companies are already using electric vehicles, including DEZHI, SEDECO, CBS, DTZ and Post Aruba. The next step includes electric vehicles for members of the Council of Ministers, with the exception of Prime Minister Mike Eman.

Following a market consultation and public tender, Green Wheels was selected to supply the vehicles. The government program states that official vehicles for ministers should not exceed the cost of electric or hybrid vehicles valued at Afl. 70,000.

Initial CBS data indicate significant potential savings. During the first six months, average monthly fuel costs per vehicle reportedly dropped by about 70%, from Afl. 1,500 to Afl. 405.

The government says electrification can reduce both operating costs and emissions while lowering Aruba’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, an important issue for an island economy exposed to international price fluctuations.

The transition is also being supported through the European Union-funded GO Programme. Under the initiative, Aruba is preparing a plan for the full electrification of the government fleet, including charging infrastructure, battery management, electricity-grid impact and procurement policy.

Minister Wever says the government must lead by example and turn sustainability from a policy vision into concrete action with long-term benefits for Aruba.