With electric and hybrid vehicles set to be on the roads from next year, government officials have announced that the State will purchase 35 vehicles to replace polluting limousines acquired between 2006 and 2015.
Today, a majority of the members of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Affairs approved the release of €1.65 million in funds for the purchase of these 35 vehicles, which will be used to meet the transportation needs of state officials.
According to the Ministry of Transport, €1.21 million will be allocated for the procurement of 25 electric saloon cars, €220,000 for the purchase of 5 electric SUVs, and €217,000 for 5 externally rechargeable hybrid vehicles, which will be delivered in 2025 according to the contract.
Speaking in Parliament on behalf of the Department of Electromechanical Services, contracts for the purchase of 30 vehicles to be used for the transportation of state officials will be signed.
It was noted that last year a tender was cancelled and a new one was announced, highlighting that the vehicles have stricter specifications now. The cost of electric vehicles is €47,830 each, while hybrid vehicles cost €44,000.
According to a spokesperson for the Service, 35 vehicles will be retired from the 60 used by state officials due to high maintenance costs.
It was suggested that ministers might receive the new vehicles, and their existing ones could be given to other officials. It was also mentioned that three companies participated in the tender, and the contract was awarded to the ones offering the lowest price.
Referring to maintenance costs, it was noted that for electric vehicles, these amount to €1,500 each over a five-year period, equivalent to €300 per vehicle per year. As mentioned, the purchase price includes a charger.
So far, the State has purchased 100 electric vehicles for the needs of public departments and services. According to European Directive, Cyprus must maintain the limit of 31.9% environmentally friendly vehicles purchased for public needs. That means one in three vehicles purchased by public bodies should be electric.
