Government Expands Fleet Electrification with Electric Vehicles for Ministers

Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever initiated this transition within the government. Several departments and state-owned companies under his ministry already use electric vehicles, including the Department of Economic Affairs, Trade and Industry (DEZHI), the Consumer Protection Service (SEDECO), the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the Department of Telecommunication Affairs (DTZ), and Post Aruba N.V. Electric vehicles are now also being introduced for the Council of Ministers of Aruba.

This step is not an isolated initiative. It is part of a broader effort to modernize government services, reduce costs, use energy more efficiently, and prepare Aruba for a future in which sustainability and energy independence play an increasingly important role.

The government plays an essential role in this transition, not only by developing policies but also by putting those policies into practice. The gradual electrification of the government vehicle fleet is a concrete example of the government implementing the changes it seeks to encourage throughout society. In doing so, the government demonstrates its commitment to this transition.

This initiative also fulfills commitments set out in the Government Program, which states that official vehicles for ministers may not cost more than electric vehicles and/or hybrid vehicles valued at AWG 70,000.

The process has gone through several stages. Following a market consultation and a public procurement process, Green Wheels was selected to supply the electric vehicles for the ministers, with the exception of Prime Minister Eman.

The initial results show that the transition provides not only environmental benefits but also financial savings. According to operational data from the CBS vehicle fleet, fuel costs decreased by approximately 70% during the first six months, from an average of AWG 1,500 to AWG 405 per vehicle per month.

For Aruba, this transition is of strategic importance. As an island, our country is highly dependent on imported fossil fuels and is therefore vulnerable to price fluctuations and international developments beyond our control. Every step taken to reduce this dependence contributes to greater stability, increased efficiency, and an economy that is better prepared for the future.

“The transition toward sustainability must be translated into concrete action. As a government, we want to lead by example and implement the changes we believe are necessary for the future of Aruba. Electrifying our vehicle fleet helps reduce costs, decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, and create opportunities for greater use of locally produced renewable energy. Sustainable for our country,” said Minister Wever.

This approach is further supported by the GO Program, a program funded by the European Union to accelerate the energy transition on islands. As part of this program, Aruba is implementing the project “Reducing Transport-Related Carbon Emissions and Fuel Costs from the Car Fleet of the Government of Aruba.”

The project, implemented by German consulting firm Energynautics, with project management by Expertise France, supports Aruba in preparing a plan for the full electrification of the government vehicle fleet. This includes an electric vehicle procurement policy, a battery management plan, the development of charging infrastructure, an analysis of the impact on the electricity grid, and management tools to promote broader adoption. The work is being carried out in cooperation with local partners, including ELMAR and DOW.

The transition builds on earlier steps taken by the government and continues, expands, and accelerates those efforts. This ensures continuity in a strategic process aimed at strengthening Aruba over the long term.