SEDECO is also switching to electric cars.
ORANJESTAD—Last year, the Ministry of Economic Affairs initiated a market study jointly with DOW, which included a detailed inventory of the government car fleet and the options available in Aruba.
The Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce, and Industry (DEACI) started focusing on its leased cars in use in September 2024.
Initial studies comparing different elements, such as e.o. Price, service, and fuel have shown that transitioning to electric cars achieves a 14% cost reduction compared to conventional ones. The intention is to transition the cars in government apparatus to electric EVs once their lease ends. As a continuation of the vision of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector to reduce costs and facilitate the energy transition, it is now SEDECO's turn to make the switch to electric cars. N.V. ELMAR will provide the infrastructure to charge the electric vehicle at the former Interbank building, where SEDECO is located.
This initiative, which is supported by the European Union's (EU) Green Overseas (GO) program, is a component of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector's goal and vision.
To support this energy transition effort, the government hired Expertise du France (EF) in 2024 to conduct a study. The goal is to develop a model that helps other EU nations and territories outside of Europe speed up their transition to electric vehicles.
The European Union has allocated €190,000 for Aruba for this project. This partnership showed how to utilize European funds destined to support non-European regions effectively.
"Little by little but surely, we continue to implement the vision and path that we started in 2024," the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector said. "Our goal is to continue reducing spending in our government apparatus and also lead the transition.
After Minister Wever handed over the first four electric cars to DEACI, as part of the pilot program for the transition to electric cars in government in September 2024, it is now SEDECO's turn. It will continue in the CBS department, which will also change to electric cars. By reducing operating costs and car CO₂ emissions in Aruba, we promote a better quality of life, protect nature, and contribute to slowing climate change.