Government’s commitment to transform to a greener economy, in keeping with its 2030 fossil fuels’ free agenda, went a step further today with the official handover of the first Megapower electric vehicle to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Director of Megapower Limited, Joanna Edghill, presented Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the PMO, Paula Byer, with the keys to the Nissan eNV 200 electric vehicle during the presentation ceremony at Government Headquarters, at Bay Street, St. Michael.
Ms. Byer pointed out that vehicles had long been identified as a major source of carbon emissions and the Government was pleased to do its part to limit such emissions “by use of this zero-emission vehicle”.
“Our vehicles traverse the island several times daily transporting officers and government property. In an effort to improve our carbon footprint it was determined that new vehicle purchases would be electric,” she stated.
Ms. Byer continued: “In yesterday’s Budget presentation, the Prime Minister further advanced that commitment by extending assistance to travelling public officers to purchase private electric vehicles.
“Therefore, as we go about government business in public or private vehicles, we are on our way to reducing the government’s carbon footprint.”
Ms. Edghill, described the vehicle hand over as another demonstration by the government of leading from the front. “Not only do we have 49 electric buses in the public transport fleet, we have seen a number of ministries and government departments and agencies driving electric vehicles, and that has just been increasing in the last few months.”
She added: “The fact that now the Prime Minister’s Office has their very first electric van to transport staff and also documents, is a tremendous move by the government and we are excited to be a part of that. Vehicles like the Nissan eNV after yesterday’s budget, businesses and persons can buy such a vehicle and save at least $20,000 off the previous price, so there are big savings now on electric vehicles….”
The Nissan eNV 200 vehicle is powered by a 40kW water-cooled battery – giving a range of approximately 250 km per charge.
The DPS thanked Megapower for partnering with the government over the past few months to secure the vehicle, and expressed optimism of profitable use, as staff conduct the business of the Prime Minister’s Office in a more environmentally sustainable manner.