Government buys itself 40 electric vehicles (Updated)

The transport ministry on Thursday announced the purchase of 40 electric vehicles to be used for official government business.

They said the vehicles will “meet the needs of various ministries, departments, and services in the public sector”.

They added that the electric vehicles specifically have been purchased “for the purpose of promoting clean road transport vehicles, to reduce greenhouse emissions and other pollutants in the atmosphere”.

The total cost of the vehicles was €1,466,080 – €36,652 per vehicle.

In addition, the electromechanical services department said they are to proceed with the installation of appropriate charging points at the buildings of government departments and services where the electric vehicles will be delivered.

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said the government is also proceeding with action to allow electric charging stations to be installed at petrol stations, boosting the supply of charging stations and making owning an electric car more viable for the general public.

“There are already some chargers around Cyprus, but our aim is to have many more so that people need not worry that they may need a charger and not be able to find one,” he said.

He added that he travels with an electric vehicle and has travelled many times between Limassol and Paphos “without any concerns about the vehicle’s battery”.

In addition, he announced that during December, the government would announce a new subsidy scheme for members of the public to purchase electric vehicles.