LocationsGreening Samoa's transport sector with a future-proof electric fleet
October 30, 2024
One of the new EVs at the electric fleet launch at the ONE UN House.
In a substantial step toward sustainable transportation for Samoa, the UNDP Samoa Multi-Country Office and BMS/Information & Technology Management (ITM) will deliver 76 electric vehicles (EVs) to the Samoan Government, including charging stations in 16 sites across the country. This is part of the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) Project, a branch of the US $37 million Pacific Green Transformation initiative supported by the Government of Japan, aimed at strengthening climate change resilience and building green infrastructure in Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu.
The first 53 EVs were handed over earlier this month at the CAP-IT launch ceremony attended by Samoa's Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, the Minister of Works, Transport & Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai, the Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, H.E. Senta Keisuke, and the UNDP Samoa Resident Representative, Aliona Niculita. The remaining EVs and a charging station will be available by the end of the year.
"The EVs launch represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards a cleaner and more resilient transportation system in Samoa,” Niculita said. “The CAP-IT project is a vital part of our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote sustainable e-Mobility solutions across the islands.”
Including sedans, SUVs, minibuses, and pick-up and flatbed trucks, the electric fleet serves multiple purposes beyond official engagements. Two trucks were converted to first-responder firefighter vehicles, one will serve as an oxygen tank carrier, and twenty minibuses will be used for passenger transport. The vehicles are accompanied by a wider awareness building campaign to encourage greener more sustainable transport choices by the people of Samoa.
Ambassador of Japan to Samoa H.E. Keisuke Senta & UNDP Resident Representative in Samoa Aliona Niculita
The vehicles will also be heavily featured in the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of State meeting being hosted by Samoa 21-26 October, with the vehicles being used as the official transportation across the high-profile event.
The EV rollout is part of a broader strategy to reduce emissions in Samoa's transport sector, encompassing both land and maritime solutions. UNDP is directly supporting this goal by designing and implementing a practical and future-proof eMobility solution, ensuring a sustainable deployment of the electric fleet. This includes establishing a network of charging stations across the country, implementing a new national training curricula for EV technicians, and instituting a transport decarbonisation strategy.
To ensure the long-term success of this sustainable transition, UNDP developed a End-of-Life EV battery management report for the Samoa Government as well as an assessment of EV traffic, vehicle registration, imports, and ownership. The reports provide tailored strategies for a safe battery disposal and more sustainable fleet management approaches.
