The Government is requesting information from eligible candidates to provide charging services for its fleet of 32 electric vehicles.

The successful bidder is required to provide ten to 40 charging spaces at up to four locations.

The deadline for submission to the Department of Works and Engineering is February 27. Questions must be fielded by February 13.

The request for information called for details on EV charging equipment supply, site assessment, equipment installation, equipment operations — including user interface and payment software — and servicing and maintenance.

Companies that offer one or more — as well as any relevant services not listed — were encouraged to submit a response.

Companies that can offer a suite of EV charging services through partnerships or subcontracting were encouraged to submit a single, consolidated response from one company representing the consortium’s combined capabilities.

The department is reviewing the requirements and evolving specifications of its fleet.

The Bermuda Electricity Act 2016 does not allow for the resale of electricity by any party other than the electric utility. The Government expects to cover electricity costs at the charging sites through direct billing.

In September 2024, the Government replaced its ministerial fleet with 13 new EVs.

It went through courtesy of the Motor Car Electric and Hybrid Amendment Act 2024, allowing Auto Solutions Ltd to import more hybrid and electric cars.

At the unveiling of the 2025 Hyundai Kona electric cars, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the former Minister of Public Works, said the Government planned to foster the development of the renewable energy industry to help Bermuda achieve its net-zero goal.

Colonel Burch said: “This achievement will come by encouraging the growth of the electric auto market on the island and reducing the number of internal combustion engine vehicles being imported.”

In July 2024, Wayne Furbert, the former Minister of Transport, told the House of Assembly that the passage of the Motor Car Electric and Hybrid Amendment was in keeping with a 2023 Speech from the Throne initiative to phase out the sale and importation of internal combustible engine vehicles by 2035.

During consultation, a prominent concern expressed by consumers was the availability of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Mr Furbert said the island had faced challenges, with larger markets being prioritised by manufacturers.

He said the Bermuda Auto Dealers Association had requested a larger size of electric and hybrid vehicles of 180in by 74in.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, supported the amendment.

At the time, Ms Furbert said: “The bigger picture for this, as consumers, is the ability to have an electric vehicle which is good on the environment, and it saves on your pockets.”

She said she saved approximately $500 a month in petrol and noted that the cost to recharge her vehicle had a “very minimal” impact on her electricity bill.