Phase 2 Consultations Begin For EVolve Bermuda
The Ministry of Transport is advancing to the second phase of consultations and public feedback to “establish a comprehensive policy framework to help ensure that the Island is prepared for the global vehicle market’s transition to electric vehicles whilst proactively addressing the challenge of vehicle emissions,” and the “initiative has undergone a rebranding process and is now formally known as EVolve Bermuda.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Transport initiated its [ZEV] consultation process in February 2023, garnering positive and valuable insights from stakeholders. Encouraged by the constructive feedback received, the Ministry is poised to advance to the second phase of consultations and public feedback today, 4th December 2023. The Ministry is keen to establish a comprehensive policy framework to help ensure that the Island is prepared for the global vehicle market’s transition to electric vehicles whilst proactively addressing the challenge of vehicle emissions.
“In preparation for the upcoming second phase of consultation, the initiative has undergone a rebranding process and is now formally known as EVolve Bermuda. This new name reflects our commitment to a more dynamic and focused approach, aligning with the core principles and objectives of our zero-emission vehicle initiative. It is also aligned with Government Vision ‘A future forward Government.’ The rebranding signifies a strategic evolution in our communication and representation, emphasizing the importance of our efforts to advance sustainable and environmentally conscious transportation solutions.”
Minister of Transport Wayne Furbert stated, “Our endeavor to eliminate tailpipe emissions from the transportation sector is not merely a commitment to curb Bermuda’s contribution to climate change. It also represents a strategic initiative to enhance local air quality and diminish the Island’s reliance on fossil fuels.
“By embracing a zero-emission future, Bermuda aspires not only to be environmentally responsible but also to foster sustainable and self-sufficient energy practices within its transportation infrastructure. This multifaceted approach underscores the dedication to mitigating the impacts of climate change, promoting cleaner air for our citizens, and fortifying energy independence.
“In adherence to our commitment made in the 2022 Throne Speech and following the completion of the initial consultation process in March 2023, the Ministry diligently reviewed each response received. In response, we have crafted a comprehensive policy recommendation and strategy document. It is with great anticipation that we invite the public to actively engage and participate in this pivotal stage, as your input is instrumental in shaping the development of the final policy.
“Your perspectives and insights are invaluable in ensuring that our policy is robust, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse needs and concerns of our community. The public’s active involvement is not only encouraged but vital to the success of this endeavor, as we collectively work towards a sustainable and progressive approach to transportation policies.”
The Government spokesperson said, “All stakeholders and the public are invited to read the EVolve Bermuda Public Engagement Document and participate in the survey by visiting forum.gov.bm or Project • Evolve Bermuda Public Engagement Report [forum.gov.bm]. The second phase of the public consultation ends on February 8, 2024.”
The EVolve Bermuda Public Engagement Report follows below [PDF here]:
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This initiative is blind to reality. Whilst one can say that electric vehicles have less emissions than conventional vehicles what are they going to do with the old bus fleet besides putting them in our ocean? They make no attempt to recycle them in any form down to the simplest of things like light bulbs and tires and yet they will tell the world that we are leading the way forward in environmental protection. They even have outlawed salvaging parts from the landfill facility. Not to mention that the batteries from the electric vehicles will do even more damage than the conventional vehicles when they end up in the landfill and our oceans. If you just take a drive through the dump and look at the 50 plus buses that are now there it is a crying shame!!!
Note that the cost to consumers is never mentioned.
Once AGAIN – There is no such thing as a “Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV).” Fossil fuels are required to produce electricity to charge the batteries. Fossil fuels are necessary to mine, process, transport materials, transform materials into products, and transport those EVs to delivery locations. MORE CO2 emissions are produced per EV than an Interal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle.
Bermuda Fire & Rescue Services is not equipped and not trained to put out an EV fire of any size. The cost to train and add new equipment is never discussed. The environmental damage from toxic runoff getting into the groundwater and the ocean is never mentioned.
A contact that I have in a mid-sized USA city fire department informed me that fire departments in three major cities in California are looking at charging EV owners to put out fires. $10,000+ for starters. Replacing a contaminated fire suit runs at least $4,000. Now, imagine the cost of putting out an EV fire in Bermuda!
The consultation feedback was NEGATIVE and extensively detailed including photos of children mining rare earths in Africa. This gets back, once again, to the “consultation” process simply being a formality. The decision was already made to do away with ICE vehicles. Government consultant firm RMI is the same firm that recommended purchasing Chinese electric buses, the ones that had problems when wet from heavy rain. The same buses that the Government gives no excuse for when a route is canceled.
RMI previously consulted with Aruba on the failed plan to go 100% renewable by 2020.
RMI has an office in China and a Board member from China. Expect Chinese electric cars to be pushed in Bermuda.
RMI is the same firm that is pushing to do away with gas stoves in the USA based on a bogus study.
Government obviously does not care about the thousands of underage black African children, some as your as six years old, mining rare earths being sent to China for processing and ending up in EV batteries. Government does not care about the environmental damage being done by mining rare earths for EVs.
Since then:
A recent Consumer Reports survey of owners of 330,000 vehicles in the USA found that EVs experience nearly 80% more problems than petrol and gas-powered cars.
>>> nearly 80% MORE problems! <<<
If only Furbert would sort out the current transportation problems before spending time on this fiasco. Governments around the world, except here, are rethinking this rush to ban ICE vehicles as they are discovering the limits of EV vehicles. In Bermuda’s case where will the new power station be built and what fuel will be used? Belco couldn’t handle the extra demand. Forget windfarms. A small nuclear plant should be considered. If only the politicians would get back to realty and stop this ridiculous rush to pretend they can get to net zero, a term that doesn’t make any sense anyway.
Follow the money for the push for EVs.
Demand that Government stop this EV madness. There is no climate crisis. The earth is doing just fine. The Minister in charge of this EV fiasco cannot define climate change. That being said, why does that same Minister never speak about costs to consumers? One might suspect the Minister is moving to the next green phase and asking the public to eat crickets.
A sampling of basic costs of going to EVs that are never discussed:
Roads
Our roads must be upgraded to handle the extra weight of EVs. Using 140 miles of paved public roads, estimating 50% of main/major roads is 70 miles. Using $750,000 to $1,000,000 per mile today comes out as $52.5 to $70 MILLION! With inflation, when electric vehicles are mandated – get out of town!
Fuel Taxes
Government has not stated how it will make up for the MILLIONS of dollars lost in gasoline and diesel fuel tax revenue by switching to electric vehicles. The Ministry of Transport believes that the decision falls to the Ministry of Finance. Seriously? Your plan Transport, own it!
Public Safety
Bermuda Fire & Rescue Services is not equipped and not trained to put out an EV fire of any size. The cost to train and add new equipment is never discussed. The cost to clean up environmental damage from toxic runoff getting into the groundwater and the ocean is never mentioned. What is the cost to properly train and equip Fire & Rescue? What is the cost of standard equipment to contain and clean up the water runoff from putting out an EV fire? Will EV owners be charged thousands of dollars ($10,000+) by Fire & Rescue for putting out an EV fire?
Charging
Electric Surcharge
Government and RMI never mention the additional lost energy required to recharge an EV battery. 12% to 15% of energy is lost for various reasons during recharging. Imagine the consumer outrage if a gas or diesel pump added a 12% to 15% surcharge on every purchase of fuel.
Infrastructure
- Public. Government has not stated the cost and who will pay for a public EV charging infrastructure.
- Private.
a. Government has not stated the cost of upgrading BELCO’s electric grid to handle EV charging at home. Said cost is passed to consumers.
b. Most homes and apartments do not have garages or covered parking. RMI erroneously claims we can plug the EV into a 120-volt home outlet (Level 1 slow charging) and recharge nightly like a cellphone. A Level 2 fast charger installed outdoors would cost $3,000 to $4,000 or higher in Bermuda. It is also not advisable to recharge when raining or near saltwater spray. Government has not stated the cost of upgrading to home charging. Who will pay for the infrastructure for upgrading apartment parking lots with chargers?
Insurance
Insuring an EV is significantly higher than an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle. Is Government going to subsidize EV insurance?
Repairs
Repairs to EVs from accidents are more expensive than an ICE, assuming the EV is repairable. Availability of parts is another story.
Bottom line: Demand that Government stop this EV madness.
“In preparation for the upcoming second phase of consultation, the initiative has undergone a rebranding process and is now formally known as EVolve Bermuda.”
Yes, rebranded to sound catchy and hip, but lipstick on a pig does not make the pig pretty.
EV sales are falling in many large markets. For obvious reasons.