The Costa Rica government has announced the development of the Acquisition Program for Efficient Vehicles (PAVE) which will promote a reduction of national energy consumption and the emissions of greenhouse gases caused by automobiles.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) in coordination with the Bank of Costa Rica (BCR), the National Institute of Insurance (INS) and the Association of Importers of Vehicles and Equipment (AIVEMA) presented the new program that seeks to make the sector more environmentally friendly.
“The transport sector is responsible for 32% of total emissions of greenhouse gases in the country. Having transport fleets that are newer and more efficient is a measure that can have a significant impact on gas reduction and have positive effects on energy and public health,” said Minister of Environment and Energy Edgar Gutierrez said in an official ceremony.
The initiative outlines a reduction in national energy consumption and provides financing for facilities using vehicles that are electric, hybrid or other verified technologies that meet the established parameters.
[quote_center]”We are extremely pleased because for the first time a genuine policy of incentives to improve our vehicle fleet is established, which will result in a better environment, better health and greater road safety,” said the president of Aivema, Oscar Echeverría.[/quote_center]
To achieve the objectives of this program, they referenced a similar European standard for vehicle efficiency, which uses considers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for new vehicles.
Echeverría explained that they have identified 50 vehicle models that fall under the classification to qualify for the program.
The prices of the vehicles will have the PAVE certified price between $ 15,000 and 17,000. Some of the available models are Hyundai Accent Sedan 1400 cc engine, Kia Picanto, Ford Fusion SE Hybrid, and Volkswagen Crossfox, among others.
Echeverria said that vehicles being removed from the vehicle fleet through the program will be recycled to prevent further polluting the environment.
Costa Rica has declared that it will reach carbon neutrality by 2021, and thus far has attained 80% of that goal.