10 candidates showed an interest in delivering vehicles in the first round of the procurement of RS electric vehicles. Five applicants were selected for the second round following the evaluation of the candidates' applications, while two suppliers submitted their tenders.
The total amount of the planned procurement for the supply of 52 electric vehicles and their spare parts is EUR 34.3 million (excluding VAT). The total duration of the contract is planned for a maximum of five years, excluding the intended duration of the guarantee.
For the purchase of the first 35 electric buses, the maximum contractual amount is EUR 23.1 million (excluding VAT), and the electric fleet will be purchased by mobilizing EUR 18.2 million from the European Union (EU) Cohesion Fund.
On the other hand, the maximum contractual amount for the purchase of additional 17 electric vehicles is EUR 11.2 million (excluding VAT), and these electric vehicles are expected to be purchased through co-financing of the EU Recovery Fund, but the purchase of these 17 electric vehicles will still be decided, the company said.
RS said that the purchase of electric cars will significantly reduce the negative environmental impact of transport in Rīga City, as well as improve the quality and comfort of travel. This would contribute to changing population habits.
The new electric fleet is expected to replace the aging roughly 20-year-old buses.
