Sesel Sa! January - March 2015 Jan - March 2015 | Page 75

“The car’s body work is 100% recyclable, made of aluminium and plastic. Therefore, if driven correctly, they should last forever.” costs me SCR 6.50 for a full charge) An average small sized combustion vehicle does 12 km per litre of fuel (1 litre costs SCR 22.50). Therefore it would cost SCR 93.50 to cover the same distance of 50 kilometres. 11. So what would one of these set you back financially? Electric buggies are widely used at hotels across the main islands but these are in fact the first fully roadworthy electric vehicles to be introduced targeting the wider public. We hope to bring in 6 other models of electric cars, manufactured by Aixam and Goupil, two France-based companies. The current models cost between USD $13,693 for a club car to USD$40, 249 for a pick-up, while a closed car costs around USD$23,310 following a government decision to reduce trades tax on the importation of such electric vehicles. All models are available for test drives and you can then place an order. The move to electric vehicles on La Digue by 2020 will turn the island into the eco capital of the archipelago and set new standards for the rest of Seychelles, the region and the world, not just from a hospitality viewpoint but from complete island, green-living perspective. Today the resort operators, business owners and the general public are requested to reassess energy saving initiatives such as solar heating and solar panels that are all readily available in Seychelles. E-cars for La Digue would require the island to develop an electrical infrastructure in order to increase its power supply connections and charging points. This would come into play closer to the 2020 deadline. The environmental benefits are vast and may even return La Digue to the somewhat more tranquil, idealistic environment that everyone once knew and loved. To learn more or test drive an e-car today, contact Paul Rouillon on: [phone] or [phone] or [email protected] JAN - MAR 2015 ISSUE NO. 6 | SESEL SA! 71