The V.I. Energy Officer has announced the addition of eight Ford F-150 Lightnings, fully electric pickup trucks, to the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) fleet. The acquisition was made possible through a Department of the Interior (DOI) Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) grant.
The new electric trucks will be distributed to various government agencies that rely heavily on light-duty vehicles, including the Virgin Islands Energy Office, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Human Services, Sports Park & Recreation, and the Internal Revenue Bureau, according to VIEO.
This initiative builds upon the VIEO’s ongoing efforts to diversify and modernize the GVI fleet. In 2022, the office introduced 17 light-duty electric passenger vehicles, followed by three all-electric converted Ford Transit Vans earlier this year. These vans have been instrumental in bolstering the territory’s VITRAN bus services and the Department of Human Services’ Home Health Care program.
The Ford F-150 Lightning, known for its robust capabilities, can tow up to 10,000 pounds and has an EPA-estimated range of 230 to 300 miles. VIEO Director Kyle Fleming highlighted that the electric vehicle market has evolved significantly, making it feasible to replace traditional gas-powered fleet vehicles with electric alternatives.
“Energy sovereignty is of grave concern in our remote island territory. And for too long we have been wholly dependent on the importation of costly, polluting fossil fuels for our energy needs,” Fleming stated. “By paving the way for the adoption of electric vehicles that will leverage the growing availability of distributed solar generation, and many other climate-friendly initiatives, we will transition the territory towards a future of energy stability.”
The procurement of the Ford F-150 Lightnings also included funding for 34 Level II Siemens charging stations. These chargers will be installed at various high-traffic locations on St. Croix and will be available for public use. Installation has already begun, and the first wave of chargers is expected to be operational by early January.
This strategic move toward electrification aligns with the territory’s commitment to sustainability and energy resilience. For more information, visit the Virgin Islands Energy Office at energy.vi.gov.
