Regarding the text published on the "Vijesti" portal under the title "Raonic prefers electric cars", the Public Service Broadcasting Service made a statement.
We are broadcasting the reaction of Radio Television of Montenegro (RTCG) in its entirety.
"We are obliged to point out a number of inaccurate and incompletely presented data, and to provide precise and verifiable information about the electrification of the RTCG rolling stock.
When you treat a topic, it is important to do so correctly and with accurate data, and it would be elementary correct to contact the party you are writing about for the topic you are treating. For the sake of the entire Montenegrin public and your readers, we are providing precise information on the electrification of the RTCG rolling stock.
The contract for the supply of chargers was signed on January 24, 2023, with a completion period of 20 days. The contract for the supply of vehicles, through the company Alliance doo, was signed on July 5, 2023, with a completion period of 120 days. So, the chargers were installed before the cars arrived. The vehicles then, like any other official vehicle, waited for several days for the registration and branding procedure to be completed — if anyone can even consider that a “waiting”.
In order for each public procurement to be implemented, the RTCG Council first approves the financial plan for that year, on the basis of which the Public Procurement Plan is formed. This plan is public and accessible to everyone. If the value of an individual procurement exceeds 0,8% of the total budget, the Council must also give special approval for the signing of the contract after the public procurement has been carried out, and again on the basis of the plan for which it has previously approved. Each such contract undergoes a procedure with the Council.
All vehicles purchased were more affordable than the values publicly available in the suppliers' price lists. In addition to these savings, RTCG also achieved an additional €45.000 through subsidies from the Eco Fund, thanks to timely applications.
RTCG currently uses 12 new electric vehicles. Eight charging points have been installed (two for employees), and the chargers have an AC power of 22 kW.
The results are measurable:
In 2022, the fuel cost was €93.000 (around €105.000 at current prices).
In 2023, that cost dropped to €83.000.
And in 2024, in eleven months, €58.801 was spent.
Electricity for charging vehicles cost a maximum of €2.700, and part of the charging was free at public charging stations.
Maintenance costs have been further reduced. A conventional car costs around €900 per year on average, while an electric car costs around €100. This means a saving of €9.600 per year on servicing alone. All this was achieved despite RTCG increasing its mileage and workload by 20% compared to 2022.
In total, electrification of the RTCG fleet brings savings of over €70.000 per year compared to a scenario in which all vehicles would be conventional. The investment in electric vehicles amounted to €504.000, of which €45.000 was covered by subsidies, so the net cost is €459.000. The return on investment is expected in 6,5 years, with a reduction in CO₂ emissions of 102 tons each year.
Additionally, it is worth noting that RTCG has a 180 kWp solar power plant on its roof, which produces about 199 MWh annually and brings savings of €18.725, which covers almost 10% of total energy consumption. Electric vehicles also use part of this, completely green energy.
We are proud of RTCG's electric fleet. Our example has been recognized outside the company: in accordance with the savings and results achieved, the then Minister of Energy, and today's Mayor of Podgorica, suggested that public companies follow RTCG's example and opt for electric vehicles.
In conclusion: electrification of the RTCG rolling stock is not a fad, but a responsible, transparent and financially justified decision, which reduces operating costs, brings savings, improves efficiency and, most importantly, contributes to a healthier and more sustainable environment for all," RTCG's response states.
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