Green Transformation Initiative
CAP-IT PROJECT
Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport
Donor
Implementing Agency
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
PROJECT COUNTRIES
About the Project
The Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) project is part of a Japan-funded more than US $37 million Green Transformation initiative, which is also supporting Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu to help accelerate their transition to a green and low-carbon future. US$15.3 million of these funds have been allocated to Samoa. The project aims to jump-start Samoa’s green transformation to achieve a clean energy future and increase resilience to climate impacts.
Multi-Country Project Document Annexes to Multi-Country Project Document
Key Planned Objectives
- To promote urgent and inclusive transformation of the land and maritime transport sectors towards decarbonization by accelerating the uptake of electric vehicles and outboard motors
- To support the achievement of Samoa’s enhanced NDCs for the energy and transport sector by 2030
- To create an enabling environment through strengthened and gender-sensitive institutional governance, financial and technical capacities and accelerating the decarbonization of land and maritime transport systems
Highlights
Future-Proof Your Ride
Talofa! Let’s work together to protect our island paradise by keeping it clean and green.
The Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) project is part of a Japan-funded Pacific Green Transformation Project aimed at helping accelerate Samoa’s transition to a green and low-carbon future. US$15.3 million of funding has been allocated to help us jump-start progress towards a clean energy future, and increased resilience to climate impacts.
So what are you waiting for? Join the journey towards a Clean, Green Samoa!
Why Choose Green Transport?
Reduced Pollution
You can help keep our waters sparkling, and our air clean and fresh by choosing transport options that help reduce pollution such as walking, cycling, taking the bus and choosing electric for your next family vehicle.
Healthier Communities
Improving our air quality by choosing low emission transport options leads to healthier communities, benefiting everyone and leaving a healthy legacy for future generations.
Lower Operating Costs
Walking is free (and keeps you fit), cycling and taking the bus is low cost, and electric cars have lower fuel costs than petrol or diesel alternatives.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) project is helping Samoa jump-start its green transformation by bringing in a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) and setting up over 80 EV charging stations across our island. So why should we consider transitioning to an electric vehicle?
Cost Savings
While the initial investment in an electric car can be high they have lower fuel costs compared to traditional gasoline vehicles, saving you money in the long run, and the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport initiative is working on ways to make them more affordable for Samoa drivers.
Clean & Tranquil Communities
Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions and provide a quieter driving experience that benefits both your family and the environment.
High Performance & Modern Technology
Embrace the latest technology with sleek and innovative electric vehicles.
Electric engines are the future of transportation, and investing now ensures you're ahead of the curve.
Protect our Tourism Industry
By reducing environmental pollution we contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for our island paradise, protecting its tourism industry and attracting eco-conscious tourists who value sustainability.
Energy Independence for Samoa
By reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels investing in developing local energy sources instead, Samoa will be less affected by petrol price fluctuations, and money spent on fuel goes back into the local economy.
Facts About Electric Vehicles
We’re on a mission to spread the word about all the benefits of driving electric. Here’s the most common questions people ask about EV’s.
Can I charge my car when it’s raining?
Charging an electric car in the rain is no different to charging it in any other weather condition, as the charging systems are designed to withstand the elements and remove any potential risks associated with charging in the rain.
How far can you drive before you need to recharge your car?
Electric cars can drive approximately four times around Upolu before they need a charge.
Do EV’s need a special charging station?
All electric cars come with a portable charging cable that can be used at home and plugged into your standard power plug.
How long does it take to charge an EV?
A fast charger can charge a car in minutes. Plus you can charge your car in the convenience of your own home overnight while you are not using it.
Do EV’s go as fast as petrol cars?
Electric cars accelerate faster than petrol-fuelled cars because the electric motor is much simpler so power gets to the wheels faster.
Aren’t they more expensive?
They cost more to buy, but cost way less to run.
How about maintenance? Does that cost more?
With less moving parts an electric engine requires less maintenance and therefore costs less to maintain than traditional petrol and diesel powered engines.
I’ve got a big family, will an electric vehicle be big enough?
Electric vehicles come in all shapes and sizes - small cars, large cars, utes, vans, trucks and buses.
Are electric vehicles a fire hazard?
Electric vehicles are about 60 times less likely to be involved in a fire than a vehicle with an internal combustion engine.
Video Gallery
Publications
Impact Stories
Recent News and Events
Impact
START DATE
February 2023
END DATE
November 2025
STATUS
Ongoing
PROJECT OFFICE
Samoa
IMPLEMENTING PARTNER
UNDP
DONOR
GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS
$15,148,813
DELIVERY IN PREVIOUS YEARS
2023 $289,956
2024 $399,557
Photo Gallery
In Social Media
SAMOA LAUNCHES CAP-IT PROJECT ELECTRICAL VEHICLE FLEET AND RELATED DOCUMENTS Samoa continues to carry out efforts to accelerate the decarbonisation of Samoa’s Land and Maritime Transport Sector. On Thursday evening Samoa launched its CAP-IT project electrical vehicle fleet and related documents at a ceremony held at the One UN House at Tuana'imato. 76 electrical vehicles and two reports were officially launched as part of the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT). Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure Olo Afoa Fiti Vaai delivered the keynote address.
Posted by Government of Samoa on Thursday, October 3, 2024
📢📢 We @UNDP are pleased to announce that 7⃣6⃣ electric vehicles and 1⃣4⃣wall mounted EV charging stations were installed and handed to the Government of Samoa. This event was accompanied by the launch of two reports, representing Samoa's progress in achieving green… pic.twitter.com/XRr7hpYxaG
— UNDP in Asia and the Pacific (@UNDPasiapac) October 8, 2024
In the News
- 76 electric vehicles launched
[Date: 03 October 2024 Source: Samoa Observer] - 76 electric vehicles launched in Samoa
[Date: 03 October 2024 Source: Post-Courier] - The electric solution needs more effort
[Date: 03 October 2024 Source: Samoa Observer] - Samoa launches electric vehicle fleet as part of CAP-IT project
[Date: 04 October 2024. Source: Samoa News Hub] - Samoa Receives 76 Electric Vehicles under Climate Pathways for Island Transport Project
[Date: 04 October 2024. Source: Samoa Global News] - ‘What are those green things 'National University of Samoa Associate Professor Anita Latai Niusulu, Explains 'Just Green Transition in Samoa'
[Date: 18 July 2024 Source: Newsline Samoa] - UNDP AND NUS TALK GREEN TRANSFORMATION
[Date: 17 July 2024 Source: Savali Newspaper] - Interest In Electric Cars Grow For Samoa
[Date: 30 June 2024 Source: Newsline Samoa] - Project to make transportation in Samoa ‘greener’ now underway
[Date: 29 June 2023 Source: Newsline Samoa]