Government Electric Vehicle Trial Programme Launched

• The Government’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Trial programme, now underway, will assist in converting many state-owned fleets to EVs. The Government will continue to transform the public transportation sector by using more renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs).
• EVs demonstrate a positive change in public awareness of the climate crisis, which is exacerbated by the use of fossil fuels by motor vehicles worldwide.
• Prime Minister Holness lauded the trial programme as one which will “give policymakers a first-hand understanding of what it means to drive and use an electric vehicle.” He further pointed out that the programme will assist in the government’s data gathering, while it builds out an “ecosystem around electric vehicles.”
• This announcement comes as the Electric Mobility Policy for the public transportation sector has been completed. With a government policy to incentivize the importation of EVs now approved by Cabinet, we expect an increase in the number of consumers who will be able to afford these vehicles.
• This is expected to contribute to a reduction in Jamaica’s carbon dioxide emissions and assist with the government’s mandate to have 50% renewable energy by 2030. It is also anticipated to help residents cushion the impact of the high fuel prices being experienced as a result of geopolitical tensions.

(Source: JIS News)