NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamians should be given more incentive to purchase electric vehicles (EV) according to a well-known local dealer, noting that the government’s lead on solar and EV utilization could also spur greater adoption locally.
Pia Farmer, Easy Car Sales co-founder, lauded the government for its efforts to utilize electric vehicles in its fleet.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis stated at the groundbreaking for a 500kW solar covered parking lot at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) that his administration’s goal has been to have all vehicular fleets assigned to the OPM electric and “with time” it is hoped that the entire government fleet would consist of EVs.
Farmer said this was “exciting news”.
“It was good to hear that being said openly in a public forum, the intention and vision for not only solar but also electric vehicles,” she said.
“It is exciting for us who have been working hard to bring electric vehicles to the forefront. Utilizing solar and going electric with transportation is a huge statement locally and internationally. I think the government’s commitment and example is very important in expanding the awareness and adoption of EVs.”
While noting that the duty on EVs has been reduced to 10 percent, Farmer said the duty on chargers, which is in the range of 45 to 50 percent, should also be dropped.
“I also think that incentives should be offered, as is done in some other countries, towards purchasing an electric vehicle. Another thing the government could look at is installing a network of EV chargers,” said Farmer.
She also noted that the duty on EVs over $50,000 remains steep and could be reduced to encourage the purchase and usage of commercial EVs.
