Page 51 - CARILEC CE Journal CEMAY2021

Megapower, dealer for manufacturer SAIC Group, launched the first 24 MG ZS SUV EVs in Barbados
with many more on the way. For more information, visit www.megapower365.com.

The Ministry of Energy is highly active and influential According to Stanley Barreto, Business Partner and
in supporting EV adoption. To date, Megapower has Director of Megapower Antigua, government support
supplied 14 EVs to various government ministries and and cost-effective financial incentives can go a long
agencies through Inter-American Development Bank way in building the EV market in the Caribbean.
loan projects with the Government of Barbados. To Mr. Barreto believes that through legislation,
further pioneer electric transport in Barbados, the governments can incentivize the use of EVs through
Government also introduced 33 electric buses in rebates, concessions at ports, reduced import
July 2020 with the goal of 100% electric vehicles for duties, and taxes. “We also need to boost consumer
transport over the next decade. awareness and education to allay misconceptions
With greater public acceptance and confidence about performance, battery life, and maintenance.
in the availability of charging stations and low Once people see government officials and transport
maintenance, companies including FLOW Cable & fleets using EVs, the public becomes more confident
Wireless Communications, DHL Express, and Mount and open to investing in EVs,” says Mr. Barreto.
Gay Rum invested in EVs for their service fleets. DHL Megapower also designs, constructs, and
Express delivery services now rely 100% on electric commissions solar carports to increase the use of
vehicles for its operations in Barbados. Additionally, renewable energy in Barbados and throughout the
the National Petroleum Corporation procured six Caribbean. Based on cost analysis, the company
EVs in 2019. “I would never have imagined selling believes that minimizing imported fuel and
electric vehicles to the oil company when we started integrating more renewables makes economic sense
our business,” adds Ms. Edghill. for many island nations.

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