Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities Clyde Elder says policies and regulations are needed to facilitate a smooth transition to the use of electric and hybrid vehicles.
He was speaking at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s EV and Hybrid Conference on Wednesday.
The International Energy Agency, a Europe-based intergovernmental organisation which acts as the world’s premier adviser on energy policy, security and clean energy transition, says more than 20% of new cars sold globally in 2024 were electric.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Chamber, EV and hybrid vehicle sales are growing in this country.
With this in mind, Minister Elder said governmental control and planning are needed.
“If we are serious about transition, then we must also be serious about policy, infrastructure and standards. What does this mean? It means establishing national EV and hybrid standards and regulations, expanding charging infrastructure, transitioning government’s fleet into hybrid and electric vehicles so that the State leads by example, and embracing smarter technologies that improve accessibility and user experience.”
Minister Elder noted that government is already acquiring electric and hybrid vehicles.
“Certainly, there will be plans to do that. I’m sure that there are both private entities looking to do it as well. But with government just procuring a number of vehicles for the Ministry of Homeland Security, we will need to ensure that we have charging stations around Trinidad and Tobago.”
Meanwhile, President of the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Karen Yip Chuck, said the transition from combustion engines to more climate-friendly vehicles is a means of diversifying the economy.
“The EV and hybrid industry presents one such opportunity, and that is why the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber has partnered with Apexis Risk Innovation Group to host the Caribbean’s first fully dedicated EV and Hybrid Conference and Exhibition focusing specifically on safety and readiness within the context of sustained mobility.”
The TT Chamber’s event highlighted several aspects of the EV and hybrid industry, including educating its membership and the national community on the safe use of these vehicles.