The Government is positioning electric mobility as a key part of its strategy to address Jamaica’s energy and climate challenges.

Minister of Science, Energy and Transport Daryl Vaz highlighted the nation’s push towards a cleaner, smarter, and more advanced transportation future at the opening of the Jamaica Auto Show 2025 at the National Arena in Kingston on Saturday (May 10).

Pointing to the large variety of vehicles on display, Minister Vaz said they are a “real-time [indicator] of how Jamaican roads and Jamaica’s future are being shaped”.

He noted, however, that this growth comes with responsibility, as there are environmental implications such as rising emissions, congestion, and pressure on the nation’s infrastructure. 

As part of measures to address these implications, the government has taken decisive action to encourage the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.

“Our electric vehicle (EV) policy provides duty and general consumption tax (GCT) concessions on EV and hybrid vehicles and sets out clear regulations to ensure safe, reliable adoption of clean transport technologies,” Minister Vaz pointed out.

He said that the charging infrastructure is being expanded island-wide to support the growing number of electric vehicles.

Citing the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), which falls under the ministry, as a leading example of the push to incorporate clean energy, Vaz said

Jamaica must become the land of sustainability and smart mobility. 

“The Jamaica Urban Transit Company introduced the country’s electric buses last year, a milestone in public transportation. These buses are cleaner, quieter, and more efficient and cost-effective. We plan to scale that success island-wide,” the transport minister indicated.

He said the move to incorporate EVs in the JUTC fleet underscores the Government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable, efficient, and modern transportation system for all Jamaicans. 

“The EV policy is designed to make EVs more accessible to the Jamaican public, reduce reliance on fossil fuel, and foster a cleaner, greener transportation system,” he stressed.

Minister Vaz lauded the private sector for playing a critical role in helping to make EVs accessible to the Jamaican people.

“From investing in EV-ready showrooms and after-sales support to educating the public and training skilled workers, your efforts are helping to build a future-ready transportation system,” he affirmed.

The 2025 Jamaica Auto Show allows attendees the opportunity to experience vehicle exhibits by Jamaica’s leading automotive dealers, commercial and industrial vehicle suppliers and EV pioneers.

The two-day event, under the theme: ‘Explore, Dream, and Drive,’ concluded on Sunday (May 11).