Barbados Today

The Barbados Light & Power Company recently introduced a new electric car to its fleet of vehicles. Relatively new to Barbados, the electric car is the new wave of transportation across the world, transitioning from fossil fuel to electrically powered vehicles.

The company is seeking to stay abreast of technology and to find more creative ways to diversify the energy mix for Barbados. The electric vehicle is one way of providing an option, through the transport sector, which will result in lower energy cost and a reduction in carbon emissions. It also supports both the Company’s and Government’s Greening objectives.

The EV was purchased as part of a pilot programme and will be evaluated over a period to gauge its potential as a viable alternative to gasoline and diesel powered vehicles in Barbados.

In the recent official unveiling of the car to employees, Business Development Manager, Roger Blackman, explained the objectives of the EV project, stating that it fits well into the company’s strategic goals.

Blackman added: “Electric vehicles enjoy a symbiotic relationship with renewable energy, as the batteries that are connected to the grid when the vehicles are charging can have a stabilising effect on intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which require storage to smooth their output. Electric vehicles are cleaner and more energy efficient compared to gasoline and diesel powered vehicles and will reduce the level of air pollution on the roads of Barbados.”

Blackman also noted that Light & Power “intends to be at the vanguard of developments in the electric vehicle sector and this pilot will provide us with valuable information that will help us to better understand its potential and chart a way forward for its development”.

Also present to witness the unveiling of the car was Senior Technical Officer in the Energy Division of the Office of the Prime Minister, William Hinds. Commenting on the electric vehicle, Hinds said that it is ideal for Barbados. He viewed the purchase of such a vehicle by Light & Power as a step in the right direction towards energy efficiency and commended the company on its initiative, which he said was a boost for transportation in the island.

Following the official presentation, employees had the opportunity to learn more about the car’s myriad capabilities during a hands-on demonstration.