The Department of Infrastructure, Ports, and Transport, through its Energy and Public Utilities Division, yesterday, reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable transportation and climate-smart innovation when it joined the global celebration of World Electric Vehicle Day (September 9,2025).
However, this is not the first time the Department has shown its commitment to sustainable transportation and climate-smart innovation in pushing its agenda under the port folios it carries.
It must be noted, however, that yesterday’s observance highlights the Department’s proactive stance in embracing electric mobility.
World Electric Vehicle Day, first marked in 2020, was established to raise awareness and promote the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide. But for Saint Lucia, the journey began long before the global spotlight.
Since 2015, Saint Lucia has been a regional trailblazer in EV policy, becoming one of the first OECS member states to introduce incentives for electric vehicles—despite limited model availability at the time. That early commitment, according to Kurt Inglis, Acting Chief Energy and Public Utilities Officer, was rooted in a clear understanding of the island’s energy future.
“We recognised early on that this was the direction we needed to go,” Inglis stated.
Transportation accounts for nearly 60% of fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in Saint Lucia. While strides have been made in renewable energy, Inglis emphasised the urgent need to curb emissions from the transport sector and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
“We’re implementing strategies and incentives to make a real dent in our emissions,” he said.
Saint Lucia’s EV momentum is not just driven by policy—it’s powered by public trust and private sector engagement. From government initiatives to dealership displays, electric vehicles are becoming a visible part of the island’s landscape.
To support this growth, the government is laying the groundwork for a National Charging Network, inviting private investment to expand access to charging infrastructure across the country.
“We’re creating avenues for that to happen,” Inglis affirmed.
The Future Is Now
Electric vehicles are no longer a distant dream—they’re a present-day reality in Saint Lucia. With continued government support and community buy-in, the transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric alternatives is well underway.
“Saint Lucia is an active player in the electric vehicle market,” Inglis concluded. “This progress benefits all Saint Lucians and positions us for a cleaner, more resilient future.”