Barbadians are increasingly embracing electric (EV) and hybrid vehicles (HEVs), with dealerships reporting a sharp rise in demand as consumers seek to lower fuel costs and take advantage of government incentives.

The trend comes as Minister of Energy Kerrie Symmonds last week suggested that Barbados should transition largely to electric vehicles within the next five to ten years to reduce the island’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and lower energy costs.

General Manager of Caribbean Automotive Retailers (CAR) Barbados, Christopher Yearwood, said sales data across the dealer network point to a significant shift away from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.