Electric Vehicles and Barbados
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is An Electric Vehicle?
EV is an acronym for Electric Vehicle and it typically refers to any vehicle that uses an electric powertrain for propulsion. EV can refer to hybrids, plug-in hybrids or all electric vehicles, but typically, it is reserved for vehicles that plug in to charge as opposed to hybrid vehicles, which rely on both an engine and motor.
Why Should I Consider An EV For My Next Vehicle?
• Less money spent on overall energy budget
• Lower maintenance expense reduces cost to own or lease a vehicle
• Lower cost/km to drive than typical gasoline or diesel powered vehicle
• EVs are fun and quick to drive
• Environmentally-friendly (Reduced emissions and noise)
• Convenient to refuel if you decide to charge at home vs. a gas station
How much electricity will my EV use?
The efficiency of electric vehicles like traditional vehicles vary depending on how you drive them. On average, the efficiency can vary from 0.15 kWh/km to 0.2 kWh/km. Given this efficiency, it takes about 2200 to 2900 kWh of electricity per year to power your vehicle. This is about $1300 to $1700 per year in electricity based on our residential tariff.
Charging Stations In Barbados
EVs can be charged using the publicly available chargers provided by Megapower Ltd at numerous popular locations around the island or can be installed a charger at my home or workplace to charge my electric vehicle.
Buy An Electric Vehicle
Currently, the dealers in Barbados offering electric vehicles are:
• Megapower Barbados
• Courtesy Garage Barbados
Electric Vehicles and Barbados
Electric Vehicle Charging
At present, there three different standards of electric vehicle charging are supported by almost all EV manufacturers. While the “charging station” is designed to safely provide power, charging is controlled by the charger in the electric vehicle.
Level 1
Level 1 generally plugs into a standard 120-volt electric wall outlet, and requires up to 12 amps. A portable Level 1 "cord set" comes with most EVs.
One end of the "cord set" plugs into a standard outlet and the other end plugs into the vehicle. The outlet must be a 3-prong, grounded outlet. Many EV drivers charge Level 1 at home. This type of charging can provide about 5 additional miles of EV range for every hour charged.
Level 2
Level 1 generally plugs into a standard 120-volt electric wall outlet, and requires up to 12 amps. A portable Level 1 "cord set" comes with most EVs.
One end of the "cord set" plugs into a standard outlet and the other end plugs into the vehicle. The outlet must be a 3-prong, grounded outlet. Many EV drivers charge Level 1 at home. This type of charging can provide about 5 additional miles of EV range for every hour charged.
DC Fast Charging
Many BEVs have an inlet for DC fast charging as standard equipment or as an option. The electric vehicle controls the total amount of energy which can be taken in one charge session.
A Nissan Leaf can fast charge from empty to 80 percent in about 30 minutes for the first generation leaf and about 45 minutes for the newer Leafs (assuming a 50 kW DC Fast Charger) . Cost and electrical requirements make fast chargers suitable only for public settings.
Electric Vehicles and Barbados
Vehicle Types
Electric vehicle technology is constantly changing and more manufacturers are releasing different EV models. When considering an EV, you might want to ask how many miles the vehicle can drive on a full charge and what types of charging or fueling options are available. Below is some basic information describing internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles.
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicle
Most vehicles on the road today are still powered by an internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline or diesel. Diesel vehicles, mostly trucks, can use B20 which includes 20 percent biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel or in some cases 100 percent biodiesel.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
A hybrid electric vehicle has an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor; only one of which directly powers the vehicle at one time. The battery is recharged by the ICE and a regenerative braking system. .
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
A plug-in hybrid (also called an Extended Range Electric Vehicle or EREV) operates as an electric vehicle or as a hybrid. When operating as an electric vehicle, power comes exclusively from the battery. As the battery is depleted, the gasoline-powered ICE automatically starts. Regenerative braking still contributes to recharging the battery.
Battery-Electric Vehicle
A battery-electric vehicle is powered entirely by electricity stored in its battery. A BEV must be plugged into an external power source to charge the battery. More info about charging a BEV can be found in our charging basics section below.
Public Charging
Publicly available chargers provided by Megapower Ltd at numerous popular locations around the island or you can install a charger at my home or workplace to charge my electric vehicle.