Letter of the Day | EVs in Jamaica: green dreams or costly reality?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been widely heralded as a means of reducing transportation costs and advancing environmental goals. However, within the Jamaican context, the operational and infrastructural realities suggest that EV ownership may not necessarily lower one’s transportation expenditure. A detailed engineering assessment highlights key challenges that complicate the cost-benefit analysis for prospective EV owners.

Firstly, the capital cost of EV procurement remains a substantial deterrent. Despite advancements in battery energy density and life cycle optimisation, lithium-ion batteries — comprising a significant portion of an EV’s cost structure — are still exorbitantly priced. Moreover, battery capacity degradation over time diminishes driving range and necessitates costly replacements, further impacting the vehicle’s total cost of ownership.

Another critical issue is the inadequacy of Jamaica’s charging infrastructure. Public charging stations are sparse, and many lack fast-charging capabilities, forcing most EV owners to install private charging systems. This involves costly retrofits to household electrical systems, including the installation of dedicated circuits, upgraded wiring, and compliance with local government electrical regulator standards. Such upgrades entail significant upfront investment, negating some of the perceived fuel savings.

Further, the national grid’s load profile and capacity constraints are critical engineering considerations. Jamaica’s grid suffers from high system losses and limited reserve margins, and the integration of widespread EV charging could exacerbate peak load stress. Without advanced load management systems, such as dynamic load balancing and smart grid technologies, grid reinforcement will become necessary, resulting in increased electricity tariffs. The higher cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) directly offsets the savings expected from the lower cost of electricity compared to petrol.

Additionally, Jamaica’s energy mix remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, limiting the environmental and economic benefits of EVs. Charging EVs using grid electricity derived from thermal generation plants dilutes the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fails to deliver the anticipated reduction in operational expenses.

While EVs have potential, realising their economic and environmental benefits in Jamaica requires addressing significant engineering and infrastructural challenges. A strategic shift towards grid modernisation, renewable energy integration, and robust charging networks is paramount to ensuring that EV ownership becomes a financially viable and sustainable option for Jamaicans.

TAMI-LEIGH MITCHELL

tamileigh.mitchell@gmail.

com