Basseterre, Saint Kitts, April 30, 2026 — Buying an electric vehicle in Saint Kitts and Nevis is set to become significantly cheaper, following a major reduction in import duties announced by the government.
Minister responsible for Energy, the Honorable Konris Maynard, announced that effective May 01, 2026, the import duty on fully electric vehicles less than four years old will be reduced from 45 percent to 10 percent.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the launch of the Solar Integration for Sustainable Energy (SOLARISE) and Decarbonized Roadway Initiative for Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE) programs. The launch ceremony was held at the CUNA Conference Room.
Minister Maynard described the move as a transformational step in the country’s push toward cleaner transportation.
“This government is about accelerating the transition to electric mobility and electric vehicles, so effective May 01, 2026, the import duty for fully electric vehicles less than four years old will be reduced from 45 percent to just 10 percent,” he stated. “That is not an incremental change; that is a transformational change.”
By slashing the duty by 35 percentage points, the government hopes to increase demand for electric vehicles and make eco-friendly transportation more affordable and accessible to citizens and residents.
Minister Maynard, who also owns an electric vehicle, noted that EV owners benefit from lower fuel, operating and maintenance costs when compared to traditional vehicles.
“We are building an energy system that is resilient, a transportation system that is modern, an economy that is diversified and a country that is positioned to compete in a rapidly changing world,” he expressed.
The launch of SOLARISE and DRIVE received high-level support from members of Cabinet, including Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew; Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley; Minister of Tourism, Honourable Marsha Henderson; Minister of Sustainable Development, Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke; and Minister of Social Development, Honourable Isalean Phillip.
The government says the initiatives form part of its wider efforts to modernise the energy and transportation sectors while supporting the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.