Basseterre, Saint Kitts (Public Infrastructure News) – During the first Progress Report for 2026 from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy, and Utilities, and the Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology, and Post, on Tuesday, June 16, Minister Konris Maynard responded to questions about the newly launched Decarbonised Roadway Initiative for Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE), including whether hybrid vehicles fell within its scope.
Explaining the exclusion of hybrid vehicles from the newly reduced import duty on EVs, Minister Maynard shared that it would be counterintuitive to incentivize the importation of hybrid vehicles as national targets set for reduction in carbon emissions would be negatively impacted if this were done.
“We have a goal to reduce our carbon emissions by a certain percentage by a certain time. Hybrids still contribute to carbon emissions. We are not incentivizing the use of hybrids because if everyone were to go to that route […] we would not meet our targets.”
Responding to questions posed by Television Caribbean (TVC) reporter Glen Bart about whether residents should expect reductions in the value added tax (VAT) and customs duties on EVs, in addition to the reduction in import duty initially announced in April 2026, Minister Maynard called the DRIVE incentive significant, stating:
“It is the import duty that has been reduced from 45% to 10%. All other charges remain the same for any other vehicle…but [that] reduction means the VAT has been reduced i.e., effective VAT, because you’re now not paying VAT on 35% of the value that you would ordinarily pay.”
DRIVE, launched by the Energy Unit on April 30, 2026, features a reduction in import duty on EVs from 45% to 10% as part of its parent ministry’s thrust to promote sustainable energy practices and the transition toward renewable energy in the transportation sector.
To learn more about this and other energy developments, visit the Energy Unit’s website at energyunit.gov.kn.
The annual progress report brings together members of the press, the leadership of the ministries, associated companies, and staff to share pivotal updates with the general public on the ministries’ operations.
