By Shantelle Legall-Gibson on Friday, 22 April, 2022 at 02:49 PM

More Barbadians are showing interest in electric vehicles.

This disclosure was made on Thursday by the Regional Product Manager of Courtesy Garage Ltd., Samuel Gaston at the launch of the company’s newest addition and the official introduction of the Nissan Leaf in Barbados.

Gaston stated that the demand for electrical vehicles increased since the adjustment in taxes for the vehicles on April 1^st, 2022.

“Interest has been tremendous since the announcement last month. Right now I did the check yesterday and 95 per cent of what we have on the ground is booked to go.

"The [second edition Nissan Leaf] was $120,000 but with the tax adjustments it is now $92,000 and includes installation of charging station at the property or workplace of the purchaser.”

Prime Minister Mia Mottley in her budget speech last month stated that the import duty and the excise tax for new fuel cell electric vehicles would be reduced to 20 per cent on April 1^st, 2022.

However, Gaston noted that although the demand was high, the supply is currently the biggest challenge being faced.

"One of the biggest challenges that we're going to have now is going to be the supply of these vehicles. I am already getting serious challenges in supply and the manufacturer of course wants to sell you as many as they can, [dealers] want to buy as many as you can, the consumer wants these vehicles like yesterday, but current challenges like the war does not make it easier,” he stated. 

Gaston stated the major issues are supplying the components to build the car, and this is a global concern.