SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS GOVERNMENT SLASHES IMPORT DUTIES FOR FULLY ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, April 30, 2026 (SKNIS): Buying an electric vehicle (EV) in Saint Kitts and Nevis just got a lot cheaper, as the government has slashed import duties by 35 percent for models under four years old.

Minister responsible for Energy, the Honourable Konris Maynard, announced on Thursday (April 30), during the launch of the innovative Solar Integration for Sustainable Energy (SOLARISE) and Decarbonised Roadway Initiative for Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE) programmes. The launch ceremony was held at the CUNA Conference Room.

“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 offering this substantial duty concession, the government aims to spark a surge in EV demand and expects that this significant duty concession will help to drive up the demand for EVs, making eco-friendly transport more accessible and affordable for citizens and residents.

Minister Maynard, who owns an EV, shared that persons with electric vehicles enjoy lower fuel, operating, and maintenance costs.

“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 the Cabinet, including the Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew; Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley; Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Marsha Henderson; Minister of Sustainable Development, Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, and Minister of Social Development, the Honourable Isalean Phillip.

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