The local electric vehicle (EV) sector is seeing rapid growth, with nearly 900 vehicles imported since the start of importation in 2020 and demand for public charging services almost tripling between January and July.
Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Mahendra Sharma said eight public charging stations are currently operational, with another 16 expected to come on stream by year-end, bringing the total to 24.
“In January of this year, the then six public charging stations recorded about 230 charging sessions for that month. In July, that number was 744, almost tripling the number of charging sessions,” he said, adding that the surge demonstrated growing interest in EVs and underscored the need to expand supporting infrastructure.
“It’s important that our electric mobility infrastructure is prepared for the kind of strategic direction that the country is undertaking. Our Low Carbon Development Strategy speaks about the importance of incorporating efficient transport, low-carbon transport within the country. And so installing more public charging stations provides that infrastructure,” Sharma explained.
He added that the expanded infrastructure would give people considering an EV greater assurance, while offering existing owners more options to recharge, particularly when travelling to distant locations.
That growth is being matched by efforts to build local technical capacity. About 70 mechanics have already been trained, with strong interest from others across the country, and the GEA aims to train 100 by year-end. The training, covering repair and maintenance, is delivered in two phases — an introductory stage followed by a more detailed second phase on battery replacement, monitoring and testing.
“It offers training to mechanics and electricians on how to repair and maintain the basic elements of electric vehicles. We’ve broken it down into two parts: a first phase which looks at an introductory type of exposure, and then the persons who graduate can follow up on the second week of training, which delves into greater detail on battery replacement technology, battery monitoring, battery testing, and a whole host of other elements needed to equip them with the skill sets that they need,” Sharma said.
The GEA is also working with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards to verify charging stations, with specialised equipment being procured to support certification and ensure accurate output.
Ignite News spoke with EV owners, who welcomed the verification move and shared their experiences with the vehicles.
Daniella Mohamed said verification would give users greater confidence in the reliability and accuracy of charging stations.
“For me, I think that’s something that’s really wonderful. It makes me feel that, of course, you can trust the charger. It’s giving you accurate data and, of course, some reliability as well,” she said, adding that availability of charging stations was particularly important as more people switch to EVs and travel longer distances.
Fellow owner Kipenie Jordan highlighted the environmental benefits.
“If I were to compare it to a petrol car, I’d say it’s quiet, barely any sound when it moves, so that’s a plus. Zero noise pollution. And while we are on the topic of environment, driving the EV does not increase our carbon footprint, which is great,” he said.
Both owners noted that EVs require less maintenance, while stressing the need for more charging stations across the country, particularly for long-distance travel.
