Recently I got interested in electric vehicles. I consider myself a practical tech enthusiast. What I mean is, even though I love new technology and trying out the latest releases, I do not think it is a good idea to spend large amounts of money on the items that one does not need or use. I love a good Unifi network appliance and Wi-Fi access port, home pod, or home server as much as the next guy but at this point in my life I can experience those things through literature and other media.

After the integration of mobile phones into the infotainment systems of vehicles, the next big thing in vehicle mobility apart from hybrid technology is battery electric drive trains. Hybrids never excited me, to much of a half step. Most people only care about the cost savings through the reduction in fuel usage. EVs on the other hand that’s something worth getting excited about. The ability to completely sidestep the internal combustion engine appeals to me. No more gas stations or messy engines that need regular service, sign me up. I asked myself the question, “What EVs are available in Trinidad market currently?”

To my surprise there have been more than a dozen models from both traditional manufactures like KIA, Hyundai and BMW and new ones like BYD and MG. So in my spare time over the last few months, I decided to take a look at each model offered by all the new car dealers, to see if any of them can have the right mix of price, features and range, to be my next vehicle. To my bittersweet surprise. These are my findings.

The first thing you must accept even with the current government tax exemption is, all EVs are expensive. There is no way around it. Due to the reality that battery electric technology being relatively new, especially in Trinidad, all EVs are at a premium. Compared to on the equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles there is about a $50,000 – $100,000 TTD mark up. It is hard pill to swallow for somebody who’s last vehicle was the Kia Rio. A vehicle that has been with me going on 6 years and 220,000 km. It was the nicest over all vehicle for me at a price I could manage at the time. I intend to keep till it till either the engine blows up or the wheels falls off. No every 5-year upgrades for me.

After you get past the cost the next consideration unique to EVs is charging the new way to fuel the vehicle. So far, all local EVs I looked at utilize the European charging standard IEC62196 Type 2 and CCS (Combined Charging System), which are widely recognized for compatibility with most modern electric vehicles. The IEC62196 Type 2 connector, often referred to as the “Mennekes” plug, is the standard for AC charging in Europe and has become a global benchmark due to its reliability and widespread adoption. CCS is a versatile standard designed to support both AC and DC charging, allowing for faster and more efficient charging of electric vehicles.

All dealers currently include a 120v “trickle charger” that comes with the vehicles which you can plug into any typical AC outlet and a 240v fast charger that the dealer provides for at home charging that may need to be installed by an electrician.  A one to two times a week, depending on your daily commute, overnight charge and you will never visit a gas station ever again. If you are running low on charge, away from the home, you will be pleased to find out there are public charges in several locations already installed including, Port of Spain, Couva and Arima. Due to current regulations, third party sale of electricity is not legal. Therefore public chargers are free with some minor various stipulations. Therefore, in almost all situation at home charging is all you will need.

After charging, the next important consideration is range. This is where living in our small twin-island republic becomes a major advantage. Trinidad and Tobago is geographically compact—averaging only about 50 by 80 kilometers.

Most electric vehicles (EVs) available locally offer over 300 kilometers of range per charge. Some of the long range models go over 500 kilometers between charges. To put that in perspective, you could drive from Arima to Port of Spain, down to San Fernando, across to Mayaro, up through Manzanilla to Toco, and back to Arima—all on a single charge. Additionally, our tropical climate gives us another edge. Since temperatures typically range between 23°C and 33°C, EVs operate without the cold-weather range reduction seen in winter climates. In contrast to colder regions like the USA, Canada, or parts of Europe, we don’t experience the drop in battery efficiency during daily use.

The average daily round-trip commute for many Trinidadians is about 50 to 60 kilometers—well within the capacity of a single charge allowing for at least 5 day round trips before needing to charge. Range anxiety, which is common in larger continental countries, isn’t really an issue here. What’s more, EVs are especially efficient at lower speeds and in stop-and-go traffic. So, even in our often-congested roadways, EVs perform well without taking a significant hit to range—unlike traditional gas vehicles.

So if you can get past these hurdles of the cost, charging and range of these vehicles here are my thoughs for individuals who are considing the jump to electric vehicles.

I have not test driven all vehicles listed but I have seen them all in person.

Brand	Thoughts
MG	As the British would say these vehicles are cheap and cheerful. Range of models with a good mix of all the features you expect in a high-tech EV for a price that’s very close to their ICE counter parts. Offering one model trim each with best in class cost, range or the most powerful performance in the MG4.
BYD	Quirky refinement. Really good tech in the cabin, colourful and stylish interior but with a design not everyone will like. Has the widest EV range of any brand locally in terms of size and price.
BMW	Single model. You know what to expect. Build exactly like their ICE models both inside and out. Although they are the most expensive to nobody’s surprise.
Hyundai	A few options. Great middle of the road choice. Nothing bad but also nothing stands out about them condidering the sticker price.
GWM	One model 2 trims available with stytling that seems like the Jackel and Hyde of the motoring options. Polarizing exterior, refined interior.
KGM	Two models to select from both fully loaded. If you like vehicles with all options already included this is the brand for you. They look great and feel good to be behind the wheel. Upmarket interior with unique features like mood lighting and cooled seats.
KIA	Single model with two trims. Its big, fully equipped, stylish, great performer. But with fit and finish you would not expect from a brand bearing that logo. Feels like luxury.
Mini	Eccentric compact cars and SUVs with British heritage with BMW fit and finish.
Proton	Single model. Exterior is nothing special but fit and finish of the interior with a electric blue finish over all is nice. Comes with sun roof as standard.
Volvo	–review pending–

Noteworthy Models for each Size -class

Midsize SUVs

• KGM Torres EVX
  • Pros: Good range (462 km), decent power (207 HP), and a strong niceness rating (5).
  • Cons: Mid-tier price ($354,950 TTD) and not the longest range among midsize SUVs.
• KIA EV5 Long Range
  • Pros: Highest range (550 km), powerful (215 HP), and premium features.
  • Cons: Expensive ($416,087 TTD) and low range for the battery size.
• BMW iX  
  • Pros: Luxury-level features gave a high niceness rating (5/5).
  • Cons: Extremely expensive ($535,000–570,000 TTD) with only mid-range performance.

Compact SUVs

• BYD Yuan Plus
  • Pros: Middle of road in price compact SUV ($330,000–350,000 TTD) with decent range (410–480 km).
  • Cons: Lower niceness rating (3–4) compared to premium brands.
• Hyundai Kona SE & Premium
  • Pros: Moderate range (311–417 km).
  • Cons: Lower horsepower (133–210 HP) compared to competitors.

Compact EVs

• MG4 Base, Long Range & X-Power
  • Pros: Best price per KM (530 km range) Long Range, powerful option (429 HP in X-Power). In addtion to the cheapest EV at $220,000 TTD Base model.
  • Cons: Lower niceness rating (3), fewer premium features.
• BYD Dolphin
  • Pros: Budget-friendly ($270,000–290,000 TTD), solid range (410–490 km).
  • Cons: Lower horsepower (94–201 HP).
• GWM Ora
  • Pros: Strong power-to-price ratio, decent range (310–400 km).
  • Cons: Very high price for its size ($349,950–374,950 TTD) for a compact EV.

If you want to take a close look at the most important technical specifcations like range, price, battery size and more for each vehicle reviewed you can find it here.