Jamaica’s electric vehicle (EV) movement is accelerating, as evidenced by the record-breaking turnout at Evergo’s annual EV Link Up, held on September 6 at the Mona Hockey Field in St. Andrew. The event, hosted by Jamaica’s largest public EV charging network, showcased the growing enthusiasm for EVs among consumers and businesses alike. Dr. Wayne McKenzie, President and CEO of Evergo, hailed the event as a resounding success, highlighting the exponential growth in participation since its inception three years ago. From just six EVs in the first convoy, this year’s event saw a packed parking lot and overflow vehicles lining the streets, signaling a seismic shift in consumer interest and choice. The event featured a diverse array of EVs, from commercial models like the Riddara RD6 All-Electric Pickup and Farizon All-Electric Supervan to luxury brands such as BMW, Porsche, and Audi. Mainstream automakers like Kia and emerging Chinese brands like BYD and MG also made a strong showing, alongside hybrids and plug-in hybrids from Li Auto. Beyond the vehicles, the event underscored the growing ecosystem supporting EV adoption, with banks and insurance companies offering tailored products for this burgeoning market. Evergo’s leadership in the EV space was evident, as McKenzie emphasized the company’s commitment to leading by example—from being the first EV charging company executive to drive an EV to operating Jamaica’s largest charging network. The recent introduction of 200kWh chargers at Evergo’s West Kingston headquarters marks a significant milestone, reducing charging times to just 10 minutes for 200 kilometers of range. With overwhelmingly positive user feedback, Evergo is now strategically planning the island-wide deployment of these high-speed chargers to meet the growing demand. The event also featured the Jamaican Urban Transit Company’s EV bus, further highlighting the expanding role of EVs in Jamaica’s transportation landscape.
