The transportation sector is one of the largest consumers of energy and emitters of greenhouse gases in the OECS region. It is a crucial factor in social and economic development as it provides access to employment, markets, education and health care. Transportation in the region is dependent on imported fuel and is consequently relatively expensive. There is a general absence of strategic long-term transportation planning and policy which addresses modes of transport, green technology and cost effectiveness.
Electric mobility is now being introduced to the region as a form of clean and affordable transport. However, additional support is needed to provide the enabling policy framework for promotion and adoption of this technology. An important area for collaboration in the region is policy for electric vehicles. The high cost of procurement of electric vehicles is also a challenge. The retrofit of existing vehicles to electric can reduce the cost of e-mobility for the region.
This activity provides a research case study that will examine and demonstrate the feasibility of retrofitting an internal combustion vehicle to an electric vehicle in the OECS. This will build on the theoretical studies from the ERDF and will enable hands-on learning and experience in this area. The retrofitted vehicle will serve as a demonstration pilot and learning tool for electric vehicle retrofit.
To demonstrate and analyze the practical elements of electric vehicle retrofit in the OECS ultimately contributing to increased understanding and uptake of e-mobility in the OECS.
This activity includes the physical retrofit of an internal combustion engine vehicle to an electric vehicle. The retrofit will be undertaken in one country but the lessons learnt and knowledge management resources produced will support all members of the OECS.
The retrofit will be undertaken in collaboration with a technical college in the OECS which will serve to develop capacity and sustainability in this field. The college will be responsible for monitoring and examining the results following the retrofit. This will be used to inform future retrofits and to develop policy and guidelines for the region.