As Puerto Rico moves towards a greener future, it’s clear that electric vehicles (EVs) play a pivotal role. Reaching over 82,000 transactions and more then 6.7k active user since 2021 I’m sharing some actionable recommendations to level up our island’s EV sector. These ideas draw from global leaders in the EV revolution and are tailored to fit our unique landscape.
Recognizing EVs on the Road: Let’s start with a simple yet effective strategy—adopting a vehicle identification system. By introducing distinct symbols on license plates for electric and hybrid vehicles, we can ensure they are easily recognized by law enforcement and security personnel.
We propose eliminating port taxes on EV chargers. This change will not only reduce the cost for consumers but also encourage more investments in our charging infrastructure.
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Management of charging stations should be entrusted to local companies that have the expertise to provide ongoing service and maintenance. This approach not only boosts local employment but also strengthens our economy. Too often, companies without the proper infrastructure focus solely on sales, neglecting service, maintenance, and customer support. This can lead to poor service experiences and negatively impact the overall perception of the EV industry.
To overcome the challenge of charging access in rural areas, we recommend incentives for setting up charging facilities in central locations. This will attract private sector participation and ensure a more evenly distributed charging network.
A legal framework to penalize the misuse of charging stations is essential. Providing a real tools to the Police department to manage challenges of misuse of the space by ICE owners. This will help maintain their integrity and availability for EV users.
We advocate for a comprehensive education plan, potentially spearheaded by the Puerto Rico Science, Research & Technology Trust in collaboration with local universities. This initiative would not only aim to deepen understanding of the EV industry and charging technology but also extend to mass education efforts to address consumer resistance to change. By educating the broader public about the benefits and practicalities of electric vehicles, we can reduce hesitancy and foster a more accepting environment for technological advancement. This dual approach would not only create jobs around new technologies but also empower consumers to make informed decisions, thereby accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across Puerto Rico.
The necessity for the industry to transparently publish actual data is paramount. Know exactly the amount of electric cars is entering to Puerto Rico and more. The University of Puerto Rico could play a crucial role in consistently gathering and disseminating this information.
Countries like Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and China have set excellent examples with their well-developed EV policies and infrastructure. By adopting some of their best practices, Puerto Rico can position itself as a regional leader in EV adoption.
At Velocicharge, we believe that by drawing inspiration from these international models and through collaborative efforts from the government, private sector, and citizens, we can make a substantial contribution to a sustainable future. Let’s work together to make Puerto Rico a Caribbean benchmark in electric mobility.
At Velocicharge, founded in 2021, we are proud to be Puerto Rico’s leading operator of fast charging stations for electric vehicles. We offer comprehensive residential, commercial, and industrial solutions for electric cars. Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by delivering a reliable, convenient, and easy-to-use charging network across the island.
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