In a notable shift, more residents in Seychelles are opting for electric vehicles (EVs) over traditional internal combustion engine cars, according to data from the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA). As of the end of 2022, Seychelles boasted a total of 365 registered all-electric vehicles, with 57 added in 2022 and 71 in 2021. The Hyundai Kona Electric emerged as the leading choice among buyers.
PMC Auto: Driving the Electric Wave
PMC Auto, the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Seychelles, has confirmed the surging popularity of electric cars, particularly the Hyundai Kona and the Hyundai Ioniq range. Jayant Mayadas, a consultant at PMC Auto, noted a significant uptick in sales for electric vehicles, signaling a growing interest among Seychellois consumers.
Advantages of Electric Cars in Seychelles
Mayadas highlighted the advantages of electric cars in Seychelles, emphasizing the practicality of their range for a small island nation. Given the limited driving distances typically covered in Seychelles, electric cars can go for almost a week or even two on a single charge.
The latest Hyundai Kona, for instance, boasts an impressive range of 484 km on a full charge, far exceeding the average driving distance on the islands.
Electric Motion: Paving the Way for Change
Electric Motion, led by Ukrainian entrepreneur Viktor Honchar, is another key player in bringing electric cars to Seychelles. Honchar expressed optimism about Seychelles transitioning to a fully electric mobility landscape, citing the country's size as a facilitator for home charging without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Incentives and Government Support
While the initial cost of electric cars tends to be higher, the Seychelles government has implemented incentives to encourage their adoption. Documents from the Department of Trade reveal that electric cars with a cylinder capacity between 1,000cc to 1,600cc enjoy a reduced excise tax of 10 percent, along with 15 percent VAT and no environmental levy.
In contrast, traditional fuel-based cars in the same category face a 50 percent excise tax, 15 percent VAT, and a SCR70,000 environmental levy.
Towards a Fully Electric Seychelles: Infrastructure and Initiatives
Seychelles has set ambitious plans to transition to a fully electric mobility landscape. This includes the development of essential infrastructure and financial schemes to make electric vehicles more accessible to private owners.
The country also aims to implement a preliminary scheme for extended producer responsibility for the collection of EV batteries, addressing environmental concerns associated with their disposal.
Public Transport Electrification
The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) is exploring the introduction of fully electric buses to its fleet. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of reducing the carbon footprint in the public transport sector, contributing to Seychelles' vision of a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation system.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Seychelles is riding the green wave, with increasing EV adoption, government incentives, and strategic initiatives poised to propel the nation toward a fully electric and environmentally conscious future.
