ADOPTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Abstract

The transport sector has been identified as one of the highest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Trinidad and Tobago owing to the increase in the number of vehicles and the inherent traffic congestion. The vehicles are mainly fuelled by conventional fuels with relatively few being alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), primarily in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. This research explores the current situation with the development and adoption of AFV technology in Trinidad & Tobago. In Trinidad, the natural gas supply is already well-established, refuelling stations are in operation and up to 18 original equipment manufacturer CNG vehicles are available on the market, supplemented by the option of vehicle conversion. The opposite is true for electric vehicles, with only one recognized dealer offering electric vehicles and public charging stations, and only one related market incentive in effect. Despite the number of initiatives geared toward CNG development, the 2018 vehicle conversion targets have not been realized and it would require a very aggressive approach to achieve those figures by 2020. The authors have identified the key impediments to successful attainment of the targets. They note that few of the ongoing fiscal incentives, measures or pilot projects by the government ministries that are associated with renewable energies are directly linked to the transportation sector. Additionally, since measures of effectiveness for sustainability are not being monitored, the country cannot adequately determine its progress towards sustainability. The authors propose measures towards achieving sustainable development in transportation and to overcome the constraints of data availability, perceived barriers to AFV adoption and the notion of affordability over sustainability.