The Global EV Shift and What It Means for Us in Trinidad & Tobago

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a distant concept, they’re here, and they’re making waves in Trinidad and Tobago. Globally, EVs are being hailed as the future of transport, sparking debates about their benefits compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The biggest selling point is the cost savings. It’s a factor that has many locals eager to make the switch.

In 2024, EV sales worldwide passed 17 million units, over 20% of all new car sales. By 2025, experts predict that number will cross 20 million, meaning one in every four cars sold globally will be electric. What’s more striking is the growth in developing markets: in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, EV sales grew by more than 60% in 2024, nearly doubling their market share from 2.5% to 4%. This is no longer just a US, Europe, or China story, it’s happening everywhere.

 The Local Picture: EVs Overtaking Hybrids

In Trinidad & Tobago, the EV shift is becoming harder to ignore. In just the last 18 months, at least six new Chinese EV brands have entered the market, each offering multiple models. For the first time, it looks likely that by the end of 2025, EV options in Trinidad and Tobago will outnumber hybrids.

The first half of 2025 paints the picture clearly:

• Fewer brands offering hybrids

• Fewer hybrid models on the market

• More brands introducing EVs

• A steady rise in EV model availability

  
  

But there’s a challenge locally. Most EVs sold locally are priced above TT$300,000, putting them out of reach for many buyers, especially first-time EV shoppers who want to experience the technology without spending luxury-level money.

That raises the question, are there brands offering EVs that are both affordable and practical for our local market?

To answer that, I dug into reports, road tests, spec sheets, and reviews across eight mass-market Chinese EV brands. Here’s what I found:

• BYD – The global giant with huge sales and strong technology. Excellent range and features, but local models lean toward the higher price bracket.

• MG (SAIC Motor) – A familiar name with a growing Caribbean presence. While they offer entry-level EVs in some regions, the local models often slide into mid-to-upper pricing.

• Great Wall Motors – Known for fun, retro-inspired EVs like the ORA. Stylish and tech-heavy, but more lifestyle than budget-friendly.

• GAC – A rising Chinese automaker with a growing international footprint. Known for its bold designs, solid build quality, and expanding EV lineup under the Aion brand.

• Geely – A major Chinese automotive group (parent of Volvo, Lotus, etc.), aggressively expanding abroad.

• Seres (formerly DFSK) – Offers both EVs and hybrids with practical SUVs, though often criticized for refinement and finish.

• Chery Group – There are the leading Chinese exporter (over 937K cars exported in 2023) and has rapidly churned out EVs for multiple brands under its umbrella, like Omoda.

  
  

Each brand brings its own strengths, whether it’s BYD’s dominance, ORA’s flair, or GAC’s expanding global footprint. But alongside these positives come certain drawbacks, especially when it comes to pricing, positioning, and long-term practicality in a market like Trinidad and Tobago.

The same applies to emerging players such as Kaiyi. A partially owned subsidiary of the Chery Group, Kaiyi benefits from Chery’s extensive R&D resources while keeping enough independence to stay consumer-focused, making it a name with real potential for our local market.

What sets them apart is:

1. Affordability – Their lineup is positioned for entry-level and budget-conscious buyers, unlike most competitors who start in luxury territory.

2. Practicality – Their EVs and hybrids are designed for everyday use and tested in conditions similar to ours.

3. Strong Backing – With Chery’s support, Kaiyi balances innovation with stability. A big plus in a market where aftersales support matters.

For Trinidad and Tobago, where most EVs hover above TT$300,000, Kaiyi feels like the missing puzzle piece. It represents an EV option that’s both practical and financially accessible, allowing the shift to electric transport, something everyday drivers can realistically consider.

If the EV transition is truly going to succeed here, it won’t just be about premium buyers driving high-end models. It will be about accessible, affordable choices for the wider market. That’s why Kaiyi is a name worth watching as our automotive landscape continues its electric shift.