ELECTRIC car owners can now rest assured that, if damaged, their vehicles will receive the care they need, as Guyana welcomes more electric vehicles than ever before. With EVs continuing to emerge on Guyana’s roadways, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) announced, in a statement on Saturday, that 27 auto electricians and mechanical technicians recently completed the fourth Electric Vehicle (EV) Maintenance and Repairs training programme.

The programme, which was held from July 14 to July 25, 2025, at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre (MTVTC), saw participants trained in high- and low-voltage systems, routine maintenance procedures, and the repair and replacement of EV components. Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be awarded an internationally recognised certificate from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

Supported by the European Union (EU), the training forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which prioritises investments in renewable energy in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This activity in Guyana was facilitated under the Euroclima Programme, the EU’s flagship initiative to promote sustainable development and climate action. Other stakeholders in the programme include the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which co-funded and supported the venture, as well as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the implementing agency assigned to support this action in Guyana.

According to recent reports, there are now over 200 electric vehicles on Guyana’s roadways, supported by six (6) publicly accessible EV charging stations located in Regions 3, 4, and 6. In a bold move to further encourage EV adoption, the government has introduced a range of fiscal incentives, including the removal of all taxes on EVs and the increase of the depreciation allowance for electric motor vehicles to 50%.

These measures are complemented by planned investments in seventeen (17) additional public EV charging stations across multiple administrative regions in 2025, highlighting that while still new, EVs are slated to quickly become a major part of Guyana’s vehicular landscape.

At the closing ceremony, officials highlighted both the symbolic and practical value of the training and the country’s investment in future-ready skills. Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Alfred King, underscored that the training programme also demonstrates Guyana’s commitment to clean energy, advancing technology, and building the capacity necessary for national development.

By equipping participants with the skills needed to support the EV industry, the initiative not only builds public confidence in this emerging mode of transportation but also accelerates the country’s swift transition to electric mobility.

Moreover, Dr. King further encouraged the participants to explore the entrepreneurial opportunities made possible by their newly acquired expertise, highlighting that they now stand as an integral part of an emerging industry.

“Electric mobility is no longer a concept of the future; it is happening now. You have acquired specialised skills that are in high demand, and you now stand at the forefront of one of the most exciting transitions in our energy and transport sectors. Your training is not only a personal achievement, but also a national asset,” said the Permanent Secretary.

With this most recent cohort, a total of 77 auto electricians and mechanical technicians have now been trained to repair and maintain electric vehicles. The current cohort was divided into two groups which underwent classroom theory training as well as hands-on practical training to develop essential skills in maintaining and repairing hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs).

Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical) at the Ministry of Education, spoke directly to the participants, commending them for their commitment to upskilling in how to identify, repair, and maintain electric vehicles and their various components.

He encouraged them to view this achievement as a step forward in showcasing the tangible benefits of skills development within Guyana’s evolving electric mobility landscape. He noted that the skills acquired will support both the upkeep and servicing of EV technologies in Guyana and play a pivotal role in driving the country’s national objectives for electric transportation and the transition to a more sustainable economy.

From a policy perspective, the GEA emphasised its continued commitment to developing and implementing sustainable energy initiatives. Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the GEA, Ms. Shevon Wood, highlighted that the agency, under the mandate of the Government of Guyana, remains committed to implementing sustainable energy development initiatives, particularly to ensure access to affordable, reliable, stable, and modern energy. She stated that the Agency will continue to invest in the initiatives that enhance local technical capacity.

Additionally, she shared that the Agency will continue efforts to raise public awareness of low-carbon transportation, promote electric vehicle adoption, and support the development and management of infrastructure essential for the widespread integration of EVs slated to happen on Guyana’s roadways. These efforts are vital in ensuring the effective transfer of technical expertise as well as the long-term sustainability of the electric mobility sector.

The initiative aligns with the Government of Guyana’s broader national goal of expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities by equipping the local workforce to meet the demands of the growing electric mobility sector. In keeping with the objectives of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, the initiative also forms a key part of the strategy that aims to continue transforming how energy is produced and used in Guyana, as well as how transportation systems operate across the country, ensuring sustainability remains a priority.