Flash Motors E-Mobility Learning Hub

Flash Motors supplies 100% battery electric vehicles to the Caribbean. We believe that battery electric technology is safe, capable, and the superior choice for transportation due to better driving experience, lower operating costs, and of benefit to local air quality.

the electric vehicle advantage

An electric vehicle, also known as an EV, is powered fully or partially by an electric motor and battery pack. Every auto manufacturer in the world has an EV on the road right now or is close to releasing one, with many committed to electrifying their entire line-up over the next 10-15 years.

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The electric motor advantage

EVs have better acceleration than gas cars. That’s because electric motors deliver full torque right away, unlike internal combustion engines that need to gear up. Electric motors are an incredibly efficient and durable technology, meaning less maintenance and a longer lifetime than gas engines.

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the electricity advantage

Electricity is more affordable than gasoline and can be domestically produced via renewables like Solar or Wind. This means every time you charge up, you are saving money and supporting the local economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution every time you drive.

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The battery advantage

Electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, the same battery used in smartphones and laptops. EV batteries hold their charge for weeks and are quick and easy to recharge. EV batteries are 90% recyclable, and many companies are considering re-purposing used EV batteries for second-life energy storage. This means that the battery still has a value at the end of your car’s life, unlike old gas engines bound for the scrapyard.

EV charging

All electric cars need to be charged by plugging in. You can recharge using a standard wall socket or an EV charging station. The time it takes to charge fully is based on the level, or speed, of charging and how full the battery is. Charging experiences can be divided into private and public charging, where private charging is only available to a specific vehicle owner(s), while public charging is available to everyone.

charging
01 / level

Charge using a regular Wall Socket

All EV models come standard with a portable cord-set that lets you charge using any standard household outlet. This is called Level 1 charging and is the slowest speed of charging but ensures that you can always recharge no matter where you are.

02 / level

Charge using a fast EV Charging Station

The most common way to charge. This is called Level 2, and most EV drivers will install a Level 2 charging station at home or work. All electric cars and charging stations in Jamaica supplied by Flash Motors use the same plug standard, the European Type 2/CCS2 standard. This is the recommended standard for Jamaica by Charin, the Global EV Standards Association. Level 2 stations have similar electrical requirements to a clothes dryer or stove (220 Volts/32 Amps), and any certified electrician can install them

charging
charging
03 / level

Charge using a rapid EV Charging Station

If you are going on a road trip, but don’t have the time to stop and use a Level 2 charging station, then Level 3 is for you. Except for large vehicles like buses and trucks, Level 3 charging stations are almost always public
Level 3 charging stations are gas station replacements for electric cars that will charge your battery from empty to 80% in 30-45 minutes.

public charging in jamaica

Jamaica features over 26 publicly available charging stations, most of which are on the JPS Charge’N’GO and everGO charging networks.
You can find all locations and prices for charging via their Apple and Android applications or collectively via the Plugshare App.

Frequently asked questions about EVS

Do EVs need less maintenance?

Fully electric cars do not require oil changes, transmissions or exhaust systems, and the average EV driver can save hundreds of dollars per year on maintenance. Electric motors are much more durable than gas engines and only have one moving part. This means far fewer breaks down or goes wrong.

Do EVs have a lower cost of ownership?

With electricity and gas prices where they are today, EVs are ½ the cost to drive than a gas car, and your typical EV driver saves $160,000-$220,000 per year on energy costs "fuel." This could be even more if your home or business has solar PV feeding your vehicle's charger

Are EVs more expensive to buy?

Most electric cars fall in the $7M to $15M range. In most cases, this is slightly more expensive than an equivalent gas car. However, the Jamaican Government has reduced import duty to 10% with no GCT to help bring this cost down. EVs are also much cheaper to operate and maintain than gas cars, so although your upfront may be slightly higher, your overall cost of ownership is significantly lower

Can EVs reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution?

While it is true that power plants produce emissions, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions depends entirely on the source of electricity. Most of Jamaica's electricity comes from Oil and Gas, both emitting sources, but they do so at a far better efficiency than car engines.  In addition, Jamaica is increasing the share of renewables used to produce electricity, making driving EVs cleaner over time.  One thing they eliminate is tailpipe emissions, which currently plague the island's urban centers.  Driving an EV today results in cleaner air where people live, work, and play.

Are EV batteries environmentally friendly?

EV batteries are made from Lithium-ion, the same battery used in smartphones, laptops and most rechargeable household electronics.  Lithium-ion batteries are 90% recyclable, and many companies are considering using used EV batteries as second-life energy storage units.  Furthermore, BYD Blade Batteries use iron phosphate chemistry, meaning there is no unethical cobalt content used in battery production.

EVs have a lower life-cycle footprint?

When you compare the total life-cycle of an EV to a gas car, from manufacturing to operation to end of life, EVs produce about half the greenhouse gas emissions as a comparable gas car.  For more information on the EV life cycle, visit the Union of Concerned Scientists

Can EVs have better performance than gas cars?

Electric cars deliver full torque immediately, giving them better acceleration than gas cars.  Electric cars have no problem maintaining speeds upwards of 150 km/h.  Electric cars deliver a smooth ride and are completely silent when running.

Can EVs be safer than gas cars?

EVs undergo the same rigorous safety tests as gas cars and are fully licensed to drive on Canada's roads and highways. EVs have the same safety features as gas cars, including airbags, rear-view cameras, lane assist warnings, etc.  It can be argued that EVs are safer because gasoline is highly combustible and flammable.  They are also completely safe in severe rain and partially submerged in water.  It can be argued that since EVs do not require air or combustion to move, they are better suited to be driven through flooded roadways.

Can EVs be as luxurious and feature-filled as other high-end gasoline cars?

EVs come standard with all of the same luxuries and comforts as gas cars, including cooled seats, s, top-notch sound systems, built-in navigation systems, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

Are EVs easy to charge?

All EVs come standard with a cord set that lets you charge using a regular wall socket.  Many EV drivers will install a charging station that easily charges an EV battery from empty to full overnight.  Just plug your car in, walk inside and wake up the next morning to a full charge.

Do EVs charge quickly?

While it is true that EVs can take up to 12 hours to fully charge, the amount of time it takes depends on how full the battery is.  Most drivers will only use ¼ of the battery in a typical day of driving, which means it will take ¼ of the time to charge.  If you install an electric vehicle charging station, you can speed up your charging time even more.  In addition, Jamaica is installing more DC-Fast stations.  These stations are gas station replacements designed for highway driving that will fully charge your EV from empty to 80% in 30-45 minutes.

Are EVs in Jamaica supported by a robust network of public charging stations?

Most of your charging takes place at home overnight.  If you need to charge while on the road, Jamaica has dozens of public charging stations, many of which are DC-Quick chargers that will fully recharge your battery from empty to full in 30-45 minutes.  To find a public charging station along your route, visit PlugShare.

Can EVs drive long distances?

Fully electric cars sold today travel 300+ km on a single charge.  If you need to take your fully electric car on a road trip, there are numerous public charging stations called DC-Quick chargers.  These chargers appear along highways and major roadways and will fully charge your battery from empty to full in 30-45 minutes.  All BYD vehicles in Jamaica can go from Kingston to Montego Bay on a single charge, with most being able to return to Kingston without stopping at a charging station.

Are EVs good for urban centers and traffic?

Most Jamaicans drive 50 km or less daily, and they don't realize it.  This is well within the range of every electric car on the market.  EVs also handle traffic jams better.  When you are stopped, the electric motor doesn't draw energy from the battery, whereas gas engines continually burn fuel and money the entire time.

EV News in Jamaica

July 17, 2023

| flash-motors.com

Flash Motors partners with Jamaica Automobile Association

Flash Motors Company Limited (Flash), a leading provider of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging solutions, has partnered with the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) to provide a range of services and programmes. The partnership will see Flash Motors supplying products and knowledge training to the JAA to enhance their supportive services to Jamaica’s growing number of […]

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May 23, 2023

| flash-motors.com

Flash Motors partner with GET.invest to mobilize investments in e-mobility across the Caribbean region

GET.invest is a European programme which supports investments in decentralised clean energy projects. It works with project and business developers, their associations, financiers and regulators towards affordable, reliable and clean energy for all. With support from the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and Austria, the programme has been responsible for the financial close of […]

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March 28, 2023

| Loop Jamaica

Flash Motors donates chargers to support GOJ electric vehicle trial

Flash Motors has partnered with the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) to trial the use of electric vehicles as part of the country’s transition to sustainable transportation. The programme will see Flash Motors providing all-electric vehicles and charging infrastructure to participating ministries and private sector organizations. Flash Motors’ Jamaican dealer partner, Stewarts Auto Group, will assist in […]

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January 23, 2023

| Jamaica Gleaner

JPS begins conversion of its fleet to electric vehicles

JPS, the island’s energy company, has announced the launch of phase one of its initiative to replace vehicles in its fleet, with electric vehicles. Phase one will see 40 vehicles being replaced in the near term, as they come to end of use. The initiative officially commenced with the first six vehicles being handed over […]

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October 17, 2022

| Oil Now

Guyana’s first electric vehicle charging stations expected in four months

The first major step to kick-off Guyana’s automotive transition is drawing near. The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) expects the first electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, part of a pilot project, to arrive in February 2023. The project includes the supply of six charging stations to be placed across the coast. The contract was awarded to […]

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