Can Bermuda be a world leader? (Update)

Bermuda could lead a cultural shift across the world towards more environmentally friendly forms of transport.

And the island has the potential for every vehicle on its roads to be electrically powered.

These are the views of pioneering Indian entrepreneur, Chetan Maini, as he prepares to come to Bermuda to launch the new e2o electric car next week.

Mr Maini, who is CEO of the Indian firm Mahindra Reva, said Bermuda was the ideal island to market the vehicle.

Speaking from India, he said: “Islands will and should take the lead for driving these alternative energy solutions.

“They are also the ones that feel the pain of global warming first so it makes sense to me.”

He added: “From my perspective, Bermuda’s geography, its climate, its sophisticated economy and its population all work in its favour — it just seemed very right to me.

“It has the right mindset and the right ecology.

“We also have two very good partners in the shape of Auto Solutions and Bermuda Engineering.

“It’s about energy security and being clean and in my opinion Bermuda is the right location for this product.”

The e2o has already proven to be a big hit in the sub-continent but its manufacturers are now looking to expand into Europe as well as Mauritius, the Seychelles and Bermuda.

In March, the Bermuda Sun revealed that the first three models had arrived on the island. 

The car can be charged by connecting it to an electrical point, but it also has the capability to use solar power.

Success

Mr Maini said he had high hopes for the vehicle’s success in Bermuda.

He added: “This is not just about one car.

“The e2o is just the first step in the right direction — we are trying to create a culture.

“We would like to expand the idea to larger passenger vehicles, taxis and commercial vehicles to transport goods.

“It’s about where do we see ourselves in five years.

“Islands can lead this progress.”

Mr Maini told the Sun: “We are in this for the long-term partnership and this process will take a few years to establish itself.

“I think a place like Bermuda should be 100 per cent electric.

“I was in Norway a few months ago, which now has a 20 per cent electric car share.

“Eighteen months ago there was less than half a per cent so you can see the potential.

“To me the question should be why can’t every vehicle be electrical?

“Islands should be able to go 100 per cent electric before the mainlands and Bermuda can lead the way.

“And this would also mean a boost to tourism too and the solar industry which in turn provides job opportunities.”

Mr Maini arrives in Bermuda on July 9 for a two-day visit and will meet with Government officials and local stakeholders.

He said: “I’m looking forward to meeting with all the stakeholders and getting a better understanding of the market and the consumers.

“I’m keen to learn more from Government and the policy makers about what their vision is.

“It will be my first time in Bermuda and I’m very much looking forward to it.”