The territory will host the 2024 Electric Vehicle Summit, an informative symposium covering all aspects of this exciting transportation revolution, Virgin Islands Energy Office Director Kyle Fleming announced.
The summit, which is presented in partnership with EVNoire, will take place across both University of the Virgin Islands campuses, kicking off on St. Thomas, July 16, at the Innovation Center and on St. Croix, July 19, at the Great Hall. Each island’s summit will feature keynote remarks from leading figures in the electric vehicle industry, as well as lively panel discussions peopled with policymakers, technical experts, and first-hand accounts from EV owners, according to the press release.
Significance of the Electric Vehicle Summit:
The 2024 Electric Vehicle Summit is the best place to learn about key aspects of the Virgin Islands’ strategy to enhance energy resilience and reduce carbon emissions. The Bryan/Roach Administration is committed to cutting the territory’s reliance on fossil fuels, an ambition that, once fully realized, will yield greater energy security for all residents and significant savings in the cost of power generation, the press release stated.
VIEO has been tasked with leading the effort to make sure that agencies across the entire government ecosystem adapt to the fast pace at which green technologies are innovating and crafting public-facing programs that help everyday citizens take part in the green revolution. Under the guidance of Fleming, VIEO has spearheaded the government’s modernization of its motor pool, creating an institution-wide buy-in that is seeing electric vehicles quickly become a mainstay of the government’s fleet. VIEO has also worked in parallel to offer private citizens avenues towards electrification through programs such as Equitable E-Mobility (EE-M), which offers up to a $5,000 rebate for the purchase of an EV, the release stated.
“In parallel with reducing our overall dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels, we are also pushing for the expansion of renewable power generation across the territory. And electric vehicles represent a perfect output of renewable energy by mitigating fossil fuel dependence both for our energy, as well as our transportation needs,” Fleming said.
“I would expect that as a spectator, you’d be able to gather a diversity of perspectives, both from fleet operators managing multiple electric vehicles. To individual consumers who use it for personal use. And get a sense of the advantages that they’ve experienced, and also understand some of the challenges that they may have experienced relative to owning an EV in the territory. Our goal is for the people who join the summit to gain perspective from real life, tangible, stakeholders from across the community,” he said.
The territory’s moves to decouple itself from near total reliance on imported fossil fuels for electrical energy generation and transportation have been supported by the Biden Administration, which has steered over $150 million in funds for green initiatives like the EE-M and Virgin Islands Battery Energy Storage Rebate Program (VIBES).
“We are at a pivotal moment in the journey towards sustainable transportation,” said Terry Travis, Managing Director and Co-Founder of EVNoire. “The Electric Vehicle Summit will serve as a spark for change that will transform how we move, live, and connect. By bringing together diverse voices and innovative solutions, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, greener future for everyone in the Virgin Islands.”
Event Highlights:
- Keynote Addresses: Featuring prominent figures in the EV industry, including representatives from leading automakers and renewable energy advocates.
- Panel Discussions: Covering a range of topics such as EV infrastructure development, policy frameworks, and the future of sustainable transportation.
- Workshops and Demonstrations: Hands-on sessions providing insights into the latest. EV technologies and charging solutions.
• Networking Opportunities: Connecting stakeholders from government, industry, and the community to foster collaboration and innovation.
Agenda Overview:
• EV Lunch and Learn and Vehicle Display: Engage in a dynamic “Lunch and Learn” session featuring live demonstrations of various electric vehicle models and charging solutions by leading EV technology experts.
Participants will have the chance to ask questions, interact with cutting-edge technology, and gain practical insights into the benefits and everyday use of electric vehicles in the Virgin Islands.
• Government Panel: Join policymakers, regulatory authorities, and government officials as they discuss the government’s role in promoting electric vehicle adoption in the Virgin Islands. Topics will include the creation of supportive policies, buyer incentives, infrastructure development, and the significance of public-private partnerships. This panel aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of strategic initiatives to support EV growth in the region.
• Consumer Panel: This panel will focus on end-users, featuring electric vehicle owners, prospective buyers, and consumer advocates who will share their experiences. The discussion will highlight personal stories, address common concerns, and explore the benefits and challenges of transitioning to electric vehicles. It will also offer a platform for consumers to voice their needs and preferences, providing valuable feedback for manufacturers and policymakers.
• Commercial Panel: Explore the impact of electric vehicles on commercial businesses and fleets. Business leaders, fleet managers, and representatives from local businesses, including car rental and travel and tourism organizations, will discuss the economic and operational benefits of integrating EVs into their operations. Topics will include cost savings, sustainability goals, fleet management strategies, and the transition to electric delivery and service vehicles.
• Workforce Charging and Battery Panel: As the demand for electric vehicles grows, so does the need for a skilled workforce to support this emerging industry. This panel will address the opportunities and challenges in developing the necessary workforce for the EV sector. Industry experts, educators, and training providers will discuss required skills, available training programs, and career opportunities. The panel will also emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in building a robust and innovative workforce.
Members of the media, industry professionals, policymakers, and others interested in learning more to attend the 2024 Electric Vehicle Summit are invited, according to the release.
For more information and to register for the event, please visit vievsummit.com or contact info@vievsummit.com for more information.
