Nabilah S
Fiji is set to launch a pilot project aimed at establishing a new commercial electric vehicle leasing model. Queensland-based ZekiTek Pty Ltd, a manufacturer of renewable energy technology and electrical charging systems, has partnered with the Australian government’s Market Development Facility to bring this project to Fiji.
The partnership’s goal is to create a business case for local companies to transition to the new EV commercial leasing model, eliminating upfront capital costs and allowing them to benefit from anticipated savings on fuel and maintenance, according to a report by the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday.
Rikesh Ram, the founder of ZekiTek, announced that the company is establishing the groundwork for EV charging infrastructure on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. They have imported an E-Van from Australia to conduct a six-month pilot trial.
This trial aims to demonstrate the commercial viability and environmental advantages of electric vehicles. Fossil fuel imports cost the Pacific island countries and territories around 6 billion U.S. dollars annually, which accounts for between 5 percent and 15 percent of the gross domestic product of Pacific island economies. In Fiji alone, petroleum products constitute 20 percent of total imports.
