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Electric vehicles are growing fast in Curaçao. With 0% import duty on full EVs, around 32 public charging stations, and an island that is only 60 km long, the practical barriers are lower than you might think. Here is everything you need to know.
The biggest advantage of going electric in Curaçao is the tax difference:
For a car with a CIF value of $25,000, that means paying around $2,250 total in taxes for an EV, versus $9,000+ for a comparable petrol car. The savings are substantial.
Short answer: yes, for most people. Here is why:
Range is not an issue. Curaçao is approximately 60 km from east to west. Even the most basic EVs on the market today offer 200+ km of range. You could drive the length of the island and back three times on a single charge.
Charging infrastructure exists. There are around 32 public charging stations across the island, listed on the Electromaps app and the D-POINT network. Most are located near tourist areas and shopping centers. According to HCR Motors Group, most public chargers are currently free to use. Most stations are Type 1, with adapters available for Type 2.
Electricity vs. fuel costs. While Curaçao's electricity is not the cheapest (the island relies heavily on imported fuel for power generation), the per-kilometer cost of driving electric is still lower than petrol. And as Aqualectra (the local utility) invests more in solar and wind, this gap will widen.
Practical considerations: Salt air and humidity are present for all vehicles, not just EVs. Modern EV battery systems are well-sealed. The bigger concern is ensuring you have access to charging at home or at work, since not every apartment or rental has a dedicated parking spot with a power outlet.
The dealer landscape for electric vehicles has expanded rapidly. Here are the main players:
Star Motors sells MG (MG4, ZS EV, Marvel R) and MAXUS electric vehicles, including the T90EV electric pickup. They also carry Great Wall, Haval, and Geely for conventional and hybrid options. Browse MG listings on Merkado
All to Car is one of the most active EV dealers, carrying BAW, Dongfeng, NETA, and Kandi electric vehicles, plus electric motorcycles. Browse listings
BYD Curaçao / Ultimate Automobiles represents BYD through ATL Automotive Group. BYD is the world's largest EV manufacturer and their models are increasingly visible on the island.
HCR Motors Group imports Jetour, iCAR, Wuling Baojun, JMEV, and the Avantier (Helmarv S300) full electric commuter car.
Select Automotive added Chinese EV brand Leapmotor in 2024, alongside their existing VW, Audi, Mazda, and GAC lineup.
XR EV Cars focuses exclusively on electric vehicles, accessories, and home charging station installation.
There is no official Tesla dealer in Curaçao. Teslas on the island are privately imported.
Many of the affordable EVs available in Curaçao come from Chinese manufacturers: MG (owned by SAIC), BYD, Dongfeng, NETA, Kandi, Leapmotor, and others.
The case for: Significantly lower prices than European or American EVs. Modern technology (many of these brands lead in EV-specific innovation). Competitive warranty terms through local dealers.
The concern: Parts availability for repairs is still developing. These are newer brands with less established service networks. Ask the dealer specifically about warranty coverage, parts stock, and where the car gets serviced before buying.
Our advice: Buy from an established local dealer (like Star Motors, All to Car, or Select Automotive) rather than importing a Chinese EV directly. The dealer relationship matters for warranty and service support on a small island.
If you have a dedicated parking spot with access to electricity, home charging is straightforward. Most EVs come with a portable charger that plugs into a standard outlet. For faster charging, XR EV Cars and other installers can set up a dedicated wall charger (wallbox).
Most public charging stations use Type 1 connectors, with adapters available for Type 2 vehicles.
If you live in an apartment without dedicated parking or a power outlet near your car, you will be more dependent on public charging. This is workable given the free public stations, but less convenient for daily use.
If you are not ready to go fully electric, hybrids offer a compromise. The March 2026 court ruling confirmed that hybrids qualify for approximately 10% import duty instead of the 27% charged on conventional vehicles. This makes hybrids about half the tax cost of a petrol car.
Popular hybrid options available through local dealers include models from Toyota (through Garage Cordia), Hyundai (Crown Automotives), and various Chinese brands.
Around 32 as of early 2026, mostly on the D-POINT network. Most are currently free to use.
0% since July 2023. You still pay 9% turnover tax (OB), making the total tax burden 9% of CIF value.
Yes, but privately. There is no official Tesla dealer or service center. You would need to handle shipping, customs, and all maintenance independently. Consider this carefully before importing.
No direct purchase subsidy or rebate exists. The only incentive is the 0% import duty (vs. 27% for conventional vehicles).
Modern EV batteries have thermal management systems designed to handle heat. Curaçao's consistent warm temperatures are actually less stressful on batteries than extreme cold. The main concern is long-term exposure to salt air on exterior components, which affects all vehicles equally.
Interested in an EV? Browse electric and hybrid cars on Merkado or read our complete buying guide for the full registration process.