Introducing the 76 electric vehicles makes Samoa one of the first Pacific island nations to have so many zero-emission vehicles. This is a good sign of complying with the demands of reducing the global temperature output.

Studies have recommended that more electric vehicles be introduced in the region. One recommendation is to invest in electric public service vehicles, which means that taxis and buses need to be electric.

To fulfil this requires legislation that will lead to cheaper importation of EVs and also for the disposal of EVs. It is a great idea to have EVs. It is good for the environment but we need legislation that supports the import of vehicles for private use.

There needs to be zero duty on the import of EVs. These vehicles need to be made affordable so the general public can afford them. The government also needs to ensure that the electricity generated locally is renewable.

What will be the use of electric vehicles if we keep generating electricity using fossil fuels to power the nation? The 2030 goal for renewable energy is often talked about by the government. However, we have not seen any concrete data or evidence that the nation will be able to power itself using green energy.

There are a few solar farms that can be used to power at least five villages but there seems to be a wrong approach towards this as well. There is so much talk about partnerships in regards to solar energy that the local power company has not even attempted to invest in solar energy itself.

It was good to see many villages investing in solar street lights as part of their Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting preparation. The government can help reduce the use of fossil fuels to power the nation by having zero duty on the importation of solar panels which households can install themselves.

The price of electricity in Samoa is among the highest in the region. That is because of the reliance on fossil fuels to power generators. Imagine if the governments of yesteryears had already invested in hydro dams and solar farms.

The Cook Islands' example of solar energy is remarkable. There are 15 islands which make up the nation and all islands are scattered along two million square kilometres of ocean. Most islands are powered by solar energy. There are solar farms that feed to a battery plant, and then that energy is transferred through underground cables to at least 300 homes.

If a village-by-village approach is taken, imagine the reduction in power bills. But focusing back on the EVs, are we ready for them?

Electric vehicles offer many benefits, but they also have some disadvantages when compared to conventional gasoline-powered cars. One of the biggest questions prospective electric car buyers face is whether to purchase an all-electric vehicle (AEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a gasoline-powered new car.

Electric cars are growing in popularity every day. Like conventional cars, there are certain benefits and drawbacks of using an electric vehicle compared to a gasoline-powered one.

On the pros side, electric cars are energy efficient, are better for the environment, and don't require as much maintenance as traditional gas-powered cars. On the cons side, you can't travel as far between refuelling, the actual refuelling process takes longer than filling a car at a gas station, and upfront costs are sometimes a barrier.

Fueling an all-electric car can also be an issue. Fully recharging the battery pack with a Level 1 or Level 2 charger can take up to eighty hours, and even fast charging stations take 30 minutes to charge to 80 per cent capacity. Electric car drivers must plan more carefully because running out of power can't be solved by a quick stop at the gas pump.

Electric vehicles (EVs) usually have a higher price tag upfront, though you can save money owning an EV over time since there is generally less maintenance on an EV, and it's less expensive to charge than fuel with gas. Also, while battery packs are more costly in EVs than conventional vehicles, they last much longer than the components of most combustion engines, and they come with 10-year warranties, so you're not likely to pay out of pocket for a replacement.

Let us hope the electric vehicles for CHOGM do not end up like the buses for the Pacific Games.