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Tropical Battery’s EV business launches Tesla sales and service

20 September 2024
This content originally appeared on Jamaica News | Loop News.
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Tropical Battery Company has begun selling Tesla electric vehicles and is training automotive technicians to provide after-sales parts and service on the cars, motorbikes and ATVs sold by its electric vehicle dealer, Tropical Mobility.

Tropical Mobility was launched in 2022 to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment. The company distributes new and like-new Tesla models, as well as Ankai electric buses, VMOTO electric motorbikes and DRR USA electric ATVs. The group’s solar power business, Tropical Renewable Energy, meanwhile, designs and installs solar photovoltaic systems, with and without energy storage, to power homes and businesses, as well as electric vehicles.

“Tropical Mobility is our answer to the call for a transition to sustainable transportation systems,” noted Tropical Battery CEO Alexander Melville. “With the growth of our renewable energy business, a lot of our customers are telling us that their next car is going to be electric. Many are already generating and storing more electricity than they need for their home and business, and the next logical use for the solar power they’re producing is to charge an electric vehicle,” he said in a press release.

Tropical Battery has grown from a supplier of automotive batteries and automotive car products to a provider of renewable energy and sustainable transportation solutions.

“We chose to focus on selling electric vehicles manufactured by Tesla for the passenger vehicle segment because they are proven, they are highly efficient and functional and have incredible performance,” Melville said. “It’s the leading EV brand globally, in terms of sales and brand recognition, with a 360-degree energy ecosystem approach that we share at the Tropical Group of Companies,” Melvile added.

Tropical Mobility recently imported its first two Tesla Model Y vehicles for company use and is now equipped to provide after-sales parts and service.

Tesla is the pioneer in the global EV market and remains the benchmark of automotive innovation, with cutting-edge technology other automakers producing electric vehicles try to emulate. “We always aim to offer the best quality products at prices people can afford, and this holds true for our renewable energy and electric mobility businesses, Melville said. 

As Tropical Battery prepares for its landmark debut on the Main Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), it is making developments at the forefront of the renewable energy and electric vehicle industries. 

Tropical Mobility recently imported its first two Tesla Model Y vehicles for company use and is now equipped to provide after-sales parts and service. This development positions Tropical Mobility as a service provider for electric vehicles in Jamaica.

As part of its commitment to the EV market, Tropical Mobility is supplying electric vehicles for several market segments, including electric motorbikes for transportation and last-mile delivery services, electric ATVs for the ecotourism sector, and electric buses for tour operators, transportation service providers and destination management companies.

Unlike traditional vehicles, Teslas and other EVs require minimal service - no oil changes or extensive maintenance - making them an ideal fit for Tropical Mobility’s innovative asset-light approach. The company plans to offer remote service options in the near future, allowing customers to have their vehicles serviced at their convenience without needing to visit a service centre location. This model enhances convenience and aligns with Tropical Mobility’s vision of modern, customer-focused vehicle care.

The company is also working with local and regional stakeholders to develop its Tropical Recycles initiative, which will extend the useful life of EV batteries by repurposing them and ensure the responsible recycling of lithium batteries at end-of-life.

“We are excited to offer advanced service and warranty support for the EVs we sell through our innovative remote service model. This approach will bring expert maintenance directly to our customers, eliminating the need for large service centres and making vehicle upkeep more convenient and accessible,” commented Melville.

Earlier this year, Tropical Mobility signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Zero Emision RD, a leading Dominican Republic-based company. “This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing electric mobility regionally and setting new standards for service excellence,” Melville added.

As the company transitions to the Main Market of the JSE, it is well-positioned for unprecedented growth and impact. Recent strategic acquisitions and innovative initiatives highlight its role as a leader in the global energy and transportation sectors.

“Our vision is to lead the way in sustainable energy solutions and revolutionize the future of electric mobility. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and remain committed to driving growth, innovation, and positive impact,” concluded Melville.