Rikesh Ram (ZekiTek) and Kelera Cavuilati (MDF Fiji) signing

The Australian government’s Market Development Facility (MDF) has teamed with ZekiTek Pty Ltd, a Queensland-based manufacturer of electrical charging systems and renewable energy technologies, on a pilot project aimed at creating a new commercial electric vehicle (EV) leasing model for Fiji.

The development of electrification and renewable energy generation is accelerating as a critical solution to climate change. Solutions include electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources that replace fossil fuels, such as hydro, solar, and wind power. But even with decreased operating costs, buying an EV still costs a lot more.

Through this cooperation, local businesses will be able to move to a new EV commercial leasing model, which will eliminate their upfront capital costs and let them to reap the benefits of anticipated fuel and maintenance cost savings.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with MDF to introduce a new commercial leasing model for electric vehicles and bring our electrical charging systems and renewable energy technology to Fiji,” stated Rikesh Ram, the founder and CEO of Zekitek.

“We have imported an E-Van from Australia to conduct a six-month pilot trial that will showcase the commercial viability and environmental benefits of electric vehicles. We are also laying the groundwork for EV charging infrastructure around Viti Levu.” We are happy that a number of well-known logistics and transportation firms are involved in the trial,” Mr. Ram continued.

Fossil fuel imports into the Pacific Island Countries and Territories cost the area about USD $6 billion a year, or five to fifteen percent of the GDP of the countries in the region. Petroleum products account for up to 20% of all imports into Fiji alone.

The ZekiTek-MDF commercial EV trial will evaluate the fuel economy, operational savings, reduction of carbon emissions, and noise pollution of the participating enterprises. ZekiTek will receive assistance from MDF in utilizing the data to create a business viability case study for a new EV leasing program for owners of commercial vehicles, such as electric buses, lorries, and vans. ZekiTek has imported an E-Van and portable charging stations with MDF support in order to launch the leasing business.

“We’ve teamed up with ZekiTek to support companies in luring capital and bringing electrification and renewable energy to the Pacific. According to MDF Fiji Country Director Kelera Cavuilati, “Electric technologies have strong potential to lower the cost of fossil fuel imports and decrease carbon emissions in our region. This commercial leasing model pilot also aligns with government plans to decarbonize Fiji’s transport sector.”