A Bahamian electric vehicle dealer has officially launched the high-end Chinese auto brand, HongQi, in The Bahamas.

Eay Car Sales, in a statement, said the launch, which was held at the Baha Mar Convention Centre, coincided with its tenth anniversary as an electric vehicle dealer.

Zane Lightbourne, minister of the environment and natural resources, told the event that Easy Car Sales has helped change how The Bahamas “thinks about mobility, energy and our responsibility to the environment” since it first started selling electric vehicles a decade ago. He said the company has helped The Bahamas move towards its national goal of reducing greenhouse gases.

“For the past ten years, Easy Car Sales has demonstrated what leadership in sustainable transportation looks like...Today, we celebrate ten years. Ten years of leadership. Ten years of innovation. Ten years of impact. You have not only built a successful business, but you have helped to move our country forward,” added Mr Lightbourne.

Speaking to the potential cost savings associated with driving an electric vehicle, Mr Lightbourne said this “represents a significant economic advantage, particularly as we seek to strengthen our energy security and manage the impact of rising global fuel prices”.

He added: “The success of Easy Car Sales demonstrates something powerful: That environmental responsibility and economic opportunity can go hand in hand.”

Easy Car Sales said HongQi’s arrival in The Bahamas marks the first time the brand has been available in the Caribbean market. Yan Jiarong, Chinese ambassador to The Bahamas, spoke at the launch to highlight the growing strength of the China-Bahamas partnership and the significance of Chinese innovation reaching new markets.

The Bahamian electric vehicle dealer said that, since its founding, Easy Car Sales has served 1,400 customers and is estimated to have delivered $5m in collective fuel cost savings for customers.

The evening also saw the unveiling of the winners of the ‘Electric Canvas’ art competition in collaboration with The Current Gallery and the Baha Mar Resort Foundation. This invited Bahamian artists to submit original works inspired by electric mobility, with the winning design applied as a vehicle wrap on a HongQi EHS5 and unveiled on the night.

Close to 100 entries were received, with Tynesha Tynes named as the $5,000 winner, and Sue Katz and Sincere Braynen announced as runners-up. Three creatively wrapped HongQi vehicles, including the ‘Electric Canvas’ winner wrap alongside works by Bahamian artists John Cox and Jordanna Kelly, will go to auction in June 2026. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Baha Mar Resort Foundation, which supports local causes in community, culture and conservation.