Electric Vehicle Fleet En Route to Antigua for CHOGM Under Octopus Energy Partnership

A fleet of electric vehicles is en route to Antigua and Barbuda for use during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), marking the first tangible outcome of the government’s partnership with Octopus Energy.

The vehicles will form part of the official transportation arrangements for Heads of Government and other delegates attending the November 1–4 meeting. According to a government release issued on October 6, their deployment is intended to reduce reliance on petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles and lower the meeting’s transport-related carbon footprint.

The initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in New York by Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation. The agreement covers cooperation in electric mobility, renewable energy, battery storage and smart-energy technologies.

Browne said incorporating electric vehicles into CHOGM’s transportation programme would demonstrate the country’s commitment to putting its climate advocacy into practice.

“Antigua and Barbuda has consistently argued that climate leadership must be demonstrated through action,” he said.

The Prime Minister said electric mobility could also help Small Island Developing States reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthen energy security and improve air quality.

“This partnership with Octopus Energy demonstrates what can be achieved when international cooperation is translated into practical results that benefit our people,” Browne added.

North-Bond welcomed the first phase of implementation, saying the initiative could support both a more sustainable international meeting and Antigua and Barbuda’s longer-term energy transition.

“We are proud to support Antigua and Barbuda as it prepares to host Commonwealth leaders from around the world,” she said.

The initiative was developed with support and coordination from Global Citizen following engagements involving Browne and Octopus Energy during New York Climate Week and the United Nations General Assembly.

The government said discussions would continue after CHOGM on the potential longer-term use of the vehicles and other areas covered by the partnership. The release did not specify the number of vehicles, their expected arrival date or the arrangements for their use after the meeting.

CHOGM 2026 will be held under the theme, “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”

The government said the electric vehicle initiative complements efforts to introduce cleaner transportation into public services and develop the charging infrastructure and technical expertise needed for wider adoption. It also intends to explore opportunities for similar cooperation across the OECS and wider Caribbean.