A Historic Milestone: Anguilla Integrates Electric Vehicles into the Government Fleet
In a landmark move toward sustainable development, the Anguilla Renewable Energy Programme (AREP) celebrated a pivotal moment on 5 February 2025 with the official handover of the first two electric vehicles (EVs) to the Government of Anguilla. This milestone marks the first time EVs have been formally integrated into the government fleet – an initiative that signals a bold shift toward emissions reduction and energy efficiency.
The ceremony, held at the AREP EV Charging Station located at the Department of Natural Resources, brought together key government stakeholders, technical officers, and partners to commemorate this achievement under the EU-funded, RESEMBID-supported project, “Streamlining Anguilla’s Energy Sector Towards a More Sustainable Future.”
Leading the Charge for Change
The event was chaired by Mr. Travis Carty, Permanent Secretary (Acting) in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing and Tourism (MICUH&T), who also serves at the Project Coordinator for AREP. Mr. Carty framed the handover not just as a ceremonial gesture, but as a strategic investment in a cleaner, smarter future.
“This is not just about handing over two vehicles. It is about handing over a new way of thinking,” he said. “A mindset that embraces innovation, that places sustainability at the core of how government operates, and that leads by example.”
Setting the Standard: Three Pillars of Purpose
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Sustainability, Innovation and the Environment (MSIE), Mr. Dallen Connor, Director of the Renewable Energy Unit and AREP Project Coordinator, outlined three critical objectives for the Government’s EV integration strategy:
- Leading by Example: The introduction of EVs into the public sector fleet sends a clear signal to the private sector and the broader community. By adopting sustainable transport at the highest levels, the Government demonstrates a tangible commitment to a greener Anguilla.
- Performance Monitoring: EVs in the government fleet will be closely monitored to assess performance, cost-efficiency, and maintenance requirements in comparison to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). This data-driven approach will shape future procurement and policy decisions across the public sector.
- Public Awareness: EVs will be actively used in daily government operations, making them highly visible across the island. The goal is to normalise electric mobility and build public confidence through direct exposure.
“Our role in this transition is to set the standard and pace for EV adoption,” Connor emphasised. “We are paving the way for consumers, vehicle dealers, utility providers, and other stakeholders to move forward with confidence.” – Mr. Dallen Connor
Building Skills for the Energy Transition
As electric mobility becomes more embedded in national strategy, government departments are actively building the internal capacity to support it. The Government Vehicle Maintenance Team, including the Superintendent of Vehicles and Vehicle Technicians, has undergone specialised EV training. Similarly, fire officers are receiving instruction on how to respond to EV-related fire and accidents.
These investments in training complements AREP’s integrated approach which values the empowerment of people with knowledge and tools to effectively manage the integration of energy-efficient technologies and the overall transition and transformation of Anguilla’s energy landscape.
A Vision for Clean, Affordable Energy
Delivering featured remarks, Hon. Quincia Gumbs-Marie, Minister of MSIE, reaffirmed the Government’s broader commitment to clean energy access and affordability.
“We extend our greatest gratitude to RESEMBID and the European Union for supporting Anguilla’s renewable energy transition,” she said. “This initiative is more than an environmental shift. It is a social and economic transformation that ensures lower energy costs and an improved standard of living for our citizens.”
She also highlighted supportive government policies, including customs duty and excise tax exemptions for electric and hybrid vehicles through 2030, and duty-free concessions for solar panel systems. These incentives are designed to encourage wider public adoption of clean energy technologies.
From Policy to Action
Hon. Haydn Hughes, Minister of MICUH&T, noted that this latest development is part of a wider movement under the Project.
“Not only have we embarked on this journey, we have invested in it,” he declared. “Charging stations, electric vehicles, training our people, an updated National Energy Policy, and retrofitting government assets with energy-efficient technology — let us embrace this project’s work.”
Mr. Carty also announced that the Draft National Electric Vehicle Transition Plan (NEVTP) would soon be presented to Cabinet. The NEVTP provides a comprehensive roadmap for expanding EV usage in Anguilla. It outlines policy recommendations, investment priorities, and public education strategies to accelerate the Anguilla’s shift toward electric mobility.
About AREP’s EV Pilot Project
The EV Pilot Project includes the integration of EVs into the government’s fleet, monitoring performance, infrastructure needs, and cost savings. The pilot project will guide future decisions on fleet expansion, consumer incentives, and national policy.
The pilot project also supplements the National Electric Vehicle Transition Plan (NEVTP) and the Electric Mobility Transition Strategy (EMTS), which laying out short- and medium-term goals and will serve as the foundation is set for a national EV rollout. These frameworks aim to make EV ownership easier and more attractive to the public and private sectors by building charging infrastructure, offering incentives, and raising awareness.
