PCREEE Supports Electric Vehicle Promotion at Tonga National Energy Awareness Week 2026

Nuku‘alofa, Tonga – 27 March 2026

The Government of Tonga, through the Department of Energy under Ministry of Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) successfully hosted the Tonga National Energy Awareness Week 2026 from Thursday, 26th to Friday, 27th March 2026. The second day of the programme, dedicated to Electric Vehicle (EV) promotion, was funded and supported by the SPC and it’s Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) as part of efforts to decarbonize the land transport sector.

Held at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, the EV Promotion Day brought together representatives from government, the private sectors, and development partners to explore opportunities for cleaner and more sustainable transport solutions. Sione ‘Akau’ola, Chief Executive Office (CEO) for MEIDECC highlighted the growing presence of EVs in Tonga and stressed the importance of preparing the country to benefit from these technologies.

A key feature of the day was the “Voices from Early EV Adopters” session, where local EV owners shared experiences on the benefits and challenges of EV ownership. Mr. Paula Vaitohi, who currently owns three (3) Tesla vehicles, shared:

“One of the main reasons I invested in electric vehicles is for my children...to help them embrace this technology early, because EVs are the future.”

The programme also showcased regional experiences in EV adoption across Pacific Island Countries, delivered by PCREEE. It was noted that a representative from Vaitohi Enterprises will participate in the upcoming SPC PCREEE regional training on Electric Mobility in Rarotonga, 20–24 April 2026, further building Tonga’s capacity in electric mobility.

Participants engaged in an EV exhibition and demonstration, providing hands-on opportunities to explore EV technology understand its potential for Tonga’s energy future.

The event reinforced that while the arrival of new technologies cannot be stopped, Tonga can proactively embrace and prepare for change, ensuring the country benefits from cleaner, more sustainable transport solutions.

Participants during the session on Friday 27th March 2026

Some of participants during the EV Exhibition session on Friday 27th March 2026