Papua New Guinea (PNG) is taking a step towards cleaner transport and reduced carbon emissions, and dependence on fuel through electric vehicle (EV) adoption with a pilot programme launched just recently to trail it out.
Turra Holdings, Odesh Motors, and Sahul Energy recently announced the launch of PNG’s first EV pilot programme, bringing zero-emission light vehicles, trucks, and buses to the streets of Port Moresby, marking a historic milestone for the country’s transport sector and positions PNG at the forefront of the Pacific’s clean mobility transition.
The pilot programme aims to deploy electric vehicles across three categories:
- light passenger vehicles,
- medium-duty commercial trucks, and
- urban transit buses supported by a network of charging infrastructure at strategic locations across the National Capital District (NCD).
The initiative aims to generate real-world performance data on EV operations in PNG’s tropical climate, road conditions, and energy environment, building the evidence base for broader national adoption.
Subject to the successful completion of the Port Moresby pilot, the consortium plans to expand operations to Lae, PNG’s industrial capital and gateway to the Highlands region, establishing a national EV corridor between the country’s two largest cities.
“This is about more than vehicles, it’s about proving that Papua New Guinea can lead, not follow, in the clean energy transition. Our country has the sustainable energy resources to power an electric transport future, and today we are taking the first step,” said Turra Holdings Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Isikeli Taureka.
Odesh Motors Managing Director, Mr. Isaac Jipsy wants the public to not see EVs as a distant aspiration but as a practical and commercial opportunity for PNG today.
“Diesel costs in this country are among the highest in the region and compounded by the current turmoil in the Middle East. Every electric kilometre driven is money saved, emissions avoided, and energy independence gained for our nation.”
Sahul Energy’s Managing Director Mr. Martin Tambiawi, said, “Our role is to ensure that the energy infrastructure is ready for the vehicles. That means smart charging systems, solar and battery integration, and grid-ready designs that work in PNG’s conditions.”
He added that the pilot program aims to demonstrate that locally designed, locally owned clean energy infrastructure is the foundation for PNG’s electric transport future.
