Subaru UK has embarked on an exciting collaboration with the Norwegian EV charger brand Easee and the St Helena Government to support a groundbreaking trial of what is being described as the world’s most remote public electric vehicle (EV) charge point. Set on the tiny volcanic island of St Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean (some 1,200 miles from the coast of Africa) this project is more than an ambitious technical experiment; it represents a pivotal step in the island’s transition to sustainable energy and zero-emissions transportation by the end of the decade.
The centerpiece of this trial is the all-electric Subaru Solterra, which was transported from the UK on the island’s monthly supply ship. Once arrived, the permanent All-Wheel Drive EV showcased its robust capabilities across St Helena’s challenging terrain, conquering sealed roads, dirt tracks, and narrow, winding lanes. The vehicle’s performance highlighted Subaru’s legendary durability, utilizing regenerative braking for energy recovery on steep downhill segments. Astonishingly, a full day covering approximately 50 miles on the 10×5-mile island consumed a mere 20% of the Solterra’s battery capacity.
At the heart of the initiative is the Easee Charge unit, installed next to the Museum in Jamestown, the island’s capital. Connected by the island’s power provider, Connect St Helena Ltd, the charging station underscores Easee’s commitment to ensuring accessibility and reliability for EV users in even the most remote locations. Adam Rodgers, Managing Director of Easee UK, emphasized the charger’s durability, stating with confidence, “We don’t believe location should be a barrier to the EV transition at all”.
St Helena, already known for its fascinating history as Napoleon’s place of exile and as the home of Jonathan, the world’s oldest tortoise, is now setting its sights on becoming a green energy leader. Currently, renewable energy sources like wind and solar provide 25% of the island’s power, with the remaining 75% generated by a diesel station, incurring fuel costs of £5 million annually. However, the local government aims to increase renewable energy output to 80% by 2028, making the adoption of EVs a logical next step. Incentives have also been introduced to encourage residents to import low-emission and electric vehicles, incentivizing this transition.
The Subaru Solterra not only garnered technical approval during the trial but also captured the hearts of local residents, many of whom expressed interest in purchasing the vehicle. This enthusiasm points to the promising future of sustainable transport on the island, with plans to expand the charging infrastructure to support a growing fleet of EVs for both locals and tourists.
For Subaru UK, this project is a testament to their vehicle’s ability to excel in extreme conditions, with Lorraine Bishton, Managing Director of Subaru UK, noting, “If you can operate an electric vehicle in this type of environment, then you really can anywhere.” This statement encapsulates the spirit of the trial—where innovation meets sustainability to prove that even the most remote corners of the world can embrace the EV revolution.
With the infrastructure roll-out set to continue, St Helena is poised to demonstrate how small, isolated communities can lead the charge towards a cleaner, greener future, one electric vehicle, one charger, and one bold initiative at a time.
