Subaru Sets Up EV Charger in One of the Planet's Most Remote Locations

Subaru is putting its EV charging stations to the test. The automaker has decided to put an electric vehicle charging station on one of the most remote islands in the world to see how it goes. Along with charging, the all-electric Subaru Solterra was also put through its paces on the island to see how it performed on the rugged roads.

Subaru's Electric Vehicle Charger Is Located 1200 Miles From the African Coast

One of the biggest hurdles in electric vehicle adoption is the lack of charging infrastructure. Though we discuss this a lot regarding the US, the rest of the world faces it on an even bigger scale. Subaru has decided to test the feasibility of EV use by putting a charging station on one of the most remote islands in the world. On the South Atlantic island of St. Helena, some 1200 miles off the coast of Africa, a new public EV charging station is ready for use.

St. Helena is planning to transition to sustainable energy and zero-emissions transportation by the end of the decade, marking a significant milestone. The all-electric Subaru Solterra was present to evaluate the charger, which turned out to be very effective. At present, the island relies heavily on diesel and gasoline vehicles, but there are hopes for a swift transformation.

Subaru and Easee Join Forces to Power the Island

Subaru, in collaboration with the Norwegian electric vehicle charger company Easee, has partnered with the government of St. Helena to develop this initiative. The island is renowned for two significant aspects: it served as Napoleon's last place of exile and is also the residence of Jonathan, a tortoise that is 192 years old.

This trial lasted for two months, testing how feasible it is to have the whole island utilizing electric vehicles in just a few years. The Easee Charge unit was installed beside the island’s Museum in the capital, Jamestown. Island power provider Connect St Helena Ltd powered the charger. The all-electric Subaru Solterra was also tested to see how the EV would withstand the various types of roadways. The Solterra isn't your typical EV; it is rugged and practical, and Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode systems were perfect for the island's terrain.

The island relies on Subaru vehicles for their durability, but they lack access to the latest electric vehicle technology. Navigating the streets of Jamestown can be challenging, as they are often unpaved and difficult to traverse. After a full day of driving, the Solterra experienced only a 20% reduction in battery life. The regenerative braking feature proved beneficial during the journey, allowing the Solterra EV to recharge whenever possible.

This Electric Vehicle Test Proved to Be Successful

Currently, approximately 25% of the island's energy requirements are met through wind and solar sources, with the remainder supplied by a diesel power plant. Fuel is imported annually from South Africa; however, the island aims to increase its renewable energy generation to 80% from wind and solar within the next three years.

The Subaru and Easee charging station will remain on the island for now, with more electric cars being imported shortly. Subaru said the Solterra was a hit with those on the island, making this test a win for both teams.