World’s Most Remote Charger Fuels British Territory’s Electric Future

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In an inspiring move towards sustainability, one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet, St Helena, is forging ahead with ambitious plans to transition to an all-electric landscape. This initiative follows the success of recent trials involving electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations that could set a precedent for zero-emission transport in isolated regions.
Nestled in the South Atlantic Ocean, over 1,000 miles from the west coast of Africa, St Helena is a British overseas territory famed for its rich history, including being the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte. With a modest population of approximately 5,000 residents, this island has begun laying the groundwork for a sustainable future that could serve as a model for other remote communities worldwide.
The St Helena Government has been at the forefront of these pioneering efforts, collaborating with Subaru and the EV charging brand Easee to assess the viability and adaptability of electric vehicles on the island. The two-month trial period included the installation of an Easee Charge unit near the island’s capital, Jamestown, which was seamlessly integrated into the local power grid managed by Connect St Helena. The unit was primarily used to charge an all-electric Subaru Solterra, which was put through its paces across the island’s varied and rugged terrain.
The Subaru Solterra, an all-wheel-drive SUV, was transported to the island via the regular monthly supply ship from Subaru UK. Throughout the trial, it was tested on both the sealed roads of Jamestown and the more challenging dirt tracks that crisscross St Helena’s volcanic landscape. The results of these trials have been promising, demonstrating the potential for this small island—measuring just 10 miles long and five miles wide—to fully embrace electric transportation.
St Helena’s Government is already incentivising the import of low-emission vehicles for its residents, and with a shift towards sustainable power generation on the horizon, the territory is poised to become one of the first locations globally to achieve a zero-emission automotive footprint. Currently, the island’s energy mix includes a wind farm and a solar array that together provide up to 25% of its electricity needs, while the remainder is still sourced from a diesel power station. Each year, £5 million worth of fuel is shipped from South Africa to power this station. However, the St Helena Government has set an ambitious goal of generating 80% of the island’s energy from renewable sources—wind and solar—by 2028.
During the trials, the Subaru Solterra garnered considerable interest among the local population, with many residents expressing a desire to purchase the vehicle upon its completion of the testing phase. Adam Rodgers, the Managing Director of Easee UK, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “This project resonates with us for a couple of reasons. Firstly, we don’t believe location should be a barrier to the EV transition at all. Secondly, the robustness, durability, and efficacy of our charger really is a powerful accolade of which we take pride, so that we know we can place it somewhere as remote as St Helena.”
From Subaru’s perspective, Lorraine Bishton, Managing Director of Subaru UK, highlighted the significance of being involved in a project that could lead to a fully sustainable future for St Helena. “To be honest, if you can operate an electric vehicle in this type of environment, then you really can anywhere,” she stated, reinforcing the notion that electric vehicles are viable no matter the geographical challenges.
As part of the initiative to enhance the island’s green credentials, the Easee charging point will remain on St Helena, forming part of a broader charging network that is set to be developed for a small fleet of electric cars scheduled for import in 2025. Mark Brooks, St Helena’s Minister for Treasury and Economic Development, emphasised the importance of rolling out this infrastructure: “The next step is to roll out the infrastructure so that we are using electric vehicles more and more on the island. There is a lot of diesel and petrol vehicles primarily, and we want to change that behaviour and start to use more electric vehicles.”
St Helena’s journey towards sustainability is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating a cleaner, greener future for its residents while setting an example for other remote communities around the world. This initiative reflects a growing recognition that even the most isolated places can contribute to the global fight against climate change.
As we continue to monitor this transformative project, it’s clear that St Helena is not only investing in electric vehicles but also paving the way for renewable energy solutions that could redefine how remote islands operate in the future. The commitment to sustainability shown by the St Helena Government, in collaboration with Subaru and Easee, may well inspire similar efforts in other regions, proving that sustainability knows no bounds.
In a world increasingly focused on achieving net zero emissions and embracing sustainable practices, St Helena stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation. As we cheer on the progress of this small island, let us also remember that the path to a greener future is one that requires dedication, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace change. Together, we can all work towards a world where electric vehicles and renewable energy are the norm rather than the exception.
Stay tuned to Net Zero News for further updates on St Helena’s electrifying journey and other groundbreaking initiatives from across the globe that are contributing to a sustainable future.