Subaru and Easee make history with sub-Arctic EV charging trial
Subaru Canada and Norwegian EV smart-charging firm Easee have completed a pioneering pilot scheme in Canada’s sub-Arctic Northwest Territories by using electricity generated solely by portable solar panels to charge a Solterra SUV.
Using four latest-generation solar panels connected to an Ecoflow battery with an inverter system, a team of local technicians from the sub-Arctic area managed to charge the facelifted Solterra at approximately 25% the speed of a 7kW home wallbox or a slow public charger.
The project was carried out to show how smart EV infrastructure can operate beyond traditional grid-connected settings, especially in climate change-affected areas.
Climate change is affecting Canada’s Arctic and sub-Arctic regions three times faster than in warmer areas, and local Inuit communities have experienced increased living costs as they remain reliant on fossil fuels transported over vast distances.
With low pollution and intense sunlight, solar power and electrification are becoming increasingly popular power solutions in these remote regions, as they reduce dependence on fossil fuels and open up new possibilities for transport, energy independence, and lower-emission living.
Looking to an electrified, renewable-based future in Arctic regions, Easee suggested that roll-up solar panels and portable wind turbines could reduce reliance on traditional fuels.
Following its successful tie-up with Subaru, Easee CEO, Anthony Fernandez commented: “We’ve demonstrated that smart EV charging can operate beyond traditional grid infrastructure. Using portable solar power in sub-Arctic conditions, we’ve shown that electrification is viable even in remote environments.
“Our purpose is to make electrification effortless for everyone. That includes communities that depend on transported fuel and face increasing climate pressure. With renewable generation, storage and intelligent charging working together, clean mobility can strengthen energy resilience and reduce reliance on imported fuels.”
Madison Marple from Subaru Canada, added: “This project was a natural fit for the Subaru Solterra. It’s important to continue to demonstrate the durability and viability of electric vehicles in more extreme climates, and we are grateful for the help of Easee and our other project partners to bring this demonstration to life.”
Previously, Subaru and Easee collaborated on fitting the world’s most remote EV charger, installing a device on the tiny islanad of St Helena.
Based on the same underpinnings as the all-electric Toyota bZ4X, the all-wheel drive (AWD) only Subaru Solterra is priced from £52,505 in the UK. With its 71.4kWh battery, Subaru’s only SUV at present can manage up to 289 miles from a single charge and charge from 0-80% in 30 minutes using a 150kW rapid charger.
