Cars have shaped modern transportation, providing convenience and mobility.
At the same time, gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles contribute to pollution and climate change.
They release carbon emissions that affect air quality and increase global temperatures.
As more places look for cleaner energy solutions, some are taking steps to move away from fossil fuels.
St. Helena, a small British island in the South Atlantic, is making a major shift in this direction, according to Boosted.
All EVs Powered by Renewable Energy
The island’s government has announced plans to phase out gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles and transition to electric cars. The goal is to power all EVs on the island using only renewable energy.
With a population of just over 5,000, St. Helena has traditionally relied on older vehicles such as the Ford Fiesta, Ford Transit, and Land Rover Defender.
These vehicles, along with the island’s diesel power station, require costly fuel imports.
Each year, the island spends around £5 million on diesel, which powers both transportation and electricity.
Mark Brooks, the Minister for Finance and Economic Development, explained that the shift to electric vehicles is not just about reducing emissions but also about lowering costs.
Fuel imports are expensive due to shipping fees and storage requirements.
The island plans to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2028.
To support this transition, St. Helena has received a Subaru Solterra electric SUV along with a charging station supplied by the Norwegian company Easee.
This charger, installed in the capital city of Jamestown, is now considered the most remote public EV charging station in the world.
Interest in the project is already growing.
Three residents have shown interest in purchasing the imported Solterra. The new charging station is set to become part of a larger network designed to support more EVs by 2025.
One current EV owner, Derek Pedley, shared his experience of driving an electric car on the island. He noted that maintenance has been minimal, limited mainly to brakes and tires.
While enthusiasm is increasing, affordability remains a challenge. The government is looking into incentives to make EVs a more practical option for residents.
