Easee has completed a pilot project with Subaru Canada in the Northwest Territories, demonstrating that an electric vehicle can be charged in remote sub-Arctic conditions using power generated entirely from portable solar panels.
The trial involved charging a Subaru Solterra using a mobile setup comprising four next-generation solar panels connected to an EcoFlow battery and inverter system. Despite limited February daylight, the vehicle charged at approximately 25% of the speed of a conventional 7kW home or public charger.
The demonstration was conducted in collaboration with local technicians and observed by members of the Inuit community. It highlighted the feasibility of deploying smart, off-grid EV charging solutions in isolated and climate-impacted regions.
Anthony Fernandez, CEO of Easee, said the project showed that intelligent EV charging can function beyond traditional grid infrastructure. He noted that combining renewable energy generation, battery storage and smart charging technology can help remote communities reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels while strengthening energy resilience.
Madison Marple, PR Specialist at Subaru Canada, said the initiative demonstrated the durability and practicality of electric vehicles in extreme climates, adding that the Subaru Solterra was well-suited for the project.
Canada’s Arctic and sub-Arctic regions are warming at a rate significantly faster than temperate zones, with recent years bringing forest fires, drought conditions and rising living costs linked to fuel dependence. In response, solar energy adoption is increasing across the Northwest Territories, particularly around Yellowknife, as communities explore renewable solutions to enhance long-term sustainability.
During the pilot, the EV battery was also used to power a light inside an igloo, illustrating the potential of electric vehicles as mobile energy sources. Community members expressed interest in using portable renewable systems to charge electric snowmobiles and support traditional, nomadic lifestyles without relying on transported fuel.
Easee said the pilot provides a blueprint for remote electrification, showing how renewable generation, energy storage and smart charging infrastructure can operate effectively even in extreme climates. The company’s technology is designed to integrate with renewable systems and optimise charging performance both on-grid and off-grid.
The successful trial underscores the growing potential for zero-emission mobility solutions in remote regions facing logistical, environmental and economic challenges.
