Easee, a Norwegian pioneer in smart EV charging technology, has successfully completed a pilot programme with Subaru in Canada’s Northwest Territories, marking an off-grid victory for EVs.

The trial saw an electric Subaru Solterra charged in the remote sub-Arctic just using power generated solely from portable solar panels.

Carried out in collaboration with technicians from the Territory and observed by members of the local Inuit community, the fully electric family SUV was charged up using a test rig comprising four latest-generation solar panels connected to an Ecoflow battery and inverter system. Despite the challenging February light conditions, the vehicle charged reliably at approximately 25% of the speed of a conventional 7kW home or public charger.

The two firms said the project highlights the transformative potential of smart, flexible charging solutions in some of the most remote and climate-impacted regions on Earth.

Anthony Fernandez, chief executive of Easee, remarked: “Together with Subaru, 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.”

The trial supports Easee’s mission to make electrification effortless for everyone, including 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,” said Fernandez.

The two firms said the pilot provides a blueprint for how renewable generation, battery storage and intelligent EV charging can work together – even in extreme climates.

Climate change is impacting Canada’s Arctic and sub-Arctic regions at a rate three times faster than temperate and tropical zones. In recent years, forest fires have forced evacuations in Yellowknife, while drought conditions have affected water supplies. At the same time, the cost of living has surged as communities remain heavily reliant on fossil fuel flown or transported in over vast distances.

With unpolluted skies and intense sunlight, solar power adoption is accelerating across the Northwest Territories, particularly in and around Yellowknife. More remote communities are now exploring how renewables, combined with electrification, can reduce fuel dependency and improve long-term resilience.

The pilot between Easee and Subaru demonstrates how smart EV charging infrastructure could open new possibilities for transport, energy independence and lower-emission living in the North.

Madison Marple, PR Specialist with Subaru Canada, said: “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.”