British businessman Derek Pedley, who is one of five people to already be running an EV on the island, told Autocar that the powertrain’s simplicity will lead to hundreds of EVs being imported within the next five years.
His confidence has led him to begin importing a small fleet of electric Minis. He will also drape them with the St Helena flag.
“The experience that. I have had running an electric car on the island has been nothing but positive. It’s been very reliable,” said Pedley. “Repairs have been basically [only related to the] brakes and tyres, which are standard on any vehicle. I think the transition is about to begin.”
A big pull for St Helena is its lack of import tax, meaning EVs will be cheaper to buy there than in the UK proper.
However, wages are low (£9000 per annum on average), meaning the government is having to look for other incentives when it comes to generating mass appeal for EVs.
Subarus way off the beaten track
The Solterra turned out to be the perfect EV to test on St Helena. Why? Because, surprisingly, the island has a bustling Subaru culture.
Despite being 1200 miles from the nearest land, a few brave souls have imported some Japanese-market classics, including a dozen Subaru Impreza WRXs – perfect for the handful of switchback mountain roads, all of which would make sublime rally stages.
The local Subaru owners gathered to see the Solterra. Alex Hudson, who is in his third Impreza, a UK-market 2006 WRX, said: “With all the steep bends on the roads here, all-wheel drive is perfect, so Subarus have kind of got under our skin on St Helena.
“They used to be cheap, but now they have gone up in value, which is nice.
“I like the look of the electric one. It’s good to see Subaru coming up with new tech. But I’m not selling my Impreza!”
Jeremy Hart
