Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely seen as the responsible future of transportation, and the Arctic is seeing increased EV adoption. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded a 5-year research effort, Electric Vehicles in the Arctic (EVITA), to determine EV’s interactions with cold weather, microgrids, people, and policy. The project will advance the knowledge of off-road vehicle end use in rural communities, EV performance in extremely cold temperatures, economic constraints around EV use, and how EVs would integrate with existing vehicle use patterns and needs.
Communities involved
Qikiqtaġruk (Kotzeube) is home to approximately 3,100 residents. Residents of Kotzebue are primarily Inupiat (~65%), and subsistence activities are an integral part of the lifestyle. Winters are long, but summers are pleasant.
Notaalee Denh (Galena) is home to approximately 475 residents. Residents of Galena are primarily Athabascan (~65%), and subsistence activities are an integral part of the lifestyle. Temperatures are extreme with harsh winters (-50F) and hot summers (80F).