Day 5

The 2022 Arctic Road Rally officially came to an end Aug. 16, five days after the convoy of 10 electric vehicles set out from Fairbanks on the 1,096-mile roundtrip journey to the northernmost drivable point in the country. 

The electric vehicle demonstration was an unequivocal success. All 10 participating electric vehicles completed the trip. It achieved net-zero emissions thanks to renewable energy credits provided by Chugach Electric Association, which offset the climate impacts of the local power sources used along the route — the diesel and natural gas generators providing the electricity for Seven Mile Camp, Coldfoot, Alyeska Pipeline Pump Station 4, and elsewhere.

It’s a stepping stone on the path to hydrogen fuel cell and renewable energy-powered charging stations for future use. And it all helps build out the roadmap to increased vehicle electrification around the state: The connections made, conversations had, and data collected will help drive the next chapter of transportation innovation in Alaska and beyond.

While the rallying drivers wash the Dalton Highway mud off their vehicles, plans are already underway for Arctic Road Rally 2023. Interested in participating in next year’s event? Contact Tim Leach at Tim.Leach@LaunchAlaska.com.

Photo by Kirsten Swann / Launch Alaska.