Skaftafell acquires an electric vehicle
Vatnajökull National Park has acquired a new Polaris Ranger EV for use at the Skaftafell campsite. The vehicle is a lightweight electric 4x4, which will replace a diesel-fuelled pickup that has been in use for some years. The National Park's policy is to minimise its carbon footprint and environmental impact, and the introduction of the electric vehicle is one aspect of achieving that objective. All Iceland's electricity, of course, is “green” energy from hydro or geothermal plants.
The vehicle is powered by a 30-horsepower electric motor, which is ample for the tasks to be carried out around the campsite, such as collecting refuse sacks and transporting tools and cleaning materials. An additional advantage is that the vehicle is almost silent, and hence it will not disturb the peace of campers, nor startle the birds singing in the trees. With four-wheel drive, the vehicle can undertake more demanding tasks as they arise.
