The Arktikugol trust is moving toward a full renewal of its vehicle fleet on the Svalbard archipelago, planning to acquire about 50 electric vehicles to switch entirely to electric propulsion. This update comes through recent industry reporting.
Reports indicate that the first electric car from a Chinese manufacturer has already arrived in Barentsburg, the administrative center of Russian Spitsbergen. Anton Sergeev, the trust’s deputy general director, explained that the fleet transformation aligns with Norway’s decision to phase out gasoline-powered cars with internal combustion engines from 2025 onward. The move is framed as part of a broader push toward sustainable transport in Arctic regions and suggests Barentsburg could become one of the first Russian settlements to offer a fully eco-friendly transportation system.
Meanwhile, in the private sector, Andrey Reznikov, a managing partner at Motorinvest, has been discussing new electric offerings. The i-Jet crossover is slated for production under the Evolute brand and is expected to reach the market in August, with sales beginning in September. Additionally, Motorinvest is planning a seven-seat minivan named i-Van to meet growing demand in the family and group transport segment by the end of the third quarter of the year.
Earlier industry chatter noted that automation and robotics are being integrated into EV sales strategies in some markets, with Optimus androids reportedly assisting in the promotion of electric vehicles. This trend signals a broader shift in how carmakers and distributors leverage technology to accelerate adoption and awareness of electric mobility in challenging environments like the Arctic.
Overall, the developments point to a future where remote Arctic communities and regional players simultaneously pursue decarbonization and energy resilience. The convergence of government policy, corporate innovation, and strategic fleet modernization could redefine transportation in Svalbard and similar northern territories, highlighting how regional actors adapt to evolving regulatory timelines and consumer demand for clean, quiet, and efficient mobility. At stake is not only the environmental footprint but also the operational reliability of transport networks across challenging terrains and climates.