Explorer the glaciers in Jasper National Park in an EV

Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality has introduced an electric vehicle to its fleet operating tours on the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park, Alberta. The new Electric Ice Explorer, developed in collaboration with Manitoba-based Noble Northern, will join the company’s existing glacier tour vehicles, offering visitors a quieter and more environmentally friendly way to explore the Columbia Icefield. The tours will maintain their usual features, including guided interpretation and glacier walks, while incorporating this innovative electric technology. The Electric Ice Explorer features a significantly redesigned frame that is over 50% lighter than its predecessor, enhancing efficiency and performance on challenging glacier terrain. It is equipped with bifacial solar panels, regenerative braking, and advanced safety systems such as geofencing technology to control speed and braking within designated glacier zones. These enhancements aim to improve operational safety and reduce environmental impact, while providing guests with a more immersive experience by allowing natural glacier sounds to be heard inside the cabin. This pilot initiative forms part of a wider strategy by Pursuit to reduce emissions and environmental footprint on the Columbia Icefield. The company has already upgraded ten of its existing Ice Explorer vehicles with cleaner EPA Tier 3 and Tier 4 engines and replaced a diesel generator at the site with a propane system, cutting the facility’s carbon emissions by over 30%. Stuart Back, COO of Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection, emphasised the importance of starting with a single electric vehicle to gather real-world data and refine the technology for future applications. Noble Northern’s president, Tye Noble, highlighted the technical advancements that have made the Electric Ice Explorer possible, noting that solar power integration of this scale was not feasible five years ago. The pilot will test the durability and efficiency of these innovations under demanding glacial conditions, potentially paving the way for broader electrification of glacier access vehicles. The project reflects a growing commitment within the tourism sector to embrace sustainable transport solutions in sensitive natural environments.