Driving an electric car in the desert climate of Ouarzazate, Morocco, raises the question of whether electric cars can truly work in challenging environments. The answer lies in the abundance of solar power available in the region. The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, with its 582MW capacity, plays a crucial role in reducing Morocco’s dependence on imported energy. With nearly 3500 hours of sunshine per year, the region is an ideal place to harness solar power on a large scale.
Starting the drive from the Noor complex, the Skoda Enyaq Coupé 85x is well-equipped to handle the desert climate, despite the lack of a fast charger at the facility. The car’s range of 332 miles provides ample distance to explore the Sahara. The Enyaq’s noise isolation and quiet interior create a surreal contrast to the bustling streets of Ouarzazate.
As the drive continues towards the Sahara, the Enyaq’s performance shines on the smooth Moroccan roads. The car’s four-wheel drive capability proves useful when navigating through loose gravel and shifting sand. However, the lack of EV infrastructure becomes apparent as charging options are limited in the region.
Reaching the Sahara with just under 50% charge, it becomes clear that EV infrastructure is lacking in remote areas. While some hotels, like Sbai Palace, have installed EV chargers, the overall charging network remains sparse. The limited charging options raise questions about the feasibility of electric cars in areas where money is scarce and historic sites remain unrepaired.
Despite these challenges, the potential for electric cars in the Sahara is evident. The region’s vast solar power resources and the benefits of electric vehicles’ efficiency make them a suitable choice for this environment. However, significant investment is needed to develop both solar power infrastructure and a reliable EV charging network. Until then, affordable electric cars and widespread infrastructure remain a distant possibility.
In conclusion, driving an electric car in the desert climate of Ouarzazate demonstrates the potential and challenges of electric vehicles in remote and challenging environments. The abundance of solar power makes the Sahara an ideal location for harnessing clean energy, but the lack of EV infrastructure poses significant barriers. While electric cars may not be a practical option in the Sahara at present, continued development and investment could make them a viable choice in the future.