If you’ve been having coffee or lunch at Nambawan Cafe, you might’ve noticed a subtle shift in the air — and no, it’s not just the sea breeze.

It’s the quiet hum of electric vehicles. From early adopters zipping around Luganville, to Ed McQuire’s very recognizable ride, and now hybrid models like Wuling (sold at the Convention Centre) and Suzuki (available at Intraco) popping up, it’s clear, electric is here to stay. There are other models too, but these are the ones I’ve actually seen.

But now comes something even more interesting — an actual EV charging station, planted right in front of the popular Nambawan Cafe at Feiawa Park. Yes, a charging port, where you can power up your vehicle while you power down a coffee.

Is it public? Not yet. It’s privately owned by the cafe owner. But its presence in such a visible, public spot? That’s bold. It’s like saying, “We see the future… and it needs caffeine.”

We’ve all grown up with petrol stations—those loud, smelly places where you line up to overpay for fuel. But imagine a future where your “refueling” happens at your favourite coffee shop, a restaurant, or a scenic charging hub by the sea. You sip, scroll, snack… and your car quietly fills up with clean energy.

This Nambawan charger isn’t just a plug. It’s a business opportunity, a sneak peek into a niche market that’s just starting to wake up. Think about charging stations all over Port Vila, offering fee-based EV charging while avoiding global fuel drama. No more price hikes because someone sneezed in the Middle East.

And honestly, it reminded me of Ed. You know, the guy with solar panels covering his entire roof and a stockpile of EV chargers in his garage? One time he casually said, “I have enough power already—I should start sharing some.” That’s not just being generous. That’s basically running your own grid, LOL.

I haven’t caught up with him or his latest solar gadgets lately, but this Nambawan installation definitely brings back memories. Knowing Ed, he’s probably charging three cars, a boat, and a blender—all with the sun.

So next time you’re at Nambawan Cafe, look over at that sleek little charger. It’s not just a plug-in point. It’s a symbol of progress, a hint that the electric revolution isn’t coming — it’s already here.

Get ready, Vanuatu. The charge is on.