In a world where electric vehicles (EVs) are often met with skepticism, especially regarding their ability to tackle long-distance journeys, it's time to challenge these misconceptions. This article will delve into a real-life adventure, a 1,000-kilometer road trip, and explore the fascinating insights it offers.
The Adventure Unveiled
My friend Craig Harvey and I embarked on a daring journey, a 1,000-kilometer round trip from Canberra to remote New South Wales and back, all in a single day. Our mission? To prove that EVs are not only capable of such feats but can do so with efficiency and style.
The EV Benchmark: A New Challenge
Inspired by Norwegian YouTuber Bjorn Nyland's 1,000-Kilometer Challenge, we set out to create our own benchmark. Nyland's decade-long journey across Norway with press cars provided a unique perspective, pitting vehicles with long ranges against those with faster charging capabilities. It's like a high-speed race, but with a twist - a test of both range and charging efficiency.
Planning the Perfect Route
Using the A Better Route Planner (ABRP), I meticulously mapped out our journey from Hall Village to Hay and back. The route, spanning approximately 990 kilometers, ventured into the remote regions of New South Wales, a true test of our EV's capabilities. ABRP suggested three strategic stops, ensuring we could maintain an efficient charging schedule.
The Journey Unfolds
Hall to Gumly Gumly (220 km): We started early, with a full charge, and cruised at a steady pace. Our first stop, Gumly Gumly, offered a quick 9-minute charge, adding 20% to our battery, just enough time for a mid-morning coffee break. The Alpitronic Hyperchargers provided an insightful charge curve, a treat for the tech-savvy.
Gumly Gumly to Hay (273 km): With a fresh driver, we continued our journey, meeting local councillors in Hay and discussing the town's solar initiatives. This leg required a longer charging session, reaching 76% in 20 minutes using the NRMA chargers. The experience highlighted the impressive charging infrastructure in even remote areas.
Hay to Gumly Gumly (273 km): Back on the road, we made our way back to Gumly Gumly, aiming to beat the sunset. This leg required a quick 14-minute charge, utilizing the 300 kW power of the Hyperchargers.
Gumly Gumly to Hall (220 km): The final stretch saw us returning to Hall in near darkness, completing our 1,000-kilometer journey.
The Cost Factor
Charging at high-powered DC fast chargers comes at a premium, reflecting the advanced equipment used. Our total DC charging cost for the trip was $89, which, when considering our home charging setup, equates to approximately $100 for the entire 1,000 kilometers. This cost is comparable to traditional ICE vehicles of similar size.
Reflections and Insights
Our journey was smooth, and the charging experience was excellent. However, we realized that such short stops on a 1,000-kilometer trip can be tiring. A more relaxed pace, utilizing slower and cheaper chargers, might be a better approach for a more enjoyable journey.
The 'Stop, Survive, Revive' recommendations suggest a 15-minute break every two hours, totaling one hour for our 10-hour trip. With two drivers, we exceeded this recommendation, ensuring a well-rested and enjoyable experience.
Busting the Myth
Our adventure proves that EVs are capable of long-distance travel, and with efficient planning, the charging process can be seamless. The key lies in understanding your vehicle's capabilities and utilizing the right charging infrastructure.
In my opinion, this journey highlights the evolving landscape of EV technology and the need to challenge preconceived notions. It's time to embrace the future of sustainable travel!
