The author embarks on a road trip in an electric vehicle (EV) from Sydney to Falls Creek and Mount Hotham in Victoria, Australia. They encounter the challenges of range anxiety and the inadequacy of EV charging infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. The trip highlights the need for careful planning and the importance of knowing charging point locations and their capabilities. The author reflects on the growing popularity of EVs and the potential for a shift in long-distance travel, but questions whether Australia is ready for this change.
The Zeekr 7X, a mid-size SUV, is a smooth and comfortable drive, but its range of 600 kilometers is not sufficient for a full day's journey. The author learns about superchargers, kilowatts, and different charging plug types, as well as the cost of charging, which is almost $70 for a full charge. The lack of signage and the limited number of charging points in rural areas pose significant challenges, with the author having to wait for others to finish charging at a point in Beechworth.
The author concludes that while Australians are ready for the EV road-trip revolution, the country's infrastructure is not. This experience underscores the need for improved EV charging infrastructure and better planning for long-distance EV travel in Australia.
