So, what’s it like to become an EV owner and what advice can be given after one year of ownership?
Noosa Tony Clarke, co-ordinator of the ZEN Noosa EV and Electrify Everything Expo gives us his insights and a few tips. Within a few days of attending the 2022 ZEN Noosa EV Expo, where Tony had checked out all the EVs on show and spoken to private EV owners, he ordered a Tesla Model Y sight unseen to replace his eight-year-old Volkswagen Golf diesel wagon.
During the delivery wait period, and having never driven an EV before, Tony read Tesla’s online owner’s manual and watched their “get-to-know” videos. “It definitely helped me understand the location and nuances of the car’s controls and high-tech functionality, including regenerative braking, software upgrades, and battery charging,” he said. “I recommend others do the same for their chosen EV.
“EV charging is hassle-free. Unless travelling 250-plus kilometres in one day, I simply charge at home using a 240-volt 15-amp socket, usually weekly.”
When possible, Tony prefers to charge during the sunniest time of the day when there’s more renewable energy available. And for those with solar panels on their roof and who can charge their EV when it’s sunny, they could be enjoying 100 per cent cost-free (and zero emission) charging.
On the occasions when you do need on-road charging, Tony recommends installing the Plugshare app onto your mobile, to quickly locate charging stations in any selected location.
Similar to petrol station brands, you’ll see that there are numerous EV charging brands when using Plugshare, including Chargefox, Evie, BP Pulse, Exploren, AmpCharge, Tesla and others. Before using any of these brand’s charging stations, Tony recommends that you first install their app on your mobile, set up an account, and be familiar with each brand’s instructions on how to start charging.
A Better Route Planner (ABRP) is another app that EV owners can use for longer trips. After entering your EV’s make and model, you simply enter your final destination, and any stops along the way if you like, and the app lists where to charge and for how long, and can even navigate you there if needed.
“Playing with these various apps definitely helps eliminate any range-anxiety fears.” says Tony. A return trip of almost 5000 km to Victoria last month was the first big EV holiday trip for Tony and his wife. He says: “We loaded the camping gear and aimed to stay at national parks or free camping sites.”
They took five days travelling down the Pacific Highway, which included small deviations to reach their campsites. For the five-day inland return, they stayed off the usual Hume, New England or Newell Highways as much as possible and drove less-travelled and more-scenic routes including Murray Valley Highway, Great Alpine Road, Olympic and Waterfall Ways.
“Planning each day’s route and the required charge stops along the way became both easy and almost fun,” said Tony. “Most days involved two charges, each taking 30 to 40 minutes, which was just enough time to have a toilet break, grab some food, go shopping if needed, and stretch our legs.”
Tony says it was a great way to celebrate the first year of EV ownership, and he is already looking forward to their next EV adventure.
The free 2024 EV and Electrify Everything Expo is on Sunday 16 June along Sunshine Beach Road at Noosa Junction. Find out more and register you interest at noosaevexpo.com.au
Are you interested in finding out more or joining Zero Emissions Noosa? Go to zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au
