Can you do a Kiwi road trip in an EV?
This was fun.
I’ve had a lot of ‘range anxiety’ when it comes to using EVs around New Zealand. Sure, I’m more than happy to use them within my CBD-centric range but venturing further afield? I have had zero need, and as such I have had nothing but questions when planning this trip.
This is of course typical.
If we don’t trust the science fully, or the people fully, we tend to be deeply suspicious of the ‘new’ things.
A road trip in an EV is a new thing for me.
I’m more than comfortable using recycled dinosaurs in my vehicles, and I’m ok with a hybrid - much more range as you’re using both worlds. But an EV? Eek.
Mevo (the car share company - definitely recommended by the way) had an offer where I could have a BYD Atto 3 for 7 days, for $700. Including charging costs! Not bad eh? So I took it up.
[side note: I have been using Mevo for 2 years. An amazing service/solution. Use this link to sign up. You won’t regret it.]
Here is a video I made of the trip.
The trip was successful. I’ll start there.
The key is to change your mindset around traveling. Be prepared to stop every 2 or 2 1/2 hours to recharge. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as you can plug in and go shop. Or grab a coffee. And it is well understood that taking breaks when driving is healthy and indeed, wise.
The challenges arrive when you turn up at a charger and there is a queue.
Unlike recycled dinosaurs that allow you to fill and move in within minutes, the time needed to get you to 80% can be 30-40 minutes.
And then you’ll take 30-40 minutes to charge your vehicle - so if you’re in a rush to get to your destination, it can be a bit fraught.
The other observation I’ve made is that the charge stations are out in the open, with no shelter. So if it is raining, you will get wet. If it is cold, you will get cold. I feel there is an opportunity for the future in improving the experience for EV users. Just saying.
I covered 1,636 kilometers over 5 days/4 nights. 9 stops were required to charge up. And I spent less than $250 NZD on ‘fuel’. I feel that that is less expensive than 91 Octane? Hmmm.
Here are some links you may want to check out:
Dreamscape in Waikanae can be found here: https://dreamscapeglamping.co.nz/
ChargeNet info can be found here: https://charge.net.nz/
A Better Route Planner info can be found here: https://abetterrouteplanner.com/
And if you’re looking for things to do at a discounted rate, Get Your Guide will sort you out!
