Geelong Sustainability member, Rob Gardner, writes about his recent experience in switching to an electric vehicle:
In late November 2023, I decided to switch gears and buy my first electric car. After weighing up my options, I settled on the BYD Dolphin—it seemed like the best fit for my needs.
There were plenty of other choices out there, both new and second-hand, ranging from the fancy BYD Atto to the speedy BYD Seal and various models from MG, GWM Ora, and many more expensive models. In the end, the Dolphin, with its five seats, four doors, and a 60kWh battery offering a range of 490km, won me over, especially considering its $47,000 price tag.
Eager to put my new wheels to the test, I spent the next 12 weeks exploring the Bellarine Peninsula, leisurely drives to Kennett River and the Brisbane Ranges, as well as up to Melbourne. Over this time I clocked over 3,500km with a range of 410 to 490km. Charging was easy, thanks to my wall-mounted 7kW charger at home, supplemented by occasional free recharges. Harnessing solar power during the day proved to be a game-changer, costing me a mere cent per kilometre, while overnight charging at off-peak rates came in at three cents per kilometre.
It is a pleasure driving past petrol stations, with my weekly expenses plummeting from over $50 to a mere $5 of electricity, a welcome relief for my wallet. My son-in-law drives an Atto 3 over 100km per day and saves over $150 per week, avoiding lots of refueling time.
With no range anxiety to speak of, I embarked on a 14-day road trip to the north of Sydney, covering 2,520km of varied terrain. While high-speed stretches zapped my range (to 345km), slower scenic routes balanced the scales, offering an overall trip range of 387km. Navigating the hilly landscapes was a revelation, with the regenerative braking system proving its worth on descents, offsetting the uphill energy expenditure.
Recharging in Victoria was a breeze, thanks to established suppliers like Evie and Chargefox, their locations mapped out on the Plugshare App with their availability, speed and nearby points of interest. However, the New South Wales leg of my journey presented a stark contrast. There are multiple recharging suppliers on the main roads, however there was little apparent coordination and few in rural areas. Despite the challenges, I didn’t run out of juice, albeit at the cost of juggling multiple apps and frequent calls to helplines. Although there are a lot of chargers around Sydney and on major highways, there is a definite opportunity to coordinate them (similar to how toll roads have developed). I also couldn’t help but notice the shortcomings in some charging stations—exposed to the elements and poorly designed, they left much to be desired.
The financial savings were evident, with my electric-charging bill at $170, a fraction of the $330 I’d spend on petrol in my previous vehicle. Even partial overnight charges at friends’ and family directly from a standard socket proved simple, giving my battery a quick top-up when needed.
Overall, it is easy driving within my local area, with drives of around 200km per day and hassle-free overnight recharges or during the day with solar (in my case). Long-distance trips demanded a bit more planning, but with pit stops every 2 – 4 hours for a quick charge of 20 – 50 minutes timed with toilet breaks, meals, and visiting shops and points of interest, it became a seamless and interesting part of the journey.
With advancements on the horizon, including more recharging stations opening, I remain hopeful for a future where recharging would be as effortless as charging your mobile phone—a seamless experience that enhances, rather than hinders, the joy of driving electric.
Rob Gardner
Geelong Sustainability Member
Another Geelong Sustainability member and volunteer, James Rourke-Dunkley, also recently wrote about his experience and cost of driving on a recent road trip to Canberra. Read the full article.