annual km std is less than 400 km per week , or 80 km per weekday , so taking the car out during the day , coming back to base or home and charging overnight makes for efficient and easy driving . You can even travel 150km away and come back easily on one charge in many EV ’ s . But what about longer country driving ?
So , your car says it has 495 km available charge , and you set off at 80 km and then 110km an hour once you hit the freeway . When driving at 110 km an hour , the car uses approximately 25 – 35 % more energy per km than driving at 90 – 100km per hour . Real world tests by Red Cross found
Speed
110 km / hr 65 - 70 km 100 km / hr 95 km 80 - 90 km / hr 100km
Km achieved per 100km range on “ tank ”
50- 60 km / hr Aggressive regeneration , 120km
The above figures do not take into account using your aircon or heating the batteries , or driving in sports mode – all of which will reduce range even further . Now you also need to consider on a long trip whether you want to do 80 % charge at an ultra-fast charger or wait for a full charge . Charging to 100 % on ultra-fast charges denigrates the battery life , as does frequent charging to 80 %. Occasional use is not thought to be detrimental . The issue is managing the heat from the fast charging ( think of a mobile phone getting hot and then ceasing to work when on long and fast charges whilst being used ).
Red Cross has proved the point of long-distance usage by driving Melb to Adl , Melb to Canberra and Melb to Sydney , all trips done in a day . So , it can be done .
But if you don ’ t want to hang around longer than normal at rest stops waiting for your EV to charge , an 80 % charge is needed ( 30 -40 mins ) v full charge ( 60 – 90 mins ). And if you travel at 110km hr for long distances , effective tank range may be 300km only ( 80 % full x 70 % effective range x 500km ) is approx . 300km per tank . So , a little more planning than what is normal behaviour re filling up at any one of many petrol stations .
Which charging network will you use ?
There are a number of public charging networks to choose from . Plugshare app shows multiple networks , but not all as individual organisations are setting up their own EV charging networks which includes the likes of NRMA and traditional fuel providers such as AMPOL and BP . You can use any of these if the power connector is suitable i . e . Tesla has it ’ s own unique power connector so only Tesla ’ s can charge their EV ’ s . Chargefox , or Evie or Snip , or chargepoint each requires an account and authentication . It ’ s a bit like the old days when motorpass emerged consolidating petrol suppliers on one card . Look for a network that has good distribution on your normal routes , and preferably with an easy to use intuitive app . Some apps help you plan your route . Others are clearly not designed for mere humans .
Planning your trip
To ensure you get to your destination on time , you need to know which of 5 plug types your car has , and which combinations of chargers it will work on .
Then you need to determine distance you can travel between fills , and the type of charger at the locations where you can fill up , which will dictate rest length . I found ultra-fast chargers filled up to 80 %, with enough time to stop , grab a drink , use the amenities and have a quick stretch and walk in 30 mins or so . But sometimes one charger may be broken and someone else is on the other charger , which will delay your journey , or you may need to use the fast charger , not ultra-fast if you want to get on your way immediately .
Something fascinating and scary – many of the charging systems use a mobile phone app to connect and charge your account . The app is needed for validation and turning on , turning off the charger to your car once connected . In multiple regional places , mobile phone connectivity is patchy at best making connecting to the charger and getting it operational a frustrating experience . I needed to stand within 50 cm of the charger for it to register , lift my phone up high , face a certain direction and finally after 15 mins I managed to connect . It took me another 5 minutes doing the same dance to turn off the charger . So the learning is , if travelling in regional Australia , including major highways ensure that your mobile has a service with better coverage if you want to easily activate the chargers !!!
So , what did we learn ?
• Training is imperative – there is a lot to know about your EV , charging and range .
• Lean on suppliers and industry for help ( energy / charger provider , your Fleet management Operator and industry association ( AFMA have links to
6 ISSUE 34 MAY 2022 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU