
In May and June this year my partner and I drove a Kia Nero EV to Magnetic Island and back.
For us it was a unique way to travel and, having it on loan from friends, a chance to assess our plans to buy one.
It had its ups and downs.
Charging infrastructure was limited by distance between charging stations, and, at charge stations
by charging speeds, unusable second station plugs, and chargers not working,
Further slowing travel time beyond a standard 30-45 minute charge, were charge station queues and drivers charging over 80%. Plus the lack of lunch spots or shops in some locations made a later second stop necessary.
Besides charge stations we used slow charging overnight at motels, campgrounds and when staying with friends.
These constraints, limiting driving to 4 hours plus downtime, meant we drove fewer kilometres each day but visited towns and stayed overnight in places we would have otherwise passed by.
Concerns remain about the public perception of EVs as “green”. Yes, they have no tailpipe emissions but, so long as the majority of electrons in the grid are generated from burning fossil fuels, the EV alternative isn’t emissions free.
And in considering EVs in urban settings, let’s remember that instead of manufacturing one EV battery, 100s of electric bike batteries could be made from the same resources.
— Mark Carter