THE TRUTH ABOUT EVS, LONG-DISTANCE DRIVING & REGIONAL RECHARGING

EV Channels Review

John Cadogan delves into the realities of long-distance EV travel in Australia, using the Hyundai Kona Electric as a case study. While praising the Chargefox app for its seamless charger location, real-time status updates, and integrated payment system, he highlights significant limitations in regional charging infrastructure. Cadogan notes that while major coastal routes are generally covered, vast areas of regional New South Wales and Queensland remain 'recharging deserts.' He illustrates the impracticality of relying on slow, standard wall outlets for emergency charging, citing a hypothetical 350km trip requiring 20 hours. The review also touches on the potential for charger congestion and the inconvenient business hours of some charging stations. Ultimately, Cadogan suggests that while the Kona Electric is a pleasant vehicle to drive, the current charging network makes it challenging for extensive regional touring, leading him to consider plug-in hybrids a more practical, 'one-size-fits-all' solution for now. He also references a study indicating a significant percentage of Californian EV owners revert to gasoline vehicles due to charging frustrations.