A 1,000 km day trip in our EV to a country town and back – and just 43 minutes charge time

A recent long-distance journey undertaken by Ben Elliston and his friend Craig Harvey demonstrated the practicality of electric vehicles (EVs) for extended trips, covering nearly 1,000 kilometres from Canberra to remote parts of New South Wales and back in a single day. Using a Hyundai IONIQ 5, they planned the route with the help of A Better Route Planner (ABRP), targeting three charging stops along the way. Their aim was to dispel common scepticism about EVs’ range and charging times by showing that such a trip is not only feasible but also efficient in terms of charging duration. The route took them from Hall Village in the Australian Capital Territory to Hay in NSW, with stops at Gumly Gumly and Hay for recharging. Each charging session was carefully timed and optimised, with the first stop at Gumly Gumly lasting just nine minutes on a 300 kW BP Pulse charger, followed by a 20-minute charge in Hay using 180 kW NRMA chargers, and a final 14-minute top-up back at Gumly Gumly. The use of high-powered chargers and strategic planning meant the total charging time was only 43 minutes, which is notably less than the recommended rest breaks for drivers over such a distance. Elliston highlighted the reliability and speed of the charging infrastructure in these relatively remote locations, noting the impressive availability of 180 kW chargers in Hay and the benefits of 800V charging technology in the IONIQ 5. Despite the rapid charging sessions, the pair found the experience manageable, especially with two drivers sharing the workload, allowing for adequate rest and breaks. However, they acknowledged that such a fast-paced trip might not be enjoyable for all, suggesting that slower, more leisurely journeys with longer stops could be preferable for many drivers. Cost-wise, the trip’s DC fast charging amounted to around $89, with an estimated total of $100 including initial home charging, which remains competitive compared to fuel costs for internal combustion engine vehicles of similar size. Elliston’s experiment reinforces that EVs can handle long-distance travel effectively, challenging the misconception that electric cars are unsuitable for extended trips due to charging limitations. This demonstration aligns with ongoing efforts to normalise EV use beyond urban environments and encourages confidence in the expanding fast-charging network.