While there is plenty of scepticism around the possibility of electric vehicles one day routinely towing grey nomad caravans around Australia on extremely affordable Big Laps, the fact is that the fuel-free future is slowly but surely creeping ever closer.
In Western Australia, a Senate inquiry into electric vehicles has just called for a national strategy to boost Australia’s lacklustre uptake of the technology. The state apparently needs double the number of roadhouses north of Perth to support an effective charging station network if electric vehicles are ever to take off in the Outback.
A submission from Fast Cities Australia estimated ultra-fast chargers would have to be installed every 150 kilometres at a cost of least $100 million to stamp out ‘range anxiety’. That would mean five new roadhouses would have to be built between Geraldton and Broome to accommodate extra charging stations, and a further five between Perth and Port Hedland.
Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari said government support would be needed in the short term.
“Much like a lot of services … there are some areas which are sparsely populated and there is not a commercial return to be made, so the government steps in,” he said.
The inquiry found purchase price, range anxiety and sparse recharging facilities were putting people off buying electric vehicles in Australia. Of course, another big turnoff for caravanners is that there is currently a shortage of electric cars capable of legally towing.
The reasons are many.
Electric vehicles are already exceptionally heavy due to the big batteries they carry, and then there’s the extra strain on the electric motors that towing brings. However, that’s not to say an electric car can’t be used to tow. It’s certainly not cheap but the Tesla Model X is one pure electric vehicle that is certified for towing and can pull 2,270kg. However, taking the cost and the current lack of comprehensive re-charging infrastructure into account, plug-in hybrid vehicles with their combination of electric and engine power may be a better bet for grey nomads.
These are a good compromise as they can travel using just electric power, or using conventional motor for longer journeys. The disadvantage, of course, is fuel economy. When not in ‘electric mode’ the plug-in hybrids are essentially normal cars carrying around very heavy batteries.
Things are slowly changing then and, as infrastructure improves and grey nomads continue to recoil at just how much money they pour into their tanks, it is surely only a matter of time before the few – and then the many – take an electric leap of faith.
Who cares about the tow car, what is needed is a change over motor that has the capability of moving a motorhome 200 kms at a time between towns on a charge. because the big lap is not a ruch to get somewhere. self charging each day off the roof into extra stores battery packs. my 1988 canter truck would love a changover.
All good stuff..but not for me. But it’s great for future technology and generations. Im content with my 6.5 Chev diesel for reliability and longiviety. The fuel consumption is ok if sensibly driven. I factor in fuel costs as part of my lifestyle as you would an electricity or rates bill. I don’t need electronics going haywire in the very isolated and regional areas I venture. Most likely I will be the last Aussie bloke driving a manual motor car with no electronics. But I’m happy as a dinosaur. Good luck with the future technology.
No
Chatting with a Tesla sale rep recently whilst looking over their new model. Queried him about where they kept the spare wheel. There isn’t one!!! And no jack etc. Why? The vehicle is simply too heavy to be lifted by conventional equipment. So the driver must rely on the road service organisation in each state (or their competitors) for help. Just a minor inconvenience?