By David Waterworth and Adam & Tanya Philips
It’s a common joke among electric vehicle owners in Australia that some people won’t believe an EV is worth buying unless it can take you to Uluru – the sacred heart of Australia (formerly known as Ayers Rock). Well, an intrepid driver and his partner decided to try it out. Adam and Tanya Phillips drove from Marysville in Victoria to Uluru in the Northern Territory and back. Their full story can be found here.
I have provided some highlights with their permission.
Tesla Model 3 reaches Uluru.
With a total distance of approximately 6000 km and a lack of fast chargers, getting from rural Victoria to the center of the Northern Territory is quite a challenge. Total statistics for the trip: distance = 6050 km, total energy = 1044 kWh, average kW/km = 173, total cost = $281.04.
Many destination chargers at their accommodations provided most of the charging. This included Keith Motor Inn – South Australia, Desert Cave – Coober Pedy SA, Erldunda Roadhouse – Northern Territory (3 phase outlet free to guests), Yulara Campground – Northern Territory, Oasis Motor Inn – South Australia.
Here are some highlights of Adam and Tanya’s journey:
Day 3 challenge — Only 1 road today, the Stuart Hwy. 110 km/h all the way. Charged at the vial at Glendambo, $20 per hour to charge from a 3 phase which would only provide 8 kW. After 4 hours and $80 to get from 23 to 63% (29.63 kWh), I thought that was about enough to go to Coober Pedy tomorrow. But to make sure I don’t have to drive slowly, I charge for the rest of the night until we leave at the 15A socket for the air conditioning in our hotel room. Total distance = 290km, average Wh/km = 173.
Coober Pedy
Day 5 — We went from Coober Pedy to Erldunda today, the main part of the journey at 495 km. Half way there was a stop at Marla for 2 hours @ $10 per hour to recharge on their 3 phase with 16A providing 12 kWh, then on to Erldunda where they have a 3 phase 16A plug which is free for guests and also supplies 12 kWh. Total distance = 495km, total energy = 83kW, average Wh/km = 167, total cost = $20.
Charging from a wall outlet.
Day 6 — A quick descent on Lasseter Hwy and we arrived in Yulara and set up camp at Ayers Rock Camp Ground. They have a Tesla destination charger that gives 12 kW and is free for people staying at the campground. Total distance = 285km, total energy = 47kWh, average Wh/km = 166, total cost = $0.
Day 8 — We left Yulara and headed north to Kings Canyon. We had an Ensuite site with a 15A outlet and that’s how we charged while at Kings Canyon Resort with our UMC. The walks around Kings Canyon were absolutely fantastic. Being on the property with electricity we had a lot of people who couldn’t believe the car was charging from a wall outlet. There have been many good conversations with people who helped raise them: wherever there is an outlet, we can charge. Total distance = 311 km, total energy = 55 kWh, average kW/km = 178, total cost = $0.
Kings Canyon, charging from a wall outlet.
Day 13 — We went south for one night in Kulgera before continuing. The pub is a classic. The line for diesel was about 300 meters long, as everyone dragged something the size of a house behind them and took over all the other diesel bowsers. Charging was a breeze on the three-phase charger at the caravan park facility at $10 per hour. $50 and we’re full! Total distance = 295km, total power = 50kWh, average kW/km = 171, total cost = $50.
I did my math a little better this time and came to the conclusion that I didn’t have to use the three-phase charger and had to pay $20 per hour for the really slow three-phase (10% per hour). So I plugged the UMC into the 15A socket of the aircon in our room and reached 90% by the time we left in the morning which was more than enough. First damage to the car today. 1km outside Glendamdo we got a rock from a small car and got a chip and star from the windshield. This will have to be replaced when we get home, I called ahead to Port Augusta to try and get a fill repair but no luck. Total distance = 290 km, total power = 47 kWh, average kW/km = 173, total cost = $0.
Day 22 — After discovering that the only ‘fast’ charger in the area was broken, we either had to walk back to Ballarat to charge to get home, or I could ask the hotel if they mind if I unplugged it plug into the wall outlet to charge. They were quite interested after I explained how good electric cars are as we’re only out in the morning so that’s all we need to get home. They wouldn’t accept cash so I gave them a nice bottle of wine when we checked out in the morning to thank you and encourage them to consider a good destination charger.
Adam and Tanya have included a helpful table with charging suggestions and distances etc. The problems they faced, how they solved them and the generosity of their accommodation hosts are similar to what we found when we went to Winton. It will almost be sad to think that these challenges will soon be gone as chargers become more ubiquitous.
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