Hiring an EV should be simple. Turn it on, drive, get to your destination and recharge. But after a recent multi-day trip through NSW, we were reminded that it’s not always that easy. High demand meant our usual EV wasn’t available, so we took a “similar” option. On paper, it stacked up. On the road, it did not.
The car’s battery drained fast. Super fast. And what should have been a one-charge trip turned into multiple stops. By the final day, those extra charging breaks cost us more than time. We missed our flight.
Lesson learned: not all EVs produce the same outcome.
So what actually makes the difference?
Charging speed
EVs that can take advantage of fast chargers can add hundreds of kilometres of range in a short stop. Other EVs are limited to slower charging speeds. That difference alone can completely change how long you spend on the road.
Battery size
This one’s simple. Bigger battery, more range, fewer stops. Smaller battery, more frequent charging, especially on longer trips or regional drives.
The motor
Power matters, but efficiency matters more. Larger, more powerful vehicles often consume more energy, particularly at highway speeds. Smaller motors are more efficient but are usually not suited to heavier vehicles that require more torque. The key: a vehicle well matched to its motor will go farther on the same charge.
How you drive
Driving style has a bigger impact than most people realise. Fast acceleration, higher speeds, hills, and even air conditioning all draw more power. Smooth, consistent driving helps maximise range and reduce charging stops.
The takeaway
EVs might look similar, but real-world performance can vary significantly.
Choose the right one for your journey, and you’ll love the experience. Choose wrong, and you might be rebooking flights.