Exploring the Electric Frontier: Apex Energy’s Wilderness Journey in a Polestar 2
We recently embarked on an adventurous journey from Sydney to the remote Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and back in a Polestar 2 electric car. Our mission was not just to put an electric car through its paces in the Australian outback but to test the newly installed 22kW Electric Vehicle (EV) charger at the sanctuary — a state-of-the-art unit designed to dynamically adjust its power output based on renewable energy availability, ensuring the stable operation of their stand-alone off-grid microgrid system.
As the number of electric cars on our roads increases and more and more remote locations are supporting EVs with charging infrastructure, Arkaroola is expecting growth of electric cars arriving at their magnificent wilderness sanctuary resort. In 2023, Apex Energy installed a 22kW EV charger, but since this charger is literally the furthest and the new last stop at the end of the EV charger infrastructure route in the beautiful Flinders Ranges of Mid-North South Australia, we had yet to test it as EVs weren’t venturing this far into the outback! Arkaroola’s charger is some 225km from the next closest charger at Rawnsley Park station, and the only route is a puncture-prone rocky, dirty road.
Polestar Australia to the rescue. After researching different methods of testing our charger and contacting various electric car manufacturers, Polestar was generous enough to loan us a Polestar 2, 82kWh/220kW long-range to complete our tests, with the added benefit of demonstrating the vehicle’s capabilities and showcasing EVs in remote areas. The car, with over 600km of range was the perfect EV for our journey. The challenge for us was to get it from Sydney to Arkaroola and back, a total of over 4000km in the peak of the hot Australian summer. Let the fun begin!
The Drive
Flying into Sydney to collect the car and setting off from Polestar Australia’s Sydney showroom, we were geared up and excited for the drive. Despite the long distances between stops, we found the journey was seamless, with the car planning all the recharging stops for us, optimising battery charging and minimising charging times. In the table below summarising all our stops and charging, the battery was rarely charged to 100% and used between 10-90% SOC commonly. This meant charging time was reduced, and we efficiently utilised the battery capacity.
Range anxiety didn’t last long. The onboard charging planner we found to be very conservative, and we almost found ourselves seeing how close we could get down to zero (Cue that Seinfeld episode). Reframing our mindset around battery % helped to think differently about range anxiety. 25% battery capacity remaining to most people sounds low. However, this is equivalent to 1/4 a tank of fuel; rarely do we get anxious with a quarter a tank of fuel remaining. Furthermore, especially in remote areas, we felt more comfortable being able to find an electricity source (e.g. a home, station, shop) than a petrol or diesel source if things really got desperate.
Our route across rural NSW and SA included stops at various EV charging points and were timed to align where we could recharge the vehicle and take short breaks. Most stops coincided with a leisurely lunch at a local cafe and a toilet break. Often mingling with other EV owners at stops and sharing our experiences became a common occurrence. It is great to feel the community connection between EV owners, all were enthusiastic about their transition to an EV and up for a casual chat as our cars charged.
Despite facing a puncture in the remote outback on a deserted dirt road (our worst nightmare realised) —which is not unusual for any vehicle on its way to Arkaroola—the Polestar 2 managed well, highlighting that electric vehicles can indeed take on Australia’s vast distances and varying terrains. The included tyre pump of the Polestar 2 saved us a world of hassle, the ability to pump up the tyre every 20km enabled us to travel the last 60km to arrive at Arkaroola safely, all be it a little bit slower.
Lessons Learned and Impressions
Throughout the trip, there were numerous learning opportunities and moments of engagement with the local communities. Our conversations with other EV owners cemented our understanding of the growing interest and excitement around electric vehicles. A particularly heartwarming interaction was at our motel in Hay, where the owner was very enthusiastic about EVs, the first to install a charger in the town and eager to learn about our project.
However, not all was smooth. We did experience frustration at some outback EV charging solutions due to the slow charging speed charging speeds of 50kW or less, which highlighted some challenges that still need addressing in EV infrastructure. In our view, for rural public charging stations that function similarly to a petrol station, charging infrastructure needs to deliver a minimum of 100kW charging speeds for recharging to be efficient and sufficiently quick.
We loved the overnight charging at motels included with our booking. This meant we could arrive at low SOC%, charge overnight with no downtime and at no cost. Ready to depart for up to 500km if we needed the next day. Imagine getting a free tank of fuel when you stayed at a motel?!
The reality of how EVs are charged and used means they offer very similar usability to ICE (Internal Combustion Engines) vehicles. Our total electricity charging cost for over 4000km was only $274 inc GST! Amazing, right? But if we simply focused on the cost per kWh of 40-85c/kWh for fast charging in the strategic locations we needed it, EV charging can sound/be expensive.
Comparison of an ICE with an engine efficiency of 7L per 100km = 280L @ $1.90L = $532 + 40% of the cost of an oil change.
The EV Charger Testing at Arkaroola
Upon reaching the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, we were eager to test the newly installed Delta AC Max 22kW 3-phase Type 2 Electric Vehicle Charger. This innovative charger integrates with the village’s renewable microgrid, using an advanced Energy Management System to adjust the EV charger’s output, ensuring optimal use of renewable generation sources (the lowest cost of energy) and preventing overloads on the microgrid. After some hiccups, the test was successful. Indicative operational methodology is oiutlined below.
In conclusion, the trip was a testament to the viability of electric vehicles in remote areas, challenging the traditional reservations about their performance off the beaten path. It also marked a step forward in sustainable travel, with the Polestar 2 demonstrating that comfort, eco-friendliness and economics can go hand in hand. For EV visitors to the marvellous Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, the 22kW EV charger ensures that you can recharge and prioritise your cars energy from renewable sources!
Apex Energy is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting transition, pushing energy boundaries and exploring new horizons in the energy landscape of transportation.
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