When people hear “EV road trip,” the first question is almost always: “But what about the range?” It’s a common concern, especially for those unfamiliar with how EVs perform on longer journeys. Adding to this is the belief held by some that EVs are only practical for short, local drives, with many EV owners reportedly holding onto an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) car “just in case” for longer trips—often out of fear of running out of charge or the hassle of charging on the go.
To challenge these misconceptions, I decided to document my longest single-day road trip in my Tesla Model Y RWD. With a rated range of 430 km (267 miles) and real-world highway efficiency of about 390 km (242 miles) at 110 km/h, it was the perfect opportunity to put these doubts to rest. Spoiler: the journey was smooth, cost-effective, and incredibly comfortable, proving that long-distance travel in an EV is not only possible but highly enjoyable.
Trip Overview
- Route: Coffs Harbour → Sydney (Lane Cove, Manly Beach, Northern Beaches) → Coffs Harbour
- Distance: 1,145 km (711 miles)
- Vehicle: Tesla Model Y RWD
- Driving Time: 12 hours
- Charging Stops: 2 (50 minutes total. barely enough for a meal breaks)
- Total Trip Time: 12 hours, 50 minutes
Trip Details
1. Departure from Coffs Harbour
I started the day with my Tesla fully charged for free, thanks to my 10 kW solar system. This gave me an initial range of about 430 km (267 miles). As I left for Sydney, I knew I’d need to charge en route, but with Tesla’s reliable Supercharger network, I had zero concerns about finding a place to top up.
2. First Stop: Raymond Terrace Supercharger
After traveling 353 km (219 miles), I arrived at the Raymond Terrace Supercharger with 9% battery remaining. This stop allowed me to recharge to 100%, which only took about 25 minutes.
One of the highlights of this stop was seeing the seamless integration of renewable energy into the charging experience. The Supercharger site featured solar rooftops above the chargers, and I imagined a future where all such sites are powered by a combination of solar energy, backed by Tesla Megapacks. It’s inspiring to see renewable energy in action and gives me hope that this model will expand across all chargers one day.
Stretching my legs and enjoying a quick coffee made this stop feel like a natural, enjoyable pause in the journey rather than an inconvenience.
3. Exploring Sydney
From Raymond Terrace, I continued to Sydney, covering 392 km (244 miles) and exploring Lane Cove, Manly Beach, and the Northern Beaches. The Tesla handled city traffic with ease, and regenerative braking added a touch of efficiency. After a relaxed lunch and some sightseeing, I started the journey back to Raymond Terrace.
4. Second Stop: Raymond Terrace Supercharger
Returning to Raymond Terrace, I still had around 40% battery left but decided to charge to 100% again. This second stop was quicker—about 20 minutes—and ensured I had enough range to make it back to Coffs Harbour.
As before, I couldn’t help but appreciate the site’s renewable energy integration. It’s a vision of how clean energy can power both our homes and our vehicles. If all charging stations follow this model, the future of EV travel will not only be convenient but truly sustainable.
5. Arrival Back in Coffs Harbour
The final leg, 353 km (219 miles), brought me home with 11% charge left. The entire trip was powered by clean energy, with the first 380 km fully solar-powered, and the remaining energy costing just $58.90 AUD.
Breaking Down the Numbers
- Total Distance: 1,145 km (711 miles)
- Total Energy Consumption: 175 kWh
- Efficiency: 15.3 kWh/100 km
- Charging Cost: $58.90 AUD
- Petrol Equivalent Cost: $183.20 AUD (for a petrol SUV averaging 8 L/100 km at $2/L)
- Savings: $124.30 AUD
Why This Trip Was So Comfortable
- Smooth Driving Experience:
- Autopilot: I used Autosteer for 90% of the trip, which significantly reduced fatigue.
- Air Conditioning: On full blast the entire time, with no noticeable impact on range.
- Minimal Downtime:
- The 50 minutes of charging (split between two stops) allowed me to refresh and relax. It didn’t feel like “waiting” but more like a natural part of the journey.
- Lower Costs:
- Driving an EV is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about saving money. This trip cost a fraction of what I’d spend on petrol, even with Supercharger fees.
- Sustainability in Action:
Seeing a combination of solar rooftops and Tesla Megapacks at Raymond Terrace gave me a glimpse of how EV travel can integrate with renewable energy on a large scale.
Easing Range Anxiety
For those skeptical about EVs and long road trips, here’s why you shouldn’t worry:
- Plan Ahead:
Modern EVs come with navigation systems that automatically calculate charging stops based on your route, making it nearly impossible to run out of range. - Supercharger Network:
The growing availability of fast chargers means you’re rarely more than a short drive from the next charging station. - Comfort and Convenience:
With features like Autopilot, air conditioning, and the quiet hum of electric motors, road trips in EVs are simply better.
Final Thoughts: EVs Are Made for Road Trips
It was a long day, but it was a good day. This journey highlighted why I love my Tesla Model Y and why EVs are the future. The combination of smooth driving, cost savings, and environmental benefits made this 1,145 km trip an experience to remember.
And knowing that renewable energy, like the solar rooftops and Megapacks at Raymond Terrace, can integrate so seamlessly with EV travel only adds to the excitement. Imagine a world where every charger runs on clean energy—it’s closer than you think.
If you’re considering an EV but worry about range or charging, take it from me—there’s no reason to hold back. EVs aren’t just ready for long road trips; they excel at them. Ditch your ICE and go fully in.
