Kia EV5 Earth Long Range Review: To the top of Australia and down the other side in an EVKia EV5 Earth Long Range Review: To the top of Australia and down the other side in an EV

It appeared like an amazing concept on the time: driving a Kia EV5 Earth Lengthy Vary from Sydney to Melbourne by the Snowy Mountains. The idea of taking an electrical automobile by Australia’s hydro-electric coronary heart was interesting.

I received’t hold you in suspense; we accomplished our journey and gained useful insights into the EV5’s capabilities. Nevertheless, some features of the expertise had been much less spectacular.

The Automobile

The Kia EV5 is Australia’s first five-seat medium electrical SUV provided by a legacy automotive producer. Out there in 4 completely different fashions, we drove the Earth Lengthy Vary variant, priced at $64,770 (excluding on-road prices). It stands as essentially the most reasonably priced all-wheel drive choice and the second costliest mannequin within the lineup.

Outfitted with a 230kW/480Nm twin e-motor powertrain and an 88.1kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery, the EV5 claims a median consumption of 20.1kWh (WLTP) alongside a 500km vary.

The selection of LFP battery chemistry, though much less energy-dense in comparison with NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt), permits for fast DC fast-charging to full capability. This can be a important benefit on lengthy journeys with few charging stations. Nevertheless, the mixture of LFP and the EV5’s 400-volt structure ends in a most fast-charging fee of simply 140kW, which is considerably underwhelming.

Let’s dive into our journey.

Sydney to Canberra (234km)

Consumption: 23.8kWh/100km
Recharge Price: $18.60 (31.01kWh @ 60c/kWh)

On a cold Saturday morning at 9 AM, we set off from Sydney, cruising alongside the Hume Freeway and Federal Freeway towards Canberra, Australia’s capital. The EV5 comfortably accommodated our baggage in its 513-litre boot. With ample cupboard space within the cabin, the automotive is sensible for lengthy journeys.

As we drove, the rain from the earlier night time had cleared, leaving us underneath a shiny blue sky. The EV5 settled right into a quiet cruise in Eco mode, with energy directed primarily to the entrance wheels. Regardless of activating cruise management, we realized that regenerative paddles didn’t interact, limiting our skill to get well power.

Driving at a gradual 115km/h resulted in a median consumption of -24.9kWh/100km, with many bugs assembly an unlucky destiny towards the EV5’s stable entrance. Regardless of its boxy form, highway and tire noise remained minimal, and we cruised comfortably, highlighting the automobile’s spaciousness over aerodynamics.

Upon reaching Canberra, we topped up at a number of chargers accessible on the Australian Nationwide College campus. Whereas rated at 160kW, we solely noticed a most of 87kW because the EV5 charged.

Canberra to Cooma (115.5km)

Consumption: 25.8kWh/100km
Recharge Price: $53.83 (82.82kWh @ 65c/kWh)

Leaving Canberra, the highway turned narrower and started to ascend. Regardless of a rougher floor than supreme, the EV5 maintained a reference to the highway, although its heavier weight and lower-profile tires launched a slight jitter. With 15% battery remaining, we efficiently linked to a Chargefox 350kW charger on the Snowy Hydro Centre in Cooma, permitting us to replenish our battery earlier than the following leg.

Our cost fee initially peaked at 150kW earlier than petering out. After over an hour, we acquired a considerable increase of 82.2kWh, giving us ample vary for the climb throughout the Victorian border to Corryong.

Cooma to Corryong (202.7km)

Consumption: 21.2kWh/100km
Recharge Price: $30.89 (48.26kWh @ 64c/kWh)

With a full cost, the EV5 estimated a variety of 417km with out air con. The day remained stunningly clear as we navigated by picturesque landscapes. Adjusting driving habits to preserve battery throughout climbs led to some changes in our driving technique, together with optimizing regenerative braking.

We paused briefly in Thredbo, admiring the remnants of winter on the mountains. As we descended, our consumption dropped, and we appreciated the effectivity because the battery degree remained comparatively secure.

Reaching Corryong as night time set in, we replenished each the EV5 and ourselves on the native pub, because it charged in a single day on the solely 50kW quick charger on the town.

Corryong to Wodonga (132.2km)

Consumption: 21.9kWh/100km
Recharge Price: N/A

Wodonga to Avenel (184.2km)

Consumption: 24.1kWh/100km
Recharge Price: $61.65 (84.45kWh @ 73c/kWh)

On Sunday morning, the drive to Wodonga was easy, although the potholes elevated as we crossed into Victoria. We selected to not recharge and reset our journey meter for the upcoming journey on the Hume Freeway.

Our aim was to succeed in the 350kW chargers at Avenel. Regardless of earlier studies of 1 charger being operational, we managed to attach efficiently. The charging fee maxed out at 119kW throughout our cease on the roadhouse, offering a possibility for refreshments.

Avenel to Melbourne (209.1km)

Consumption: 21.8kWh/100km

Taking nation roads to return to Melbourne supplied a relaxed setting for the EV5. The automobile dealt with the varied terrains with ease, appreciating the graceful roads.

By the point we re-entered the acquainted Melbourne visitors, our whole distance lined was 1,120.9km, with a median consumption of 23kWh/100km. The journey underscored the EV5’s significance as a spacious and comfy household automobile but additionally highlighted how EV infrastructure nonetheless must catch up for long-distance journey.

Conclusion

General, the expertise was rewarding and enlightening. The journey was crammed with lovely vistas, moments of tranquility, and some challenges alongside the way in which. Finally, whereas the EV5 gives glorious efficiency and 0 emissions, the realm of electrical automobile long-range journey stays a piece in progress relating to vary functionality and charging infrastructure.