EV Showdown: Insider Shares Jaw-Dropping Differences Between BYD and Tesla During Epic 1,800km Journey!
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The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is picking up pace in Australia, with more and more drivers embracing the eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol and diesel cars. However, as the number of EVs on the road increases, so does the curiosity about how these vehicles fare on the vast and varied Australian landscape, particularly during long interstate journeys. One question that often arises is whether all EVs are created equal, especially when it comes to the two big names in the market: Tesla and the emerging Chinese manufacturer BYD.
Tony Hill and his wife embarked on an ambitious 1,800-kilometre road trip from their off-grid home in Naracoorte, South Australia, to Grafton in New South Wales. They chose to make this journey in their BYD Dolphin, a decision that would put the vehicle to the test across the open and sometimes unforgiving Australian roads. Their experience, detailed in an interview, provides valuable insights into the practicalities of long-distance EV travel and how BYD compares to the more established Tesla.
While Tesla continues to be the dominant force in the Aussie EV market, the Hills' choice of the BYD Dolphin reflects a growing trend among motorists seeking more affordable electric options. However, affordability doesn't always equate to convenience, as the couple discovered during their lengthy trip.
Recharging is the Achilles' heel for many EV drivers, and the Hills were no exception. They relied on an app to locate charging stations along their route but encountered several issues specific to their BYD. Unlike Tesla vehicles, which have a dedicated network of Superchargers designed to fit their cars perfectly, the BYD struggled with compatibility. 'Many of [the Tesla chargers] have very short cables, designed only to reach the back of a Tesla... we had to park in some ingenious ways to make use of them,' Tony explained.
Moreover, some Tesla Superchargers are not compatible with vehicles sold after October 2023, which could present a significant obstacle for BYD drivers in the future. Tesla owner Nathan Merritt expressed his confidence in Tesla's Network over any other provider in Australia, highlighting the reliability of the infrastructure for Tesla drivers on long road trips.
The Hills also faced challenges with the BYD's onboard navigation system, which led them on a wild goose chase in Adelaide, directing them to charging stations that hadn't been built yet. This added unnecessary complexity to their journey, forcing them to drive longer distances than needed.
The couple also pointed out some design features of the BYD that were less than ideal for interstate travel. The glass roof, while offering scenic views, did little to shield them from the intense Australian heat. They had to purchase a screen to keep the car cool during their travels. Additionally, the BYD's range was significantly reduced at high speeds, necessitating more frequent stops to recharge and avoid the embarrassment of running out of power.
Despite these challenges, the journey wasn't without its silver linings. The frequent recharging stops allowed the Hills to explore country towns they might have otherwise zoomed past. They found joy in chatting with locals and other travellers, turning what could have been a frustrating aspect of EV travel into a highlight of their trip. 'Having time to chat to locals and other travelers was brilliant,' Tony said, recommending the experience of slowing down and enjoying the journey.
The Hills' adventure raises important questions for prospective EV buyers and highlights the need for a more robust and universal charging infrastructure in Australia. As the EV market continues to grow, it's crucial for manufacturers and infrastructure providers to address these issues to ensure that the transition to electric is as smooth as possible for all drivers.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, what are your thoughts on the EV experience for long-distance travel? Have you considered switching to an electric vehicle, and if so, does the brand matter to you? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below – we'd love to hear about your own EV adventures or concerns!
Tony Hill and his wife embarked on an ambitious 1,800-kilometre road trip from their off-grid home in Naracoorte, South Australia, to Grafton in New South Wales. They chose to make this journey in their BYD Dolphin, a decision that would put the vehicle to the test across the open and sometimes unforgiving Australian roads. Their experience, detailed in an interview, provides valuable insights into the practicalities of long-distance EV travel and how BYD compares to the more established Tesla.
While Tesla continues to be the dominant force in the Aussie EV market, the Hills' choice of the BYD Dolphin reflects a growing trend among motorists seeking more affordable electric options. However, affordability doesn't always equate to convenience, as the couple discovered during their lengthy trip.
Tony Hill and his wife drove 1,800 kilometres in their BYD Dolphin and shared their journey. Credit: Shutterstock
Recharging is the Achilles' heel for many EV drivers, and the Hills were no exception. They relied on an app to locate charging stations along their route but encountered several issues specific to their BYD. Unlike Tesla vehicles, which have a dedicated network of Superchargers designed to fit their cars perfectly, the BYD struggled with compatibility. 'Many of [the Tesla chargers] have very short cables, designed only to reach the back of a Tesla... we had to park in some ingenious ways to make use of them,' Tony explained.
Moreover, some Tesla Superchargers are not compatible with vehicles sold after October 2023, which could present a significant obstacle for BYD drivers in the future. Tesla owner Nathan Merritt expressed his confidence in Tesla's Network over any other provider in Australia, highlighting the reliability of the infrastructure for Tesla drivers on long road trips.
The Hills also faced challenges with the BYD's onboard navigation system, which led them on a wild goose chase in Adelaide, directing them to charging stations that hadn't been built yet. This added unnecessary complexity to their journey, forcing them to drive longer distances than needed.
The couple also pointed out some design features of the BYD that were less than ideal for interstate travel. The glass roof, while offering scenic views, did little to shield them from the intense Australian heat. They had to purchase a screen to keep the car cool during their travels. Additionally, the BYD's range was significantly reduced at high speeds, necessitating more frequent stops to recharge and avoid the embarrassment of running out of power.
Despite these challenges, the journey wasn't without its silver linings. The frequent recharging stops allowed the Hills to explore country towns they might have otherwise zoomed past. They found joy in chatting with locals and other travellers, turning what could have been a frustrating aspect of EV travel into a highlight of their trip. 'Having time to chat to locals and other travelers was brilliant,' Tony said, recommending the experience of slowing down and enjoying the journey.
The Hills' adventure raises important questions for prospective EV buyers and highlights the need for a more robust and universal charging infrastructure in Australia. As the EV market continues to grow, it's crucial for manufacturers and infrastructure providers to address these issues to ensure that the transition to electric is as smooth as possible for all drivers.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, what are your thoughts on the EV experience for long-distance travel? Have you considered switching to an electric vehicle, and if so, does the brand matter to you? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below – we'd love to hear about your own EV adventures or concerns!
