EV adoption in Australia has been low compared to Europe and Asia, and more like the US. Which is not surprising, as we both have big car cultures, with insecure men wanting bullbars, but also we are large lands with long drives, and range anxiety.
In Australia the culture, especially for older folk, is quite keen on caravans, and often a dream is to “do a lap” around the continent. This takes care and planning with combustion engines, and is impossible (currently) with EVs.
The weight of a caravan, and the drag, means that typically the range of an EV utility vehicle will halve, while a petrol ute will use twice as much fuel. A diesel vehicle will use 50% more fuel, and is the most common vehicle type for towing because of that.
I can see two factors that will allow EVs into this important space, given the typically the best-selling car model in Australia is a ute – Ranger or HiLux.
- The new Donut Battery system, coming out very soon, which promises double the range for an EV for the same weight and range, using solid-state technology. That makes EVs as good as diesel.
- One savvy ute brand will come out with a caravan of their own, or caravan specs. The shape of the caravan will align with the shape of the towing vehicle, to reduce drag. A system, that includes integration between the car and caravan for things like electrics, braking and so on.
The profit from the caravan can make the EV ute cheaper.