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If there was ever a moment for Australia’s shift to renewables and EVs, this is it
(www.theguardian.com)
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this post was submitted on 10 Mar 2026
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Climate
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When we were forced to replace our 2010 Holden Cruze, we discussed at length if we should go EV or HEV.
The single biggest hurdle was that with an EV we could not drive from Perth to Dunsborough without multiple recharge delays, let alone Perth to Geraldton.
We went with a HEV and our city driving fuel consumption is less than 4 L per 100 km. The fuel tank capacity is about half what the Cruze has and the fuel consumption about a third.
We figured that if we need to replace this, we'd revisit the EV vs HEV decision, but I see little evidence that long distance driving in Western Australia is catered for in the current network or vehicle offerings.
I am not convinced that the push to EV will happen until there's significant changes to these issues and with it, political interest, from politicians, not the general public, to actually embrace renewable resources, rather than continually push fossil fuel projects like they're currently doing.
Perth to Dunsborough is 250km. What EVs were you looking at that can’t make that distance in a single charge?
Modern EVs should handle that distance just fine. I've done much longer trips in an EV. Just takes a bit longer to stop for charging but not a huge issue.
Were you looking at the budget used market? Newer EVs can be pricey for sure.
Although the truth is bigger impacts can be made by reducing unnecessary driving than by changing your vehicle.
that 250k? there are a ton of options that dont require a charge
414km again there are many options that will get you there without a charge, and plenty more that will require 1 stop while you take a leak and grab a snack
you have a car now, so no point in looking again until you need to replace. but electric is a perfectly reasonable proposition for anyone looking for a car today driving the routes you mentioned, especially if you can charge at home.
Which HEV did you go with?
What's the price/features like?
Are the kids embarassed to be seen in it, does the partner hate parking it at the shops?
Genuinely, real world answers desired.
New Yaris Cross, base model, drive away price we paid, $36k.
https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/toyota-yaris-cross-urban-fwd-100185 ?
Looks interesting.
Nice head height, good visibility.
Don't love that interior, but I guess that's the price point.