Smooth ride
Fancy a road trip? Douglas and Heather Stewart took in the South Island’s stunning autumn foliage in their brand-new EV.
Words Jo Ferris / Photos Jahl Marshall
Douglas and Heather Stewart’s transition from their petrol Toyota RAV to a Lexus EV might have begun knowing Lexus is the luxury brand within Toyota’s stable. Their decision to buy a Lexus, however, involved learning about EVs – then driving one around the South Island soon after.
After 45 years overseas, the couple came home for their final retirement phase. Settling in Katikati in March 2019, and aware of the move towards clean cars, Heather says they “wanted to do their bit”. She was quite happy, however, that Douglas did the research.
While the technology, terminology, and types of low-emission vehicles can be confusing, Douglas learned quickly. Having looked at hybrids, it was full EV or nothing. Then it simply boiled down to brand.
Looking across the board, nothing else but Lexus stood out. It wasn’t until a Tauranga dealership opened in June 2021 that the Stewarts took the next step.
”We saw the first demo in November, went for a test drive, and ordered one straightaway.”
Although an “EV virgin”, Douglas was smitten. The Lexus doesn’t top the price range, but the UX300e Limited SUV still had all the bells and whistles. It was the capacity, comfort, and safety the Stewarts really liked.
So much so that, within weeks of getting their car in March, they were off to explore the South Island’s autumnal glory. Comfortable with the car’s mileage capacity, Douglas planned their trip around charging stations – an aspect he cannot stress enough. That even includes booking accommodation that offers charging.
New Zealand’s growing range of charging stations made the trip easy. It was a major journey – some 4300 kms; leaving Katitkati for a night at their favourite Creel Lodge in Turangi, then to Wellington and the ferry. In three weeks, the Stewarts travelled from Picton to Te Anau, Wanaka and Geraldine; up to Hanmer Springs, Murchison, Nelson; back to Picton and the ferry for a final night at Turangi.
A huge effort by anyone’s standards – let alone in an EV, bought just weeks prior. The only hiccup occurred on the way to Murchison. With no charging facilities in Hanmer, the plan was to top up in Murchison to make Nelson. Douglas hadn’t allowed for rain, wipers, and lights – and the subsequent power reduction. AA membership is handy at times.
As to cost, Douglas estimates the journey was under a third of his petrol car. Charging at home is also minimal compared with the alternative petrol outlay. Otherwise, it’s a trip to a rapid charger nearby, when out shopping. While his Lexus battery is guaranteed for eight years, Douglas believes ongoing research will reduce degradation, lighten their weight, and improve disposal.
EVs may still be cost-prohibitive to many right now, but Douglas believes they are the future, and he cannot praise Lexus Tauranga enough.
“Would I buy an EV again? Most certainly,” he says. “Would it be a Lexus? Absolutely. And would I buy in Tauranga? No doubt about it.”
Good to know
Douglas says the Lexus UX300e Limited SUV has a number of features that made their road trip a (mostly) smooth success.
360km (approx), 300km (average) capacity
7.5s acceleration (0-100km/hr)
Road stability and road handling
Weight distribution of battery pack and sectional componentry
360-degree camera in the console
Cruise control
Triple-brake configuration
Pre-collision system with visual and audio alerts
Brake assist system with automatic application in an emergency
Douglas’ top tips
Top up to 80 percent. The final 20 percent takes longer to charge than the 80 percent.
A full three-point plug charge takes 16 to 18 hours. Rapid is about one hour and 10 minutes.
Join ChargeNet for access to more than 250 fast-charge stations in New Zealand.
PlugShare app maps all free-to-use stations around the country.
Join AA.