Melbourne to Sydney: It’s one of the world’s busiest flight routes. It’s also one of Australia’s most popular road trips. Many a traveller has made this near-900-kilometre journey between Australia’s two largest cities, a distance similar to driving from Brussels in Belgium, across Germany and through to Prague in the Czech Republic.
Stephen Ottley from Australian publication CarsGuide has made this journey many times. For his latest trip north up the Hume he chose the new Porsche Macan and discovered that DC-power is just as good as diesel.
Charging north
It’s an early start from Melbourne. The sun is still asleep but Melbourne is alive with activity as Stephen points the Macan north towards the Citylink road system and across the Bolte Bridge. At Essendon, some interstate commuters head straight-on towards Tullamarine airport for their hour-long flights to Sydney, but Stephen peels left towards the Ring Road to join the Hume Highway’s southern entry.
“The interior is a delight,” he says, referring to the luxurious quarters that will be home for the next nine hours. “Nicer than Business Class and nine times the enjoyment.” The Black-and-Crayon Leather Package echoes the ambience of a private aircraft, and the optional Offroad Design package and Tequipment Roof Box convey adventure. Both complement the Macan’s styling, especially in the Macan’s matching Papaya Metallic body colour.
The Macan offers more than 650 kilometres from a single charge, making it ideal for long stretches. But Stephen knows the straight path to Sydney isn’t as enjoyable as some of the B roads along the way, so he makes a quick stop at Beechworth to enjoy some made-for-Porsche bends and the town’s famous bakery.
“The interior is a delight. Nicer than Business Class and nine times the enjoyment.” Stephen Ottley, CarsGuide
“This is a perfect stop,” he says, plugging in the Macan at a local EV charger for a quick top-up before grabbing some breakfast. “Australia is home to so many beautiful towns. By-passing them means missing out on the discoveries they offer.”
Refuelled, it’s onwards towards the border at Wodonga and into Albury before heading further up the Hume to the town of Holbrook, home to rural Australia’s least likely landmark.
“Suddenly spotting a former navy submarine by the side of the road never gets old,” he says with a smile. “I remember it from road trips as a kid. It’s always a great reason to stop for a break on the road to Sydney. It’s also an easy reminder to Stop-Revive-Survive, one of road safety’s most important messages.”
Holbrook’s EV chargers make it the ideal lunch venue. It’s also perfectly located to stretch legs, especially with kids, who can enjoy exploring HMAS Otway and its surrounding parkland, which resembles a grassy green ocean with a submarine poking out the top.
Further up the highway, Tarcutta – the halfway point on the drive – offers additional rechargers, if needed. As do Gundagai (with its famous Dog on the Tucker Box) and Yass.
“So many of the towns along the Hume Highway have plenty of EV chargers,” he says. “If you prefer a relaxed road trip, charging fits into the schedule nicely. And it’s not as if you need to wait long; a top-up takes the same time as a coffee and a sandwich.”
A relaxed trip doesn’t mean long stops in the Macan. Its 800-volt architecture allows DC charging power up to 270 kW. At a suitable fast-charging station the battery can be charged from 10 percent state of charge (SoC) to 80 percent SoC in about 21 minutes.
“So many of the towns along the Hume Highway have plenty of EV chargers." Stephen Ottley, CarsGuide
Australia’s Harbour City
The Macan makes easy work of the long Hume. With up to 256 kW of overboost power on tap and 563 Nm of torque underfoot it makes climbing through the rolling hills of the Great Dividing Range seem like a level cruise.
It’s just before 5:00 P.M. when the Macan hits Sydney’s traffic. The stop-go flow lets the Macan’s onboard recuperative braking system, which offers up to 240 kW of battery recharging when slowing and braking, seamlessly top up the 100 kWh Performance Battery Plus.
The setting sun bounces off the Macan’s Papaya Metallic surfaces. Their colour shades change as the bright glow descends in the distance.
Cruising across the Harbour Bridge, the low light flickers through the ‘Coat Hanger’s’ patterns of steel bracing, like a chequered flag waving Stephen and the Macan into North Sydney.
It’s not long before their destination appears through the windscreen. Blues Point and its waterside setting offer a stunning visual full-stop to a day of luxury in the Macan.
“Driving between Melbourne and Sydney in an EV is easy,” says Stephen. “900 kilometres, four stops, one detour and no stress.”
“The Macan is made for it.”
Info
Click here to discover more about the Porsche Macan.
Images: Brannon Jackson
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