Sydney to Darwin road trip

[gm12]

Tomorrow morning, up early before the sparrows have even thought about starting to fart, I will be setting off on a road trip to Darwin from Sydney. I'm going to keep a video blog on a you-tube channel I've created and (hopefully) post every day.
Now, manage your expectations, I'm no Ray Martin as a presenter, and no Tesla Tom as a You tube video editor. But I'll give it a crack anyway.

This is my channel, there are a few intro video's already.

I'll be glad to be rid of this Sydney rain for the balmy blue skies of the north.

 

[noddy@teamterm]

Look us up when you get here.

 

[gm12]

Day 1

 

[Vostok]

Day 1

I suspect the higher than average energy consumption is due to cabin heating not the rain per se. Unfortunately under recent software updates, it now appears impossible to turn the heater off and just have the mechanical fan drawing in outside air (which uses next to zero power). Even when the climate control system says the “A/C” is off, and you are on manual fan setting, the heater will still be turned on if the temperature outside is lower than whatever “manual” temperature setting you have.

In previous software versions, turning the “A/C” off would mean only the mechanical fan operated, under all circumstances. This was great, either if you actually enjoyed the temperature of the air coming in, or wanted to save energy on a long trip.

Now the only way to stop this behaviour as far as I know is to turn the entire HVAC system off using the “IO” button. But that of course stops the mechanical fan as well and so cabin ventilation ceases unless you wind the windows down a bit. A pretty unsatisfactory state of affairs in my view and I wish the previous mode of operation returned.

 

[cafz]

More than you ever wanted to know about Influence of Road Wetness on Tire-Pavement Rolling Resistance.

Wetness of the road surface increases tire rolling resistance considerably. For certain tires and road surfaces in heavy rain, the increase may be as high as 50%.

 

[Vostok]

More than you ever wanted to know about Influence of Road Wetness on Tire-Pavement Rolling Resistance.

Well there you go... you learn something new every day. Thanks!

My car is pre heat-pump and the resistive heater is still a power hog that is noticeable enough that it impacts Wh/km. I wish I could turn it off but keep the fan on. I guess I could turn the manual temp down to 16 or 18 or something to stop it, but it‘s a clunky work-around and probably imperfect.

 

[Hairyman]

More than you ever wanted to know about Influence of Road Wetness on Tire-Pavement Rolling Resistance.

Yes, the effect is staggering in my M3P

 

[moa999]

As well as the usual overcoming drag, your tyre is having to effectively lift water off the road which is consuming the additional energy.

An F1 cars wet tyre can lift up to 80L per second (when going quick)

 

[gm12]

Day 2 - The Wrong turn

 

[Pixor]

Enjoying your videos. As a newly minted Aussie (ex-Brit), it amazes me the kilometres Aussies drive on road trips without batting an eyelid. Good luck with the rest of your trip!

 

[gm12]

Day 3 and 4: Rockhampton to Winton, QLD
https://youtu.be/uxw8hNaVQN0

 

[gm12]

Enjoying your videos. As a newly minted Aussie (ex-Brit), it amazes me the kilometres Aussies drive on road trips without batting an eyelid. Good luck with the rest of your trip!

Thanks Pixor. I can assure you that on the 3rd night, after 2,198 km, I slept the sleep of the dead for a good 10 hours!

 

[Loxmyf]

I had to laugh. You say the Emerald spot is a secret, then you show the map. It didn't take much to ompare with google to see where you were.

 

[Blue heaven]

I'm keen to see how you approach the "Barkly Challenge".

 

[Vostok]

I had to laugh. You say the Emerald spot is a secret, then you show the map. It didn't take much to ompare with google to see where you were.

Yep - and it’s extremely common for Showgrounds to have 3-phase 5-pin sockets. This particular one is not shown on PlugShare - maybe time to add it

 

[gm12]

They don't want to be on plug share, so you've got to respect their wishes.

 

[OzVic]

@gm12 Which brand UMC are you using to get the full 3 phase power?

 

[Blaq]

@gm12 Which brand UMC are you using to get the full 3 phase power?

The Tesla UMC is 3 phase capable as long as you have the correct tail.

Tesla Gen2 Mobile Connector Adaptor - EVchargers - EV cables and adaptors

 

[OzVic]

The Tesla UMC is 3 phase capable as long as you have the correct tail.

Tesla Gen2 Mobile Connector Adaptor - EVchargers - EV cables and adaptors

He was charging at 11/12kw. The Tesla UMC (Gen 2) is only capable of 7kw.

 

[moa999]

They don't want to be on plug share, so you've got to respect their wishes.

Fair enough. Assume you knew about it before hand though, as otherwise only the hotel in town.

On the chargers, think gm12 mentioned in the first video that they were picking up some in Brisbane. So assuming they borrowed from TOCA, probably one of the JuiceBooster2 units that has multiple tails and can do up to 22kW (if the car supports it)