A Dutch explorer arrived in Mount Isa this week after setting out from The Netherlands in an electric car two years ago.
Wiebe Wakker’s global journey began in 2016 with a dual purpose, to see the world and to dispel myths about the reliability of electric cars.
“My biggest passion is travelling and my goal is to accelerate the transition to a zero carbon future, a more renewable world,” he said.
"If I can prove that I can drive from Holland to the other side of the world in an electric car, then why should we not be able to drive one on a daily basis?"
His 2009 Volkswagen Golf dubbed the ‘Blue Bandit’, had its petrol engine and fuel tank replaced with a 37kWh battery.
“It gives a range of distance travel of 200km.”
However, he said Australia's vast outback presented a challenge.
"Sometimes I need to do a quick calculation first to work out speed of travel and distance needed to arrive at the next town.
"I know there are some great distances but there are also a lot of generous people in this country so I hope I get towed by someone or use their outlet."
Each evening Mr Wakker charges his car for four to twelve hours.
“I can charge it with a regular power slot, or at a charging station.”
Mount Isa has a charging station at Leichhardt Accommodation.
Mr Wakker praised the Electric Highway which runs from Perth to Augusta offering 11 charging stations some of which charge from flat to full within 30 minutes.
He said the trip was proof the technology was practical worldwide.
After 33 countries and 973 days of travel it’s only natural to have smashed some records.
The previous longest distance covered in an electric, non-solar vehicle was 22,000km but Mr Wakker has racked up more than 82,000km, including being the first person to cross Turkey, Iran, India, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia in a fully electric car.
The intrepid explorers adventure will end in Sydney in around one month.
