The Cape leads the way in electric vehicle uptake, showcasing Australia’s most electrified community
The Cape community is dedicated to sustainability—but did you know that over 30% of Cape residents now own electric vehicles (EVs)? This is well above the national average of less than 1%, making The Cape Australia’s most electrified community and a positive example of the benefits of green living.
Residents at The Cape have embraced a diverse range of EVs, including popular models like BYD, Kia, BMW, MG, Tesla, and Polestar. Families, professionals, and retirees alike have seamlessly integrated EVs with their solar-powered homes. This holistic approach eliminates gas and petrol costs while significantly reducing electricity bills, enabling households to live carbon-neutral and save over $5,000 annually. The Cape’s real-world experience, where residents frequently travel longer distances than city dwellers, offers a glimpse into the future of regional transport and highlights the transformative impact of sustainable living on everyday Australians.
Driving into a Sustainable Future
Every home at The Cape is fully electric, powered by solar energy, and designed for maximum energy efficiency. Residents like John and Miranda have found that owning an EV is not just beneficial for the environment but also advantageous for their finances.
“By the third time I drove the Polestar, I felt completely comfortable,” says Miranda. “The car handles so much better than a regular petrol vehicle, and its one-pedal driving feature makes it responsive and fun. Charging at home with our solar setup is a breeze, and we never worry about petrol stations anymore.”
For families, EVs offer both environmental benefits and practical solutions. Dries, who drives a Tesla Model Y, appreciates the family-friendly design and extra storage space.
“The Tesla is incredibly spacious. There’s no engine taking up room, so we have more space for the family, including a boot at the front and back and roof racks for the surfboards. You just get in and drive. Everything makes sense in the Tesla.”
Financial Savings and Smooth Rides
The financial advantages of owning an EV at The Cape are substantial. Bill, a BMW i4 40 driver, shared how his car comfortably gets him from The Cape to Melbourne Airport and back on a single charge.
“The range of my BMW is about 490 km, which gets me to the airport and back easily. Public chargers have become more common, but I mostly charge at home and rarely need to use them.”
Bill also notes the sense of community that forms at charging stations. “At each of the charging stops, there’s a little community of EV owners. People stop and chat about their cars and share tips for their journeys, making it a social experience.”
Richard, who drives an MG4 LR77, appreciates the affordability of his vehicle without compromising on performance. “I paid around $57,000 on the road, and my energy efficiency is about 15-16kWh/100km, which is very good. The range of my MG is nominally 530km, but in the real world, it’s closer to 435km. Even then, it’s been a great fit for my needs.”
Marie, another Tesla Model Y driver, praises the smooth and enjoyable driving experience. “I love it, and I would never go back to a petrol car! The acceleration is fast, it feels safe, and driving an EV is simply delightful. I can drive to Melbourne and back on a single charge, plug in at home, and often charge the car from our rooftop solar. The servicing costs are tiny.”
Sue, who drives a BYD, echoes this sentiment: “It’s spacious, reliable, and fun to drive. We recently drove up to New South Wales without any issues.”
Real-Life Reliability and Performance
Residents have found that the real-life performance of their EVs exceeds expectations. Alec and Nathalie, who own a BYD Dolphin, initially chose their car for its affordability and safety features. Nathalie appreciates the car’s ease of use for local trips and the added confidence the technology brings.
“I like that the car talks to me, sometimes in French! It’s funny but helpful when I’m driving.”
Anthony, who drives a Polestar, was surprised by how quick and powerful his EV is compared to his previous Alfa Romeo. “I thought electric cars would be slow, but they are extremely fast! I was spending $150 a week on petrol. Now, with the EV, I’m saving so much.”
The Path to Carbon Zero
A significant motivator for residents choosing EVs is their commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. Dries, who transitioned from a petrol-powered Audi Q5 to a Tesla Model Y, believes that going electric is the logical next step.
“It makes sense to drive electric instead of burning fossil fuels,” he says. “Getting an EV was the next step in our commitment to become carbon zero. It’s our responsibility to do everything we can, so if you can afford it, get an EV.”
Sue has embraced the cost-saving benefits of charging her EV using solar power. She often charges during free electricity periods between 11 am and 2 pm or overnight when rates are lower, optimizing her EV usage and reducing costs even further.
Laurie, another proud EV owner, reports that his energy bills have dropped significantly since moving to The Cape. “Our EV cost around $600 in the first year to run, and most of that was before we installed a solar battery and charger at home. Compared to $3,700 for a petrol car, we’re saving more than $3,000 a year. The convenience of charging at home with solar power means our transportation is essentially free.”
Challenges and Solutions
While most residents charge their EVs at home using solar power, the current lack of sufficient public charging infrastructure is a common concern. Marie shares her tips for overcoming range anxiety: “The key to successful driving is to download apps that help you plan your route. They tell you how far the drive will be and suggest charging stations along the way, which creates peace of mind.”
Richard, who drives longer distances in his MG, acknowledges that while public charging infrastructure is improving, Australia is still catching up. “For longer trips, the infrastructure is still playing catch-up, and sometimes you may face issues with finding a working charging station or even waiting in line to use one,” he says. However, John sees this as a benefit: “When we’re traveling on road trips, stopping to charge forces us to relax and take a break. It makes the trip more enjoyable.”
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
All homes at The Cape are fully electrified—they are highly energy-efficient, solar-powered, and fitted with heat pump heating, cooling, hot water systems, and high-performance induction cooktops. The entire community generates an energy surplus, exporting significant amounts of clean energy to surrounding townships. With a growing number of residents owning EVs, The Cape leads the way toward a greener, sustainable future.
Cape Director Brendan Condon reflects on the community’s achievements: “Our designers and builders have combined 8-star energy-efficient builds with efficient appliances and solar panels. It is wonderful to see our residents buying into the vision with such a nation-leading uptake of electric vehicles.
“Households who combine all of these approaches—including the EV—save well over $5,000 per annum in avoided energy costs. This puts The Cape community on track to be saving over a million dollars per year, every year, in avoided petrol, gas, and electricity costs when all 230 homes here are completed. These numbers are compelling, and this is a great story pointing to the power of renewable energy, electrification of homes and transport, and carbon-neutral living for Australia’s future.”
Leading the charge in sustainability at The Cape
Looking Ahead
As Australia’s most electrified community, The Cape demonstrates how people from all walks of life—families, professionals, and retirees—are making the shift to cleaner, more efficient transportation and lower-cost living. The real-world experiences of residents showcase the viability and benefits of embracing sustainable technologies.
For those considering moving to The Cape, Richard offers this advice: “Sustainable living pays off in so many ways. It’s a lifestyle that benefits you, your wallet, and the environment.”
By integrating solar power, energy-efficient homes, and a strong commitment to sustainability, The Cape stands as a model for communities across Australia. Residents are not just saving money; they are investing in a healthier planet for future generations.
The Experience of Driving an EV
For many, the transition to an EV comes with a learning curve, but the benefits soon outweigh the initial adjustments.
Miranda, another Cape resident, adds, “By the third time I drove the car, I was completely comfortable with it. It’s very easy to pick up everything, the car handles so much better than a regular car, I prefer it. Now I feel safe and more comfortable driving an EV, and the best part is—it’s fun!” Laurie, describes the shift as requiring a bit more planning for long trips, but emphasises that the convenience, savings, and environmental benefits make it well worth the effort. He also notes that range anxiety is comparable to concerns about running out of petrol, and that with practice, managing your EV’s battery becomes second nature.
Final Thoughts and Advice
If you’re considering an EV, take the time to research and understand the full picture. Visit The Cape to see real-world examples of how EVs can integrate seamlessly into a sustainable lifestyle. Current EV owners are generally enthusiastic about sharing their experiences, so don’t hesitate to ask questions, test drive different models, and consider your charging options at home and on the road. The future of transportation is electric, and with the right preparation, you can make a smooth and rewarding transition to an EV.
For more information and to read an article about demystifying electric vehicles click here.
John enjoying this Polestar – where sleek design meets sustainable driving
