Australian farmers show electric cars can work in the middle of nowhere

Buying a small electric car mightn’t be the obvious choice for farmers in regional Australia, but that’s just what one Western Australia couple has done.

Jeffrey Johnson and his partner Kirsti run a 1750-acre property and own a MG ZS EV that they recharge using energy from their solar panels.

The couple lives in Mullewa, Western Australia, around five hours north of Perth. They purchased the ZS EV to get around their property.

“The MG car is one of the great things that come from having the solar system,” said Jeffrey.

“I knew I had the power to charge it… anyone in the station country that can invest in a solar system… the rewards and the savings are huge.”

Jeffrey drives around 2500km a month along dirt roads and highways. According to WLTP testing, the MG ZS EV can travel around 340km on a single charge.

He uses solar power to recharge his 36kWh lithium-ion battery pack which powers their home.

When he isn’t around a power socket, he uses the MG’s Vehicle to Load (V2L) to power his tools.

His property runs entirely off solar energy, and he relies on rainwater.

“We aren’t relied on any town supplies with our food, electricity, water [we’re] completely off-grid, self-sufficient,” he said.

Click an image to view the full gallery.

MORE: Everything MG ZS EV