**Living with an Electric Vehicle in Melbourne: A Practical Experiment**

Electric vehicles (EVs) have sparked debates among enthusiasts and skeptics alike. As a proponent of electric propulsion, I decided to test the feasibility of living with an EV in Melbourne, Australia’s bustling metropolis. Thanks to Hyundai, I had the opportunity to test drive the Ioniq 5 in various real-life scenarios.

**Charging Challenges in a City Apartment**

One significant challenge I faced was the lack of access to a home charger in my Airbnb apartment. This meant relying solely on the public charging network, a situation I previously encountered in Athens, Greece, with less than ideal results.

**Optimism Turns to Anxiety**

Upon receiving the fully charged Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epiq with a range of 423 km, I mapped out nearby charging stations using Hyundai’s navigation system and Google Maps. Surprisingly, areas like Albert Park lacked chargers, while the CBD and Port Melbourne had more options, instilling hope for the future.

**Beware of Slow and Broken Chargers**

Despite finding accessible chargers, some were disappointingly slow. A luxury car dealership offered slow charging rates, prompting me to seek faster alternatives for efficient charging.

**Finding My Oasis at Police Stations and Libraries**

After several setbacks, meticulous planning led me to a fast charger at a police station near Malvern town hall. This oasis provided a quick charge and an hour of playtime with my son, making it a convenient and enjoyable charging spot.

**Verdict: Improvements Needed in Charging Infrastructure**

My experience highlighted the need for more fast chargers in key locations like parks and malls. While EV owners may go the extra mile to find reliable chargers, improvements in Australia’s charging infrastructure are crucial for a seamless transition to the EV era.

In conclusion, while EVs offer decent range figures, the availability of fast chargers in convenient locations remains a challenge. With ongoing efforts to enhance Australia’s charging infrastructure, the future looks promising for EV owners in Melbourne.