Dutchman travels the world in $300 and an electric vehicle

Wiebe Wakker drove across 33 countries in his retrofitted station wagon, which he nicknamed “The Blue Bandit”.

A Dutchman travelled for 95,000 kilometres in an electric car to prove the viability of such vehicles in tackling climate change. Wiebe Wakker drove across 33 countries in his retrofitted station wagon nicknamed “The Blue Bandit”.

For almost 2 years I have been living an unbelievable and crazy dream. I'm driving from the Netherlands to Australia in an electric car.
In 687 days I saw 31 countries and drove 60.000km without visiting a gas station!
Can you help me reach the other side of the world? pic.twitter.com/xKDsxwmEyd

— Plug Me In (@WiebeWkkr) January 31, 2018

Wakker began his purpose-driven adventure with the aim to inspire, educate and accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon future. He intended to travel without money and relied entirely on the kindness of people. He believed his “Plug Me In” project is based upon collaboration between people. His website has a portal where people can support him by offering a meal, a place to sleep or electricity for the car.

He received tremendous support from thousands worldwide and managed to complete his journey at a cost of a little over Rs 20,000 (when converted) in total. He said that had his car not been modified to an electric powertrain, he would have needed at least 1,800 gallons or 6,785 litres of petrol.

The modified car is equipped with a 150-kW motor, which is paired to a 37-kWh lithium-ion battery. It has a range of 200 kilometres on a single charge, with a top speed of 180 kmph.