Whether you’re wandering the Outback or exploring the Great Ocean Road, Australia has something for every traveller! But why not spice up your next road trip down under by going green with an electric vehicle (EV)? We know you’ve probably got some questions about getting around this vast country with an EV, which is why we’ve put together this helpful guide with everything you need to know for a successful Australian road trip in an EV.

Things you should consider before hitting the road 

Driving an electric vehicle long distance in Australia poses potential hurdles that must be considered carefully before hitting the road. For example: 

1. The range of your EV 

Knowing your car's range matters because every brand and model has its own max distance per charge. Plan your trip by taking into consideration the distance between charge stations and your vehicle's single-charge limit. Do this by: 

• Monitoring your battery levels: Helps prevent finding yourself in a situation without power and no charging point. 

• Taking the weather into account: Hot or cold weather will affect the range of your EV. In Australia, such variable climate conditions may require paying attention to your battery.   

• Being aware of the driving conditions: Speed, use of the air conditioner, and driving over hilly topographies are some driving conditions that negatively impact the driving range of your EV.   

2. Charging Infrastructure 

Australia is rapidly making improvements to its EV infrastructure. Get to know the locations of these charging stations along your route to avoid getting stranded.

• Types of chargers: There are many charging stations across Australia, with most being located along the south and east coasts. You will need to know the plug type your vehicle has, e.g. CCS2, CHAdeMO, when looking for a charging station. Typically, charging stations are Level 2 (slow), Level 3 (rapid) DC, or Tesla Superchargers.    

• Charging apps: PlugShare, Chargefox, and EVgo turn into your go-to apps when you hit the road with an electric vehicle. They dish out up-to-the-minute facts on where to find chargers, what kind of plugs they've got, how fast they'll juice up your ride, and what other drivers think about them. This stuff keeps you clued in and ready for your next power-up. 

• Charging time: Charging time for your vehicle isn't as fast as a regular gas station stop. It could be a 30-minute juicing up with a speed charger or take several hours to top off your battery power instead! Make sure to have some time on hand and use it to relax or explore the things in your surroundings. 

• Cost of charging: Juicing up your ride isn't as quick as a regular gas station stop. Topping off your electric vehicle's battery power could be a snap with a speed charger in just 30 minutes, or it could drag out for several hours.   

3. Itinerary and flexibility 

Compared to cars, Electric Vehicles (EVs) require planning when it comes to recharging stops. Creating a schedule that can adapt to charging needs is crucial, offering a feeling of preparedness for the journey ahead. 

• Rest stops: This can be done by linking charging stations with rest stops, meal breaks, or opportunities to see sights. Then, the wait time at charging becomes an enjoyable part of your tour rather than a chore. 

• Alternative routes: Have alternative routes planned where you would find charging stations scarce.  

4. Accommodation with charging facilities 

Picking spots with places to juice up your gadgets sure makes your trip smoother. 

• Inns and roadside stops: Nifty search tools on sites like Booking.com and Airbnb make it a breeze to spot digs with charging spots for your stuff. 

• Thinking about the price tag: Some joints give power-ups for zilch, but a few might bill the visitors. It's smart to check those fees beforehand so you don't get hit with surprises. 

Driving distances of popular road trips in Australia 

Australia is huge, and road distances from the coast outback can fluctuate dramatically. These are some of the most known driving trips, along with their miles. 

Driving distances of different electric vehicles 

Knowing how far your car can go helps you plan how to drive between charging stations, so choose a model that works best for you. Here is a quick look at some of the popular EV models and their approximate ranges: 

Charging station locations 

Australia's progress in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is characterized by ongoing enhancement; however, pinpointing the locations of charging stations is vital. This requirement emerges because numerous drivers face obstacles in finding these sites.  

1. Major Cities 

Australian development in EV infrastructure is slowly becoming better. EV Networks and Tesla Superchargers provide fast charging, with EVs serving cities and highways. More importantly, though, Australians should know where to find them. 

Charging stations are abundant in cities, and the leading ones include:

• Sydney: Many fast-charging stations. 

• Melbourne: Everywhere you go, it is usually found. 

• Brisbane: Still in its growth stages. 

• Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Hobart: All have an increasing number of charging stations. 

• Rural or remote areas: It’s essential to map out your charging stops ahead of time using apps like PlugShare, which shows real-time availability. 

2. Along Highways 

Interstate roads such, as the Pacific Highway and Stuart Highway now come with charging stations like those found along the Eastern Highway too. This change is definitely making traveling between cities easier than ever before! Chargefox runs an electric vehicle network, in Australia that includes high speed charging stations strategically placed along highways for quick and convenient top ups during trips.     

Popular tourist destinations are now installing electric car chargers due to higher demand, catering to tourists in places such as Byron Bay, the Blue Mountains, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, including specific Tesla charging stations for Tesla owners at important tourist spots nationwide. 

Australia offers plenty of vehicle rentals, including eco-friendly EVs, no matter your travel style, perfect for everything from city cruising to epic road trips. 

Who has EV rentals in Australia 

As more people want to travel in a way that's kind to our planet, a bunch of Aussie rental businesses have added electric cars to their line-up. Here’s a look at some of the top EV rental providers in the country:   

1. EVRentals 

It offers diverse EVs to meet travel needs, including long-range options for extensive journeys.   

2. Hertz, Europcar and Sixt 

Europcar stocks plenty of electric cars, including those from brands like Tesla and Nissan. Hertz has electric models available for hire, including the Tesla Model 3. They've got electric car hire sorted in big cities promising handy locations and solid prices. On the other side, Sixt's got electric rides in places like Sydney and Melbourne too with high-end options such as the BMW i4 and i8 or maybe a Hyundai IoniQ 6. 

3. Car Next Door 

The peer-to-peer car rental service model allows private car owners to rent out their vehicles for a fee, which is a cost-effective option compared to standard car rental services; yet, some potential users may hesitate to participate due to unfamiliarity with the concept.   

4. Tesla Rentals 

Grab a Tesla for an awesome Tesla adventure, and you'll even get to plug into the Supercharger grid if you're keen on it all through the service! Though the concept grabs the attention of folks who dig Tesla's tech goodies certain peeps might struggle to grab this chance based on where they're at or money stuff that might put off would-be buyers. 

Pros and Cons of Road-tripping in an EV 

Traveling in a car (EV) on a road trip is a way to support eco-friendly travel options by experiencing advantages such as reduced fuel expenses and a peaceful journey with modern technological advancements included in the vehicle's design. However, one should also be aware of challenges like charging spots, locations, and extended recharging durations that may require detailed route planning to address logistical concerns effectively. 

Final thoughts 

Traveling across Australia in a vehicle offers a chance to discover the diverse and mesmerizing landscapes of the country in an eco-friendly way with proper planning and a spirit of excitement for exploration. Go on a journey. May your journey be abundant with marvelous findings as you venture forth!