4 Tips for Road Tripping Australia with an EV

Are you eagerly counting the days before your road trip of a lifetime, but are worried about the environmental cost of driving? In that case, why not consider hitting the road with an electric car?

If so, great! In this post, we’re going to share four tips for road-tripping Australia with an EV. 

Going on a road trip with an EV is a fun and completely viable way of travelling the long stretches of roads throughout Australia, and they’re typically only ten or so dollars extra per day to rent. And, best of all, it’s a good option for eco-conscious travellers.

That said, despite the benefits if you’re used to driving in petrol or diesel cars, it can be tough adjusting to electric-based vehicles for longer drives.

From learning the method of “fueling up” to the actual driving experience, driving an EV can feel incredibly distinct from driving gas cars and will entail several considerations.

But don’t be discouraged. Driving this way isn’t impossible, especially if you’ve made some pre-planning for your Australia road trip beforehand.

If you want to ensure that your ride is as smooth and stress-free as possible, you’ve come to the right place. Here are four essential tips to help you go on a road trip with an electric vehicle as smoothly as possible.

Let’s drive!

1. Download Essential EV Apps

Every EV owner should have a couple of apps downloaded to their smartphone to make their driving experience much smoother. These apps offer a ton of handy features that improve the quality of driving for EV drivers, so you can have a stress-free road trip. 

Our top EV app recommendation is PlugShare! PlugShare is a navigational app that provides real-time information on the location and availability of EV charging stations. It can also give you details on whether the charging point is a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 charging point—allowing you to plan your travel downtime more efficiently.

Another app you should consider having is your car manufacturer’s brand app. 

For instance, if your car is a Tesla, then get the Tesla app. You can connect your EV with the app (after a verification process) and get real-time information on its status, such as its current battery levels. You can also get tips and personalised information on driving your car. 

With a manufacturer app, you can control the car itself, even if you’re not physically beside or inside the car. In particular, you can change the car’s climate controls, lock or unlock the vehicle, and so on.

Other handy EV apps include ABRP and Waze, both navigational apps that plan routes with EVs in mind. Of course, many of us still prefer Google Maps to guide us on our journeys. 

Having these apps can help you have a more streamlined experience when driving your car, which is particularly useful when your EV will be used for long periods, like out on a road trip.

2. Plan Your Road Trip Ahead of Time

It’s important to research and create a skeleton itinerary for your road trip ahead of time. 

A well-researched itinerary helps you maintain a good grip on your road trip schedule and plan, which can help in preventing any unwanted surprises like getting lost or running out of battery outside the range of a charging station.

Furthermore, while there are a fair amount of service stations around the country, EV charging stations are far from universal, especially as you cross through the Outback or country territory. You might need to look up which towns have chargers in advance or consider switching your route up so it passes through cities. 

Having a detailed plan helps you locate charging points along your route, enabling you to stop by to charge and rest. Ensure that you have a verified account for the charging networks that need you to have an account. This makes the trip more seamless and smooth. 

In addition, ensure that your EV is as close to 100% as you can get it as you step out of your home’s garage. This way, you can maximise the range of your vehicle and reduce the time spent on charging spots.

Furthermore, a plan also gives you peace of mind knowing that your travel schedule can go on without you having to worry about range anxiety during the trip.

Using the apps above can help you plan your route (Evie or Waze for navigation, and PlugShare to find charging stations).

If you’re feeling anxious about this, you can use Aussie road trip Facebook groups to ask for advice or ask the car hire company who you’re renting from for tips before you set up. They want you and your car to get back to them safely, so you can rely on them to give you helpful advice! 

3. Bring Some EV and Road Trip Essentials

Going on a road trip can be memorable and fun, but it can also be disastrous if you’re missing a couple of key items.

While you can grab some of these missing items in a nearby retail store, there are a few items that aren’t easy or cheap to replace – especially when it comes to those you need for an EV roadie. 

So, what are these items? Let’s look at the EV-centric stuff first. It’s a good idea to have a compatible charging cable for your car. A portable 3-pin cable and type 2 cable work fine. 

These can help you in a pinch if you want to charge in an overnight spot even without a charging station at sight.

You should also bring a spare tyre or a tyre inflation kit to handle flats. This is particularly useful if you’re planning to go off-roading with your vehicle. Beyond that, having an EV tool kit can also help you in case your car encounters any non-tyre-related emergencies.

Another essential you shouldn’t overlook is EV insurance. If you’re driving a Tesla, having comprehensive Tesla insurance can help protect your finances in the event of an accident. This can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in damages.

For long road trips out of Sydney or in general, it’s a good idea to bring a first aid kit, water, a hygienic kit, chargers, a flashlight, a sleeping aid, food, and water. Bring the appropriate gear for outdoor activities if you’re doing anything specific like hiking or swimming.

Having all these items on your road trip will help you make the most of your trip, so be sure that you have them in your car before you set foot on the trip.

4. Familiarise Yourself With Your EV

Before you drive your electric vehicle, it’s a good idea to know the characteristics and limits of your car. As much as possible, don’t let the road trip be your first-ever experience driving an EV.

Driving it around the suburbs can help you familiarise yourself with the instant torque and smooth driving experience that the EV usually offers in a safe environment.

It’s also important to practise efficient EV driving. 

Understand the regenerative braking technique so that you can consume less battery power. Avoid driving during extremely hot or cold temperatures to maximise the range of your vehicle. 

It’s also important to practise the charging process in public charging stations so that you won’t encounter any difficulties doing so on your actual road trip. This way, if you get stuck, you can ask your car hire company to give you a little tutorial (if they didn’t already when you picked the car up). 

As soon as you become more acquainted with your vehicle, the more ready and excited you’ll feel about your upcoming road trip. So be sure that you’re prepared before embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

We hope these simple tips will help you make the most of your journey through Australia – have a great trip!