EV Touring Tips for Australia

Practical advice for long-distance electric driving across Australia — charging strategies, things that can go wrong, what to pack, and how to stretch your range in an emergency.

Charging Strategies

Plan your stops before you leave
Map out every charging stop before departure. Aim for a charger roughly two-thirds of your real-world range away so you arrive with a comfortable buffer. PlugShare, the network apps and your car's built-in nav are your friends — cross-reference, don't rely on one.
Stop at 80% on DC fast
DC fast chargers slow dramatically above 80%. The last 20% can take as long as the first 80%. Unless you genuinely need the full pack to reach the next charger, unplug at 80% and get back on the road.
Pre-condition the battery
Most EVs can pre-warm the battery for fast charging — set the charger as your nav destination and the car will prepare the pack en route. A warm battery accepts charge much faster, especially in winter.
Charge while you eat
Align charging stops with meal, coffee and rest-room breaks. A 30–40 minute lunch stop is often all you need at a 150 kW charger — the car charges while you recharge.
Carry every network's app
Download and set up accounts for Tesla, Evie, Chargefox, NRMA, Ampol AmpCharge and BP Pulse before your trip. Not every charger supports tap-to-pay yet, and fumbling with app sign-ups at the roadside wastes time and nerves. You can see a list of current providers on the EV Charging page.
Charge to 100% the night before
Leave home with a full battery from cheap off-peak power. This pushes your first public stop further down the road and gives you maximum flexibility for the first leg.

Potential Problems

Chargers out of service
Public chargers break. Always have a fallback stop in mind — ideally two different networks within range. Check PlugShare recent check-ins before you rely on a remote single charger.
Range overestimation
The advertised WLTP range assumes ideal conditions. At highway speeds, into a headwind or in cold weather, real range can drop 20–40%. Always plan on 70% of the claimed figure for highway touring.
Cold-weather range loss
Below ~10°C the battery is less efficient and the cabin heater draws heavily. Expect 20–30% less range in alpine areas or southern winter mornings. Pre-heat the cabin while plugged in to reduce the drain.
Headwinds & elevation
A strong headwind at 110 km/h can shave 15–20% off your range. Climbing long mountain ranges (e.g. the Great Dividing Range) also costs energy — though you regain some on the descent via regen.
Mobile black spots
Many regional chargers need an app to start a session, and large parts of inland Australia have no mobile signal. Download offline maps and set up app accounts (with payment loaded) while you still have signal.
Idle & session fees
Most networks charge idle fees if you leave your car plugged in after it finishes charging. Set a timer on your phone for a few minutes before the estimated finish so you can move the car promptly.

Items to Consider Taking

Multiple charging app accounts, already set up with payment
Contactless (tap-to-pay) debit or credit card
Type 2 portable EVSE ( granny cable ) and a 15A adapter
Spare Type 2–to–Type 2 cable for untethered AC chargers
Phone mount, plus USB-C / Lightning charging cable
Fully charged power bank for your phone
Plenty of drinking water — at least 4–5 litres for remote legs
Non-perishable snacks for long stretches between towns
First aid kit and any personal medication
Spare tyre, puncture repair kit or tyre inflator
Hi-vis vest and warning triangle
Fire extinguisher (small automotive unit)
Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Warm layers and an emergency blanket
Paper road atlas or printed route as a backup
Cash — some regional chargers and towns still prefer it

Hypermiling in an Emergency

If you're running low and the next charger is further than your remaining range, these techniques can extend your distance — but they are a fallback, not a substitute for sensible planning. Prioritise getting to a charger over holding a set speed.

  1. 1Slow down — every 10 km/h above 90 km/h costs roughly 10–15% more energy. Dropping from 110 to 95 km/h can extend your range significantly.
  2. 2Switch to Eco mode to soften throttle response and limit power draw from climate and accessories.
  3. 3Turn off the air-conditioning if you can tolerate it; use seat heaters or crack a window instead. The heater is one of the biggest drains after the motor.
  4. 4Use maximum regenerative braking so every deceleration puts energy back into the pack. Anticipate traffic ahead and lift off early rather than braking.
  5. 5Maintain a steady speed — cruise control on flat ground is efficient, but switch it off on hills where it may floor the throttle to hold speed uphill.
  6. 6Avoid hard acceleration. Smooth, gradual inputs keep the motor in its efficient range.
  7. 7Remove unnecessary weight — every extra kilogram costs energy on every incline.
  8. 8Close windows and sunroof at speed to reduce aerodynamic drag; open vents for fresh air instead.
  9. 9If safe and legal, maintain a steady gap behind a large truck to benefit from reduced aero drag — but never tailgate.
  10. 10Switch off headlights to daytime running lights at dusk (where legal) and dim the infotainment screen to claw back small savings.
  11. 11Plan to arrive at the next charger with under 10% — every percent you don't use on the road is money saved, as long as you make it.

These tips are general guidance for EV touring in Australia and do not replace your vehicle's owner manual, local road rules, or common sense. Charging networks, pricing and availability change frequently — always verify current information before a long trip.

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