Best Australian road trips to do in an EV

Australia has about 3000 public charging stations around the country, according to the Electric Vehicle Council, with more being added all the time. So while it’s relatively easy to find somewhere to recharge, when you’re on a road trip, you don’t want to spend half the time waiting in a car park.

So by taking advantage of the rapid charging network, which can give some cars up to 450km of range in just 20 minutes, you can get back on the road sooner.

We’ve come up with four great Australian road trips with easy access to rapid chargers, so pack the car and get ready to see Australia in an electric vehicle (EV).

Not only is it one of the best road trips in Australia, but it’s also a great one for EV drivers.

If you’re coming from Melbourne, charge up at the fast charging station at RACV Torquay resort before continuing on towards Apollo Bay. With so many incredible views along the way, you will want to make plenty of stops: Erskine Falls near Lorne; Point Addis lookout at Anglesea; the kangaroos on the Anglesea golf course, and the beautiful redwood forest at Apollo Bay.

Tesla drivers could recharge at Apollo Bay before continuing on towards Warrnambool, while other EV drivers can head back to Torquay, or BYO lead and utilise the Type 2 charger at the Lorne Visitor Centre.

The popular route along the Hume Highway between Australia’s two biggest cities is easy in an EV. While there are plenty of standard chargers along the route, fast chargers at Avenel, Euroa, Barnawartha North, Holbrook, Tarcutta, Jugiong, Goulburn and Mittagong will help keep travel times down. You won’t be disappointed by the pub menu at Jugiong’s The Sir George Hotel, or stock up on delicious local produce at the Long Track Pantry. Or take a detour off the highway just before Wangaratta to see the site of Ned Kelly’s last stand in Glenrowan.

If you’re driving a Tesla, you could stop in and recharge the car and grab a coffee at Euroa, Wodonga, Gundagai and Goulburn. If you’re able to do the trip with just one stop (in a Tesla Model 3), snap a photo and lunch at Gundagai’s Dog on the Tucker Box.

The Queensland Electric Highway as it’s known, has 31 fast-chargers (and a further 18 planned) making it one of Australia's best and stress-free road trips for EV drivers.

The chargers have been installed in spots that make sense for stops, such as at shops, cafes and accommodation facilities, so you can charge while you grab a coffee and stretch your legs.

Grab an ice cream and wander the charming historic main street in Childers, charge up while you take a refreshing dip in the Mackay lagoon, stop in to see the Big Mango at Bowen before ending your trip in tropical paradise Cairns.

Tasmania’s relatively small size, short distances between main towns, quiet roads and stunning natural beauty makes it a fantastic spot for a road trip. With 12 fast-charging stations scattered across Tassie, plus another 2 ultra-fast (350kW) chargers, so lapping the island in an EV is worry-free.

Consider stopping in at the incredible Bay of Fires near St Helens, walking along Devonport’s stunning coastline, driving the winding road with over 90 bends into Queenstown and touring its underground mines and Hobart’s impressive MONA. And best of all, with Tasmania running on 100% renewable energy, you can recharge guilt-free while you enjoy this stunning isle.

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