Five tips to help EV owners plan stress-free road trips

If you’re one of the growing numbers of Electric Vehicle owners in Australia, you probably have a lot of questions about how to get the most out of your new set of wheels. While vehicle and charging technology and infrastructure is improving rapidly, you do need to be a little strategic when travelling around our expansive country. So read on for our top five tips to help EV owners plan stress-free road trips around Australia.

‘Range anxiety’, the fear of running out of power before reaching the next charging station, is cited as one of the biggest barriers for EV uptake. While all-electric vehicles state an average range, many factors will contribute to the actual distance you get from a full charge. Flat roads will use less battery than hills, and pumping the A/C on hot days and the heater on cold days will also suck up extra juice. As batteries get older, they hold less charge as well. So to maximise the mileage out of your battery, remember to:

There are over 3000 public charging stations in Australia, and the best way to track them down is by using a purpose-built app.

Plugshare is the most popular app in Australia as it lists the entire network of charging stations, so whether you’re driving a Tesla or a Hyundai, you can find a suitable charging station. It also lists reviews from users, so you can see if there are any outages or issues, or discover where to get the best coffee while you charge.

You can also try ChargeFox which has real-time availability, and EV Connect, which lets you pay for usage directly through the app.

A better route planner is a handy tool that creates a customised route including charge stops and trip duration based on your vehicle model.

As EV ownership is still relatively new in Australia, connecting with other EV drivers is a great way to share information and pick up some helpful tips. On Facebook, the ‘Electric Vehicles for Australia’ group offers plenty of tips and advice from Australian owners. You may also want to sign up to the My Electric Car newsletter, or keep updated on industry news by visiting the carsales EV Hub.

One of the simplest ways to overcome range anxiety is by keeping your vehicle charged at home. Statistics show around 80% of EV owners around the world charge their vehicles at home, only relying on public charging stations for longer drives. Plus, if you have solar power installed, charging your vehicle during sunlight hours will ensure you can take advantage of solar power generation and reduce your power bill.

Similarly, if you’re heading off on a road trip, picking accommodation providers with charging stations on-site will significantly reduce the number of stops you need as you can charge overnight and hit the road the next day fully charged. Packing a set of adaptors will ensure you can charge up, regardless of what type of plug is available.

If you’re using a public charging spot, once you’re charged, move along promptly. This simple courtesy will help other drivers access the plugs and reduce wait times. General etiquette says don’t unplug another vehicle’s charger unless they’ve left a note saying it’s ok. Similarly, if you are happy to be unplugged after a certain time, leave a note on your windscreen.

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