Road-tripping an EV in Australia

Before you go, map DC fast chargers along your route using your car's navigation, a route planner such as A Better Routeplanner, or the networks' own apps. Check recent check-ins or reviews where available, as sites can be busy or temporarily out of service.

Have a backup charger in mind for each leg, and set up accounts with the main networks on your route before you leave.

EVs charge fastest when the battery is fairly low and slow down as it fills; this is called the charging curve. On many cars, charging from around 10–20% up to about 80% is the quick part, and the last stretch to 100% takes noticeably longer.

So two shorter stops are often faster overall than one long one. Charge to what you need to reach the next charger comfortably, plus a buffer.

Unlike petrol cars, EVs are usually most efficient in slower stop-start driving, where regen recovers energy. Sustained highway speeds, headwinds, hills, roof loads, air-conditioning in the heat and towing all reduce range, sometimes considerably.

Treat the car's range estimate as a guide and watch the energy consumption on your first long drive to calibrate.

Towing can significantly reduce range, so plan more frequent charging stops. Many charging bays aren't designed for a car and trailer, which can mean unhitching to charge. Check the vehicle's rated towing capacity and the site layout before relying on a charger.

Gaps between fast chargers are larger in regional and remote Australia. Destination charging at accommodation, caravan parks and pubs can fill the gaps overnight. A portable charger that plugs into a standard outlet is slow but a useful backup; confirm with your accommodation before plugging in.

A short checklist before you leave:

• Network apps installed, accounts set up and a payment method added
• Any RFID cards your networks use
• A Type 2 cable for untethered public AC chargers
• Your portable (granny) charger
• A rough plan with a backup charger for each leg