Is there a better way to explore the fascinating beauty of Australia than by road, especially in an EV? A report shared by Yahoo reveals Australia is among the top 25 countries whose roads are the most beautiful in the world. Now, imagine driving the East Coast of Australia along highways, hugging a rugged coastline using sustainable transport. How about traversing through outback terrain and deep into the Red Center? The experience will be adventurous and rewarding, knowing your driving choices have helped reduce carbon emissions that destroy natural habitats. However, there’s a challenge eco-conscious road trippers face. Planning an epic road tour in an EV. In this article, we explore the tips for enjoying an unforgettable road trip around Australia using an electric vehicle.
Map Your Route Like A Pro
An amazing journey in an electric car begins with proper route mapping. Ask yourself questions like, what’s my road trip destination? Are there electric vehicle charging stations en route? There are several EV-friendly routes in Australia, such as the Great Ocean Road. You can also enjoy adventurous drives from Melbourne to Sydney, along the Pacific Coast Way, and Melbourne to Adelaide comfortably with an EV. After choosing your route, check if there are charging stations along the way. This can only be done effectively using an app, like Plugshare and ChargeHub. What these tools do is locate charging stations across Australia’s road network based on your vehicle’s battery size, charging speed, driving distance, and elevation changes. So, be sure to put these details in the app to get detailed info about where you can stop and charge your vehicle.
Pick The Right EV
When you hit the open roads in the “Land Down Under” you want your experience to be stress free. You don’t want to run out of battery power in the middle of the road or have other mishaps. So, how do you ensure you’re choosing the right EV for road tripping Australia? Customer ratings for the best electric cars available online provide valuable insights about various models. Read them carefully to identify a vehicle with an ideal driving range. When reviewing the range of your EV, consider the driving speed of the route you’ll follow. For instance, assess how far you can drive at 96 km/hr, through rough terrain, hills, and frequent stops. Also, select a ride with safety features, enough space for passengers and luggage, and infotainment system.
Pair Charging With A Meal Or Excursion
Charging an electric vehicle isn’t a two or five-minute deal like with gas-fueled models. Be ready to wait 40-45 minutes for a full battery charge using DC fast chargers and about 2-3 hours when using Level 2 chargers. However, instead of waiting at the charging station for your car to charge, plan for unforgettable adventures. For instance, say you’re exploring the Great Ocean Road in an EV. You’ll likely stop at The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay to plugin. As your car battery charges, you could enjoy local cuisine and craft beer at The Brewhouse. After eating, go for a beach walk or boat tour and learn to catch trout and native blackfish. If you’re a thrill seeker, kayaking and surfing await you here. The idea is to always research charging points along your route. Then choose those with something exciting to do around to maximize your time.
Planning a memorable EV road trip in Australia seems impossible, right? But it’s doable if you prepare like a pro. Start with your route. Is it EV-friendly, with reliable charging stations? You can use EV road trip route mapping apps like Plugshare or ChargeHub to craft your itinerary. Next, invest in an electric car with a long driving range, plus safety and comfort features. When recharging your car, maximize your time enjoying local meals and engage in thrilling activities.