EV road trip finder: The best battery-powered routes and stop-offs

Taking a road trip in an electric vehicle is getting easier in Australia. Volvo Cars’ all-electric models have plenty of range – all capable of more than 400km on a single charge – and the number of fast EV chargers installed nationally is rising every month.

Which means more sustainable adventures are there for the taking – from day trips to cross-country long hauls.

Here’s a selection to inspire some wanderlust, with charging stops, scenic spots and local attractions that make the journey as much fun as the destination – plus some tips to maximise battery efficiency.

The rise of EV Infrastructure in Australia
Government and businesses are building out a nationwide public charging network, with over 900 fast and ultra-fast public EV charging locations available as at March 2024, up 90 per cent from December 2022.

That number had topped 1,000 and the rollout continues, with specialist operators of high powered, high volume sites now entering Australia. The government has committed $500m towards ensuring that there are high-speed chargers at least every 150km on key highway routes – which will make long distance EV road trips even easier.

How to plan an EV road trip

All road trips require a bit of forward planning. Which is where Volvo’s Next Generation Infotainment System with Google Built-In* – including Google Maps integration – comes into its own.

Drivers can select a road trip and it will automatically find charging stations along the route, as well as estimate the charging level upon arrival (and return) from the selected destination – with any detours catered for. Just to be sure, the system provides automatic charging reminders on the road when your battery hits 20 per cent. All of which means drivers can easily match charging spots with food, rest and leisure stops – and make the most of the journey.

Top EV-friendly toad trip routes
With summer holidays approaching, here’s a selection of trips state-by-state.

New South Wales: Sydney to Byron Bay (800 km)
An iconic coastal drive from Australia's largest city to perhaps its most famous beach town, with stunning ocean views and charming stops along the way.

Route highlights:

1. Sydney to Newcastle (160 km)
● Charge at: Chargefox Ultra-Rapid station in Heatherbrae and pick up a Heatherbrae’s pie.
● Stop at: Hunter Valley Gardens for a stroll through 60 acres of spectacular international display gardens.

2. Newcastle to Port Macquarie (240 km)
● Charge at: NRMA fast charger in Port Macquarie
● Stop at: The Stunned Mullet for lunch (hatted fine dining) or Enzo Woodfired for pizza. Take a walk along the Breakwall and checkout the painted rocks – there’s a great park at the Town Beach end.

3. Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour (160 km)
● Charge at: Evie Networks fast charger at Park Beach Plaza. Grab some sushi from Hungry Bears.
● Stop at: The Forest Sky Pier for panoramic views over the Coffs Coast Hinterland. Say hi to the dolphins, sea lions and penguins at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

4. Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay (240 km)
● Charge at: Chargefox’s 50kW charger at Byron Bay Library.
● Stop at: Cape Byron Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views. Pick up tasty, healthy veggie food at Manna Heaven.

Victoria: Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory (225 km)

A shorter road trip from Australia’s cultural capital to the mainland’s most southerly tip – the beautiful Wilsons Prom, home to remote coastal bushland trails, abundant wildlife and pristine beaches.

Route highlights:

1. Melbourne to Inverloch (140 km)
● Charge at: RACV Inverloch Resort's Chargefox station
● Stop at: Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade, or head up to Eagle’s Rock for a picnic, coastal walk and amazing views of the ocean, cliffs and rock formations.

2. Inverloch to Wilsons Promontory (85 km)
● Charge at: Fish Creek Hotel's Destination Charger or the Chargefox charger at Yanakie Hall.
● Stop at: Basically, anywhere. Try Squeaky Beach for its pure white quartz sand; swim in Victoria’s largest national marine park; scale the granite peaks of Mount Oberon.

Queensland: Brisbane to Cairns (1700 km)

An epic coastal journey along the awesome Queensland coast, taking in the best of the Sunshine State.

Route highlights:

1. Brisbane to Hervey Bay (300 km)
● Charge at: Queensland Electric Super Highway station in Gympie.
● Stop at: Mary Valley Rattler heritage railway for a scenic steam train ride or walk the heritage trail. Feel lucky? Try gold panning – Gympie was established as a town after a find in 1867 sparked a gold rush.

2. Hervey Bay to Rockhampton (400 km)
● Charge at: Ergon Energy fast charger in Miriam Vale and grab something tasty at B.L.D Tuckerbox – there’s a park just over the road for any kids with energy to burn.
● Stop at: Mon Repos Turtle Centre near Bundaberg – entry to the centre is free and doesn’t require a booking during the day. 3. Rockhampton to Mackay (335 km)
● Charge at: Chargefox Ultra-Rapid station in Marlborough.
● Stop at: Capricorn Caves for underground adventures.

4. Mackay to Townsville (390 km)
● Charge at: Queensland Electric Super Highway station in Bowen.
● Stop at: Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, or head up to the Horseshoe Bay Rotary Lookout – the view’s worth the climb.

5. Townsville to Cairns (275 km)
● Charge at: NRMA fast charger in Ingham.
● Stop at: Paronella Park, a castle in the rainforest.

Western Australia: Perth to Margaret River (270 km)

Head out of Perth to the renowned Margaret River wine region, offering a perfect blend of urban and rural experiences – and really good wine.

Route highlights:

1. Perth to Bunbury (180 km)
● Charge at: RAC Electric Highway station in Mandurah, then head to Dolphin Quay for lunch – there’s plenty of choice, then walk it off across one section of the bridge to the other.
● Stop at: Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury for eco-friendly dolphin encounters.

2. Bunbury to Margaret River (90 km)
● Charge at: The Destination Charger at Margaret River Visitor Centre, then head to Margaret River Bakery for a quality pastry and coffee.
● Stop at: Leeuwin Estate Winery for excellent wine tasting and gourmet food. Alternatively Amelia Park Wines is also very highly regarded.

South Australia: Adelaide to Coober Pedy (850 km) An outback adventure from the city of churches to the opal capital of the world, showcasing South Australia's diverse landscapes – and dwellings.

Route highlights:

1. Adelaide to Port Augusta (310 km)
● Charge at: Chargefox Supercharger in Clare Valley.
● Stop at: Clare Valley wineries for world-class Rieslings or head to ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ mansion, Martindale Hall.

2. Port Augusta to Coober Pedy (540 km)
● Charge at: Chargefox Ultra-Rapid station in Port Augusta, then grab a coffee and a snack at Archers’ Table.
● Stop at: Woomera Heritage Centre to learn about Australia's space history, or head to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden – for the 100-plus bird species and the views across the Flinders Range as much as the flora.

Tasmania: Hobart to Cradle Mountain (320 km)

This beautiful drive takes you from Tasmania's capital to one of its most iconic natural landmarks, showcasing the island state's pristine wilderness.

Route highlights:

1. Hobart to Launceston (200 km)
● Charge at: Chargefox Ultra-Rapid station in Campbell Town. Take in some sobering but fascinating history via the Convict Brick Trail, which runs along Campbell Town’s main street.
● Stop at: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to see Tasmanian devils.

2. Launceston to Cradle Mountain (120 km)
● Charge at: Electric Highway Tasmania station in Sheffield, then head to The Epicurean Cafe for a spot of lunch.
● Stop at: Sheffield's famous outdoor murals depicting local history – there’s over 60 of them on walls and on buildings along the roadside.

Battery life & charging tips for long-distance drives

1. Drive smoothly: Whether in a petrol car or an EV, putting your foot down uses more energy. Accelerate gently and cruise the highway to maximise battery life. When in towns, use regenerative braking to give the battery a boost.
2. Check your tires before setting off: Should be standard practice before any long trip – keeping tires properly inflated means greater energy efficiency.
3. Pre-heat or cool the car: Preconditioning the car while it’s connected to a charger saves battery. In cold temperatures, use the seat and steering wheel heaters instead of the climate control – as it uses a lot less energy.
4. When charging on the road, charging the battery between 10 and 80 per cent can cut charging time significantly, because the battery management system slows the rate of charge when close to empty and full to keep the battery in optimum health.
5. Take advantage of overnight charging at hotels or leisure parks that offer free EV charging facilities.
6. Likewise restaurants and shopping centres if you’re planning on stopping for an hour or two.
7. Always carry a charging cable in the boot (or the ‘frunk’) in case some charging points require them.

Embrace adventure with Volvo

Australia is a vast, beautiful country. Choosing an electric vehicle for your road trip is a great way to see it, with zero tailpipe emissions. Stopping to charge, rest and connect along the way opens up new adventures – and transforms a journey into an experience.

Explore a new way to travel with Volvo’s luxury electric vehicles. Discover the all-electric Volvo EX30, C40, EX40 and EX90 here – and make your test drive a mini road trip of its own.

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