So, you’re thinking of packing the car, hitting the open road, and heading into the big wilds of the Australian outback. Instead of the trusty diesel 4WD, you’re eyeing up something a little quieter, greener, and… electric. Brave? Maybe. Impossible? Let’s find out!
Join us as we take a closer look at just how practical EVs and hybrids really are when you’re tackling Australia’s wide, red heart.
Range anxiety meet the open road
One of the biggest fears around EVs is 'range anxiety'. The sweaty-palmed feeling that your battery might run flat before you reach the next plug. In the city, that’s rarely an issue. Out bush, the distances are bigger and the chargers are fewer.
The good news? Today’s EVs can push anywhere from 350 to over 500 kilometres per charge, depending on the model. That’s plenty for day-to-day driving and even some regional runs. But when you’re staring down a 600-kilometre stretch of Nullarbor with only roadhouses in sight, you’ll need to plan carefully.
Charging in the middle of nowhere
Australia’s charging network is expanding, but it’s still patchy in remote areas. You’ll find fast chargers along the major highways and in bigger towns but once you push further inland things thin out.
This is where hybrids and plug-in hybrids shine. A Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, for example, will sip petrol while giving you electric benefits around town. And if you’re in a plug-in hybrid, you can run electric for shorter trips but fall back on petrol when the chargers disappear.
For pure EVs, apps like PlugShare are your best mate. They’ll show you where to find the next plug, even if it’s a caravan park with a friendly owner who’ll let you charge overnight.
The outback-proof checklist
If you’re seriously considering an EV trek beyond the city limits, here are a few tips to keep things stress-free:
• Plan your stops Map out chargers in advance and always have a backup.
• Bring the right cable Not every charger uses the same plug.
• Think about terrain Hills, heat, and heavy loads all chew through battery faster.
• Allow extra time Charging can take longer than filling a tank. Great excuse for a coffee break, though.
So, can you do it?
The short answer: Yes, but it’s not for everyone just yet. If you’re a grey nomad crossing the desert, a diesel 4WD is still the safest bet. But if you’re taking a road trip through regional NSW or Queensland, sticking to highways with charger coverage, or mixing in a hybrid, then an EV adventure is absolutely possible.
And hey, nothing makes more of an impression than rolling into a country town in near silence while everyone else is queuing at the servo.
EVs in the outback are less 'set and forget' and more 'plan and prepare.' But, with the tech improving every year and charging stations popping up faster than roadhouse pies, it won’t be long before electric road trips across Australia are as normal as packing the esky.
So, would you take an EV into the outback? Or, are you waiting until the charging network catches up? Either way, at easyauto123 we’ve got the hybrids, plug-ins and fuel-sippers to get you road-trip ready, wherever the map takes you.
📷 Harrison Reilly (@h_reilly)
