EV road trip planning: Tips and tricks for a smooth journey | Avis Car Rental

 

    Planning a road trip in an electric vehicle (EV)? You’re in for a treat. A road trip in an EV is like nothing else, smooth, silent and eco-friendly, so you can settle in and enjoy the scenery.

Like any road trip, it’s important to plan your route before you go, including where you’ll charge your EV. Here’s how to plan an EV road trip, including what to do before your trip, once you’re on the road, and how we can help if you get stuck.

 

Before you go: Getting ready for your EV road trip

    If you want to hire an EV for your next road trip, but are feeling nervous about driving long distances in it, you don’t need to worry. As long as you put aside some time to think about where you’ll charge your EV, you can relax once you’re on the road.

EV trip planners

    There are plenty of tools out there to help you plan an EV road trip. You can use Google Maps and Apple Maps Apps to find free and paid charging stations throughout Australia. We also recommend downloading PlugShare, Evie Networks and ChargeFox. And, with our fleet of Tesla Model Ys, it’d be remiss not to mention Tesla’s own ‘Go Anywhere’ planner.

Hotel charging

    Before you book your hotel, make sure you check that they have charging stations for you to use and what kind of chargers they have. You can check hotel websites or one of the trip planning apps above to see if they offer EV charging facilities. Knowing you have a backup will help relieve any anxiety, so it always pays to locate a few public charging stations near your hotel, too.

 

On the road: Charging strategies

    Charging your EV shouldn’t get in the way of your holiday. These tips and tricks will help you optimise your charging time, so you’re not spending your trip waiting around at a charging station.

Charging types and times

    Using the right charger for your car (and knowing how to use it) is key to making the most of your time on the road. There are two types of EV chargers:

DC Fast Charging: Direct Current (DC) fast charging stations are what you'll want to look for on the road. They’ll let you recharge your EV quickly, often providing an 80% charge in just 30 minutes to an hour.  Look for charging stations with the most power to minimise your charging time – anything over 150kW per hour is optimum. While 50kW charging stations are okay (though you might want to bring a nook!), with under-50kW charging stations you'll be waiting all day.

AC Charging: Alternating Current (AC) charging is what you’ll find at homes or Level 2 public chargers. AC Charging is better for overnight charging or longer stops on your itinerary, as they can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to fully charge your EV.

Check what charge plug your EV takes before you set out on your journey too, so you know which charging station to use. At Avis, we have Tesla Model Ys, these use either a Type 2 or a CCS2 Plug. Teslas are compatible with most charging stations in Australia.

Minimising your charging time

    Aim to charge your EV at the same time you’re making other stops, whether that’s to indulge in a mouth-watering meal, visit a historic monument, or check out a national park. When you’re planning your route, look for charging stations near other destinations on your itinerary.

Keep an eye on your EV's battery level while you’re driving. Avoid letting your battery drop too low before you start looking for a charging station. Charging your EV when the battery’s around 20-30%, will give you a comfortable buffer (and don’t drive into a national park or anywhere else without charging stations if your battery’s low).

When you’re at the charging station, stop charging once your battery reaches around 80%. Charging from 80% to 100% takes significantly longer and, depending on where you’re going, an 80% charge is likely enough to get you to your next destination or charging stop. It’s also good charging station etiquette not to charge more than 80%, so you’re not keeping anyone else waiting.

 

Avis roadside assistance

    We want you to enjoy your driving experience to the fullest, which is why we offer roadside assistance. Avis roadside assistance means that, if you do get caught out, you won’t be without help for long. Whether it's a flat tyre or you’ve run out of charge, we’ll be there to help.

You can purchase Roadside Assistance on its own or as part of the Avis Premium Coverage Bundle. Simply add roadside assistance when you’re making your booking, or call us on 136 333 to add it to an existing booking.

 

Ready to hit the road?

    Embark on your next road trip in a Tesla Model Y. With quick, seamless acceleration from the moment you put your foot to the pedal, it’s perfect for long stretches of open road.

Packed with advanced features and excellent boot capacity, this mid-size, rear-wheel-drive SUV is ideal for packing all your road trip essentials, no matter whether you’re heading to the coast, the country, the city or all three on your next adventure. Book your Tesla Model Y online now

If you have any questions, check out our FAQs on renting an EV.