Do EVs have enough driving range?

Will you run out of charge on the road?

The travel range of electric cars is growing with every new model. While some short-range models offer around 200–300km per charge, long-range vehicles provide a range over 600km. According to the Electric Vehicle Council, the average range of EVs available in Australia is around 400kms, which should be enough to last the average city driver around a week. 

However, living in a large country with huge distances between major cities, it’s natural to think about where you’ll be able to recharge on long drives. This feeling of uncertainty can cause range anxiety.

But there isn’t much reason for fear. The federal government’s Driving the Nation Fund includes a $39.3 million investment to build 117 new EV chargers on key highway routes across Australia. This means there will be a fast charger approximately every 150km on national highways. 

That investment grew significantly in August 2019 with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) pouring another $15 million into the $50 million country-wide project, which will include at least two DC ultra-fast chargers at each of the 42 sites  – powered entirely by renewables.

With the amount of public chargers out there, the chances of running out of charge on the road are extremely low. Especially if you plan your route with charging in mind using apps like Plugshare. And as well as government-funded chargers, more private companies are building EV charging networks. You can find many of these in shopping centres, universities and public car parks. 

If you’re still unsure, you can read about how our own team members went on an EV road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. 

New technology is helping the EV cause

In addition to government support, the EV industry is investing heavily to reduce – and one day eliminate – range anxiety.

More efficient battery packs with ​different chemical compositions are being used in newer models, but when combined with widespread access to public charging stations and at-home charging, driving an electric car around Australia could soon feel as easy as travelling in a petrol car.

What needs to happen to eliminate range anxiety completely?

The steps are already being taken to reduce the main barriers to driving an electric car. ​According to a recent Autolist survey, range and price anxieties have stabilised but they are still in the top three concerns for consumers - along with access to charging infrastructure.

So while range anxiety hasn’t disappeared entirely, drivers understandably want to be reassured that going electric will meet their driving needs. And they can! If you want to see how an EV works for you without going all in, an EV subscription is the perfect way to try before you buy. 

With new technology, improved charging infrastructure and vehicles to meet the needs of all different drivers, EVs in Australia are showing they have better range than ever. 

Unlike petrol stations, EVs don’t require a dedicated refueling location and ‘destination chargers’ are appearing. This is where a business, like a hotel or supermarket, adds chargers to their car park so customers can top up while they’re there. An example is Bunnings where AGL has recently installed EV chargers in a few of their car parks across Australia.