Travel
How an EV changed our Tasmanian road-tripping experience
What started as a mystery car rental turned into an unexpected EV road trip across Tasmania, revealing the challenges, surprises and beauty of exploring the island sustainably.
By Matt Cheok
We hadn’t planned to drive an electric vehicle (EV). When my partner and I booked our rental, we chose the “mystery car” option, expecting a standard vehicle. Instead, when we arrived at Launceston Airport, we were handed the keys to an EV, which was a surprise that raised a few logistical questions. Would charging be an issue? Would we run out of battery in remote areas? And, most importantly, could an EV manage a road trip in a state known for its rugged landscapes?
As with most things these days, an easy-to-use app called Chargefox became our go-to tool for finding charging stations. It made locating chargers along our route efficient and straightforward. And while our road trip was meant to start with an evening in Stanley, an unexpected chance to charge our EV in Burnie turned into an afternoon adventure we hadn’t anticipated. We saw penguins nesting under the boardwalk, enjoyed a fantastic cup of coffee, and shared a meal at a charming old pub in town.
The road less travelled
This wasn’t just a one-off experience—it became a recurring theme throughout our trip. The charging stations often led us to interesting spots, allowing us to explore more small communities, meet locals, and have unique experiences we hadn’t planned for.
The app often guided us to chargers in prime locations, like waterfront cafes (for example, in Burnie, where we found one right on the beach) or beside small-town monuments. It felt as if these charging spots were intentionally placed to encourage exploration.
Navigating the charging process
Working out the charging process as first-time EV drivers was a learning curve, but it quickly became second nature. Like most states in Australia, Tasmania offers 2 main types of public chargers: fast chargers and slow chargers, and knowing the difference is crucial.
Fast chargers can power up your EV in about 30–60 minutes and are perfect for quick stops. Slow chargers, on the other hand, take several hours and are best suited for overnight stays.
Initially, we made a mistake while visiting Cradle Mountain, assuming we had access to a fast charger, only to discover it was slow. However, we quickly learned to embrace the slower chargers for overnight stays – plugging in at our accommodation and waking up with a fully charged car.
This approach proved useful when we reached Derby, where the chargers were also slow. What initially seemed like an inconvenience turned into a highlight, as we ended up tasting craft beer at Lot 40, dining at the Dorset Hotel, and even had time for a quick session at a floating sauna, adding a local experience to our journey.
The unexpected surprises of EV travel
Our rental company fully covered the charging costs, saving us hundreds of dollars on petrol. Even if we had to pay, the cost would still be a fraction of traditional fuel prices. These chargers were often located in prime spots, helping us avoid parking fees and navigate Tasmania’s surprisingly common time-limited bays.
Our adventure continued eastward to the Bay of Fires, a stunning stretch of coastline famous for its brilliant orange boulders and crystal-clear waters. We found that the charging stops not only enhanced our experience but also ensured we stayed rested, adding a safety element that traditional vehicles often overlook. One memorable stop in St Helens turned into an impromptu feast of freshly shucked oysters. By the time our car was charged, we had filled both our battery and our bellies – and, between us, oysters are always a good idea.
Essentially, EVs offer a relaxed and stress-free way to explore Tasmania. The state’s robust charging network and significant cost savings make EV travel a practical choice. Plus, the slower pace of driving an EV fits perfectly with the laid-back mindset that often accompanies a road trip mentality.
Our EV provided a smooth, quiet ride for much of our trip, particularly when driving from Cradle Mountain to St Helens. Winding through central Tasmania, the instant torque delivered by the electric motor made uphill climbs effortless. When going downhill, regenerative braking recovered energy, charged the battery, and made the journey more efficient.
A glaring limitation of EV travel
From a practical perspective, EV travel requires a bit more planning. You won’t get as much distance on a full charge as you would with a full tank of petrol or diesel. That said, the trade-off comes with the benefits of sustainable travel and care for the environment.
We never had difficulty finding an available charging station, although this could change depending on the time of the year. Tasmania’s low population density and well-placed chargers generally worked in our favour. However, during peak tourist seasons, some stations might experience higher demand.
Why EV travel is the future
Driving an EV across Tasmania became one of the highlights of our longer trip. The charging stops took us to places we hadn’t planned on visiting, and we didn’t miss out on anything we would have done with a traditional car.
If you’re not on a tight schedule, an EV offers a reliable and affordable way to explore the island without compromise. So, if you’re considering an EV road trip to Tasmania, I say go for it—you won’t regret it.
Feature image: Matt Cheok
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