How Far Can I Go? The Real Story on EV Range Anxiety in Australia

Let’s talk about the question that keeps popping up in every EV conversation: “How far can I actually go?”

Range anxiety isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the number one concern for Australians thinking about making the switch to electric. But is it justified? Here’s the truth: the numbers say one thing, but our nerves say another.

Range Anxiety: What Is It, Really?

EV Range anxiety is the fear of running out of charge before you reach your destination, especially somewhere remote with no charger in sight. It’s not just a myth—it’s a genuine psychological barrier, particularly for rural and regional Aussies who clock up more kilometres than city dwellers. But let’s clear something up: it’s not the cars that are the problem anymore. It’s the charging network.

How Far Can I Drive an EV on a Single Charge?

Here’s the reality check:

• Most new EVs in Australia claim around 450km range per charge. The best models? Over 700km.

• Real-world range is usually 10–20% less than the brochure says. Why? Highway speeds, hills, cold weather, roof racks, and how heavy your right foot is.

• For most Australians, who drive 30–40km a day, that’s more than a week’s worth of commuting without plugging in.

  
  

So, yes—if you’re sticking to city or suburban life, you’ll rarely see the battery warning light. Plug in at home, top up overnight, and you’re set for the week.

Long Trips: Can I Get There Without Drama?

This is where the nerves kick in. The average new EV can handle a return trip from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, Sydney to Newcastle, or Melbourne to Bendigo without breaking a sweat. Real-world tests show 340–610km per charge, depending on weather, terrain, and driving style. But on longer road trips, you’ll need to plan your charging stops—just like you’d plan fuel stops in the Outback.

The good news? Australia’s charging network is growing, fast:

• NSW now has charging stations every 100km on major highways and every 5km in metro areas.

• Iconic road trips like the Sydney-Melbourne coastal drive and the Grand Pacific Drive are now fully equipped with fast chargers—at least two per 100km.

• Fast chargers can add up to 400km of range in 20–30 minutes.

The Real Issue: Charger Reliability

Here’s the blunt truth: it’s not range, it’s charger reliability. Drivers worry about arriving at a charger only to find it’s broken, busy, or just not there. Until public charging is as reliable and plentiful as petrol stations, cautious drivers will keep hedging with hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Tips for Beating Range and Charger Anxiety

• Know your real range: Check your car’s average, not just the sticker number. Plan for 10–20% less on the highway or in winter.

• Plan your route: Use apps like PlugShare or Chargefox to map out charging stops—especially for country trips.

• Charge at home: 95% of charging happens at home or work. If you can plug in overnight, you’ll rarely need a public charger.

• Check charger status: Always check if a public charger is working and available before

  you set out.I’m not worried at allI’m not worried at allI’m not worried at allI’m not worried at all

What worries you most about EV range anxiety?

• 0%Not enough range for long trips
• 0%Unreliable public chargers
• 0%Unsure about real-world range
• 0%I'm not worried at all

You can vote for more than one answer.

The Bottom Line

Most Aussies will never hit the limits of their EV’s range in daily life. The real challenge? Making sure the charging network keeps up with our expectations. Until then, range anxiety will linger—but it’s fading, fast, as infrastructure catches up.

Subscribe for more good oil on EVs, Hybrids and Phevs

Drive Change. Drive Electric