Things to Know Before Hiring an Electric Vehicle For Your Road Trip

Take your next road trip up a notch by hiring an electric vehicle. We’ve answered your biggest questions so you can cruise with confidence.

How does driving an electric vehicle (EV) differ from driving a petrol car?

If you haven’t driven an electric vehicle before, your next holiday is the perfect time to try it out. 

“EVs are smooth and quiet. Many people describe it as a calming drive as the electric engine is free of noise and vibrations,” says Tom Mooney, managing director of the Pacific region for Avis.

“When you hire an electric vehicle from Avis, you’ll receive a Tesla Model Y. Braking will feel a little different due to the regenerative braking, which means when you take your foot off the accelerator, the car will slow to a stop. This is due to the motor acting as a generator to convert kinetic energy back into electrical energy to recharge the battery.”

Where do I charge an electric vehicle? 

There are more and more charging stations popping up all over Australia. You can use Google Maps and Apple Maps to find nearby charging stations and filter the search results to show the charging speed and plug type you require.

How long will it take to charge my electric vehicle?

The charging time of electric vehicles depends on the power available at each station. When charging a standard Tesla Model Y, it will take roughly 40 minutes to charge the car from 10 to 80 per cent on a 150 kilowatt charger and 1.5 hours on a 50 kilowatt charger, so factor these times into your travel.

How far can I travel in an electric vehicle on one charge?

In a Tesla Model Y, plan for 300 kilometres on an 80 per cent charge or around 430 kilometres on a 100 per cent charge. Keep in mind that the distance you can travel on a single charge will vary depending on the road and climate conditions.

“In the Tesla Model Y, you can keep an eye on the estimated remaining driving range on the touchscreen. Plus, you can plot your destination into Tesla’s Trip Planner, where it will show recommended charging points,” says Mooney.

How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle? 

Prices vary among providers but it usually costs between $20 to $30 to fully charge an electric vehicle. 

Mooney says charging capabilities at charging stations differ, as do energy prices in different areas.

Are there any rules to follow when charging an electric vehicle? 

Be aware of what type of charger you’re using so you don’t leave your electric vehicle unattended for longer than necessary. Never unplug someone else’s car as it could damage the vehicle and ensure you hang up the charger correctly to reduce the chance of it being run over and damaged.