EV Road Trips in Australia: The Real Charging Story
A 15-week EV road trip across outback Australia reveals what charging infrastructure is really like. Here's what it means if you're considering a novated lease EV.
A couple recently completed a 15-week electric road trip retracing an outback honeymoon they'd originally done in a Holden V8 — and lived to tell the tale. According to The Driven, the trip went largely well, with one notable frustration: Tesla's onboard navigation only routes you through its own Supercharger network, leaving non-Tesla chargers completely invisible on the map.
That's a real-world data point — not a press release. It tells you something useful about where Australia's EV charging network actually stands right now, and what you should think about before signing a novated lease on an EV.
What this means for novated lease customers
If you're an Australian PAYG employee weighing up an EV under a novated lease, range anxiety is probably already on your mind. This story doesn't suggest EVs aren't viable — a 15-week outback trip is about as demanding a test as you can set — but it does highlight two things worth understanding.
First, the charging network is real but patchy. Major routes and metro areas are well covered. Remote and regional legs require more planning than a petrol stop. Apps like PlugShare and NRMA's network sit outside Tesla's walled garden, so knowing your car's charging standard (CCS, CHAdeMO, or Tesla's own connector) matters before you leave the driveway.
Second, vehicle navigation isn't the full picture. Tesla's system — as noted in The Driven's account — doesn't surface third-party chargers. If you're considering any EV under a novated lease, factor in whether you'll rely on the car's built-in routing or a third-party app. For most suburban and inter-city commuters — which is the majority of novated lease drivers — this is a non-issue. Road-trippers need to plan ahead, same as always.
Common questions
Is Australia's EV charging network good enough for everyday driving?
For the vast majority of PAYG employees who commute and occasionally do inter-city drives, yes. Gaps exist in remote and regional areas, but charging infrastructure has expanded significantly and continues to grow.
Does the FBT exemption on EVs still apply if I use the car for personal road trips?
Yes — the FBT exemption for eligible battery electric vehicles covers personal use as well as work use. The exemption is based on the vehicle type and value, not how you use it. Always confirm eligibility with your employer or a licensed adviser.
Which EVs available on a novated lease charge fastest on Australian public networks?
It depends on the car's maximum DC fast-charging rate and which charging standard it uses. Most modern EVs support CCS, which is the most widely available standard outside Tesla's Supercharger network. Ask your novated lease provider to walk you through options before you commit.
Do novated leases cover charging costs at home or on the road?
Home charging costs — electricity used to charge your EV — can typically be included in your novated lease budget through a reasonable charging estimate. Public charging costs may also be claimable. Your lease package structure determines the specifics.
Should range anxiety stop me from leasing an EV?
Not for most people. The average Australian drives well under 100km per day, and most EVs available on novated leases have real-world ranges well above that. If you regularly do long remote drives, it's worth researching your specific route and the charging options available.