The Electric Vehicle Council has dished out fresh advice on charging etiquette for the summer holidays as a record-breaking number of electric vehicles (EVs) hit the roads.

With nearly one in ten new cars sold now electric and over 100,000 EVs added this year alone, Aussie highways are set to hum with the quiet buzz of EVs clocking up holiday kilometres.

The good news? The charging network is stepping up. Fast and ultra-fast charging locations have nearly doubled, now available at over 1,059 spots across the country, boasting more than 1,849 high-powered chargers to keep those road trips on track.

"More EVs, More Fun, Less Fuss" For a list of local EV Charging Sites visit the Kiama Destination website here

Aman Gaur, Head of Legal, Policy and Advocacy at the Electric Vehicle Council, said, “Australians love their summer road trips, and this year, more of them will be behind the wheel of an EV than ever before.”

“With record-breaking EV sales and a growing public charging network, this summer is shaping up to be smooth sailing for electric road trips. But let’s not forget: good etiquette at the charger keeps the good vibes going for everyone.”

Top Tips for Being a Stellar EV Driver:

• Start Smart: Charge up before you hit the road and plug in at your accommodation before heading home. Share the charging love by keeping public chargers free for those who need them.
• Offer a Fair Deal: If your hotel doesn’t have a charging policy, offer to chip in for electricity, good manners go a long way.
• Don’t Hog the Spot: Grab the charge you need and move on, especially if there’s a queue. Aim for 80% to keep charging quick and efficient.
• Be a Charger Champ: New to EV road trips? You’re not alone. If someone’s struggling, lend a hand, it’s what holiday spirit is all about.
• Tidy Up: Treat charging equipment like you’d want your own gear treated. Report damage immediately to keep chargers in tip-top shape.

For a better future on the road, the Electric Vehicle Council invites drivers to share their summer charging experiences through a survey launching in early 2025. Keen to make your voice heard? Sign up today and help shape the EV journey for all.

This summer, let’s plug in, charge up, and make every kilometre count, for you, your fellow travellers, and the planet.