There is nothing quite like the Australian “roadie.” The shimmer of the heat haze on the bitumen, the hum of the tires, and the anticipation of that first ocean dip at the end of a six-hour drive. But as we hit the peak of the December 2025 festive season, the way we road-trip has fundamentally changed.

For the 410,000+ Aussies now driving electric, the summer of 2025 is a milestone. We are no longer the “early adopters” nervously eyeing our range gauges. We are the “early majority,” and the infrastructure has finally caught up to our ambition.

However, an Australian summer is brutal. When the mercury hits 38°C in Goulburn or 41°C in the WA Outback, your EV needs a specific kind of care. At EV Evolution, we want to ensure your festive getaway is defined by the scenery, not the charging screen.

Here is your definitive 2025 EV Summer Road Trip Checklist.

🔌 1. Mapping the “New” Network (22% More Power)

If you’re relying on a map from last Christmas, you’re missing out. In the last 12 months, Australia’s high-power charging network has expanded by a staggering 22%.

As of late 2025, we now have over 1,300 fast-charging locations and more than 4,200 high-power public plugs (24kW DC and above) nationwide.

• The Big Banana Milestone: Just this week (Dec 19), Tesla opened a massive 16-bay Supercharger at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. It’s open to both Tesla and non-Tesla drivers, solving one of the most notorious holiday bottlenecks on the Pacific Highway.
• The WA EV Network: It’s officially finished! You can now drive over 2,000km from Kununurra to Esperance, with fast chargers spaced at intervals that match almost any modern EV’s range.
• The Charge@Large App: This is the game-changer for Dec 2025. Launched by the Electric Vehicle Council, it aggregates real-time data from 9 different networks (including Evie, Chargefox, and NRMA). Download it before you leave the driveway.

🌡️ 2. The “Pre-Conditioning” Power Move

In an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) car, you jump in and blast the AC. In an EV, that initial 15 minutes of cooling the cabin from 50°C down to 22°C can suck up a significant chunk of your range—sometimes as much as 15km to 20km.

The EV Evolution Strategy:

Always pre-condition your cabin while the car is still plugged into your home charger. By using grid power to chill the seats and the dashboard before you leave, your battery starts the trip at 100% capacity and “thermally stable.” Your car won’t have to work nearly as hard to maintain that temperature once you’re on the blacktop.

🛞 3. Tires: The Unsung Heroes of Range

EVs are heavier than their petrol counterparts due to the battery pack. In summer, the combination of a heavy load (the family + the Christmas presents) and hot road surfaces can lead to increased rolling resistance.

• Pressure Check: Under-inflated tires are the fastest way to kill your efficiency. Check your tire placard (usually inside the driver’s door) for the “Loaded” PSI setting. Even being 3-4 PSI under can reduce your range by 5%.
• The Heat Factor: Remember, air expands in heat. Check your pressures in the morning before you start driving for the most accurate reading.

🔋 4. Battery Health in the 40°C Burn

Lithium-ion batteries are like humans: they are happiest between 20°C and 30°C. When it hits 40°C, your car’s Thermal Management System goes into overdrive to keep the battery cool.

• The 80% Sweet Spot: On a road trip, avoid charging to 100% at a DC fast charger. In extreme heat, the last 20% of charging generates significant internal heat and takes twice as long. Unplug at 80% and keep moving—it’s better for your battery and the people waiting in line behind you.
• Seek the Shade: Whenever possible, choose charging stations with canopies (like the new AmpCharge or BP Pulse hubs). A shaded battery charges faster because the car doesn’t have to divert as much energy to the cooling fans.

🦐 5. V2L: The Ultimate Festive “Flex”

If you’re driving a BYD Atto 3, MG4, or a Hyundai IONIQ, you aren’t just driving a car; you’re driving a giant power bank.

• Beach BBQ: Use your Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) adapter to run a portable electric grill or a coffee machine at the beach.
• The “Cold One” Guarantee: Plug your 12V camping fridge directly into the car. It will run for days without significantly impacting your driving range.

EV Evolution Tip: Ensure your V2L “discharge limit” is set to at least 20%. You don’t want to power the Christmas lights so long that you can’t reach the next charger!

🏁 The 2026 Horizon: A New Year’s Revolution

As we wrap up 2025, the conversation in Australia has shifted. We are no longer asking if EVs are the future—we’re asking which one fits our lifestyle best. With 153 models now available in Australia (up from just 104 last year), there is an electric vehicle for every budget, from the $23,990 BYD Atto 1 to the rugged 4WDs arriving in 2026.

Is your New Year’s resolution to finally ditch the petrol pump?

The transition can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re curious about the FBT exemptions ending soon or you’re trying to figure out if your local grid can handle a V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) setup, we’re here to help.

Start a conversation with the EV Evolution AI chatbot today. * “Which 2026 models fit my $40k budget?”

• “Where are the best ultra-rapid charging stops for my Boxing Day road trip to Byron Bay?”
• “Does the Leapmotor B10 have enough boot space for a family of four?”

The road is open, the air is cleaner, and the future is electric. We’ll see you at the chargers!

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.