The great Australian road trip is evolving. Gone are the days when camping meant noisy diesel generators and hunting for ice to keep the Esky cold. The new era of camping is silent, powered, and surprisingly luxurious—thanks to the capabilities of modern electric vehicles.
Whether you’re waking up to a beach sunrise in a Tesla Model Y or powering an entire glamping setup with a BYD Atto 3, your EV is the ultimate campsite companion. But unlocking its full potential requires more than just folding down the rear seats.
At EV Evolution, Australia’s premier digital platform for EV enthusiasts, we have curated the essential guide to camping with the country’s most popular electric brands. Here is how to turn your EV into a mobile hotel room on your next Aussie adventure.
🏕️ Brand-Specific Camping Guides
Every EV manages power differently. Understanding your car’s specific “modes” is the difference between a comfortable night’s sleep and waking up to a flat 12V battery.
Tesla (Model 3 & Model Y)
Tesla is the pioneer of car camping, offering a dedicated software feature that makes it seamless.
- The Secret Weapon: “Camp Mode”
- What it does: Maintains airflow, temperature, and interior lighting while keeping the low-voltage (12V) and USB ports powered. Crucially, it disables the “Walk-Away Door Lock” and Sentry Mode alarm so you don’t accidentally trigger sirens by rolling over in your sleep.
- Pro Tip: To turn off the main screen while Camp Mode is active (it usually stays on with a campfire animation), switch the screen to “Clean Mode” or simply drape a dark T-shirt over it.
- The Aussie Setup: The Model Y’s glass roof offers epic stargazing in the Outback, but the morning sun in Queensland or WA can be brutal. Investing in a high-quality roof sunshade is non-negotiable for sleeping in past 6 AM.
- Level Up: For the Model Y, custom-fit mattresses are available that contour perfectly around the wheel wells, creating a genuinely flat double bed.
BYD (Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal)
BYD vehicles are camping powerhouses thanks to their standard Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, but they have a few quirks to watch out for.
- The Secret Weapon: V2L (Vehicle-to-Load)
- What it does: Takes energy from the main battery and outputs it via a standard 240V socket (using the adapter). You can run a coffee machine, induction cooktop, or even a projector for an outdoor movie night.
- The Quirk: In some BYD models, the internal 12V sockets (cigarette lighter style) may power down when the car is off, even if V2L is running. If you run a portable 12V fridge, use the V2L adapter with a 240V-to-12V converter, or keep the car in “Ready” mode.
- Entertainment: The rotating screen in the Atto 3 is perfect for watching Netflix or Disney+ (via the browser or side-loaded apps) from the comfort of your sleeping bag.
Kia & Hyundai (EV6, EV9, Ioniq 5, Kona)
These E-GMP platform cars are arguably the best campers on the market due to their spacious flat floors and robust power systems.
- The Secret Weapon: “Utility Mode”
- Vital Advice: Do NOT just leave the car “On.” You must activate Utility Mode in the EV settings menu. This engages the high-voltage battery to run all electronics (AC, lights, music) while disconnecting the drive motor.
- Why it matters: If you just leave the car in “Ready” or “Accessory” mode, you risk draining the small 12V battery, leaving you stranded. Utility Mode uses the massive main battery instead.
- Interior Space: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 doesn’t have a centre transmission tunnel, meaning the front floor is flat. You can slide across easily or store an Esky between the front seats.
- V2L Flexibility: These cars often have an internal 3-pin plug (under the rear seats) as well as the external charge port adapter. You can charge your laptop inside while securely locked in for the night.
🔌 Where to Charge: The Caravan Park Hack
One of the biggest anxieties for EV campers is remote charging. However, almost every caravan park in Australia is already an EV charging station—if you have the right gear.
Powered Sites = Level 2 Charging
Booking a “Powered Site” gives you access to electricity, but the outlet on the bollard is typically a 15 Amp socket (larger earth pin), not the standard 10 Amp household socket.
- The Gear You Need: You cannot force a standard 10A plug into a 15A socket. If your portable EV charger (mobile connector) has a standard household plug, you legally need a 10A to 15A adaptor (like an Ampfibian) that has a safety breaker.
- The Better Option: Buy a dedicated “tails” kit for your mobile connector that allows you to swap the plug end for a 15A (or even 32A 3-phase) plug. This lets you draw more power, charging your car significantly faster overnight.
Etiquette is Everything
- Always call ahead and ask if EV charging is permitted on powered sites. Most parks (like BIG4 and NRMA) are EV-friendly, but some remote station stays run on diesel generators and may ban high-draw appliances like EVs.
- Offer to pay a small surcharge if the park operator is unsure; it builds goodwill for the next EV driver.
🎒 Essential Gear for the Aussie EV Camper
- Heavy-Duty Extension Lead: Don’t use a cheap $10 cord from Bunnings. Get a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated 15A extension lead (usually orange). Voltage drop over long, thin cables can slow down your charging or trip safety switches.
- Privacy Screens / Window Socks: Essential for privacy in crowded holiday parks and for keeping the harsh Australian heat out during the day.
- V2L Powerboard: If using V2L, bring a powerboard with individual switches. This lets you plug in your kettle, toaster, and lights simultaneously without constantly swapping plugs.
- Type 2 Cable: While fast chargers have tethered cables, many “destination chargers” at motels or campgrounds are “BYO Cable.” Always keep a Type 2-to-Type 2 cable in the frunk.
🇦🇺 Join the Evolution
Camping with an EV unlocks a new level of freedom. You can sleep in climate-controlled comfort without idling an engine, cook a gourmet meal without a gas bottle, and wake up with a full “tank” ready to explore further.
However, navigating the specific settings of your new car or finding the best EV-friendly campsites can be tricky.
Don’t guess—get the answers instantly.
At EV Evolution, we encourage you to try chatting with our AI chatbot. It is trained on the latest Australian EV data and infrastructure news.
- “How do I turn on Utility Mode in a Kia EV6?”
- “Find me an EV-friendly caravan park near Jervis Bay.”
- “What is the best mattress for a BYD Atto 3?”
Our AI is ready to assist you 24/7, ensuring your next electric adventure is memorable for all the right reasons.
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.
