The journey AND the destination - discovering the best location chargers in Australia

A lot has been said about the lack of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Australia being a deterrent to people interested in buying an EV, but that's very much set to change, thanks to millions of dollars being invested in the installation of new EV chargers all around the country.

This includes the NSW Government ponying up $149 million to develop a world-class fast-charging network across the state, the Federal Government offering $24.5 million to co-fund the rollout of 400 public fast-charging stations nationally, and the $500m ‘Driving The Nation Fund', which includes rolling out 117 EV charging stations.

Now, one of the most obvious perks of plug-in hybrid ownership — like the game-changing Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV — is that you don't actually need to recharge. The clever combination of an electric motor and a hybrid petrol engine means that, should you run out of battery power, you can simply keep driving as you always have. But it's nice to know more recharging options are coming, and coming fast.

In fact, there are already EV chargers peppered around a huge amount of stunning locations in Australia, making driving to reach them a reward in itself. And some of them are so breathtaking, you'll want to stop and plug in, even if you don't need to.

Here are a few of the best places to park your EV or plug-in hybrid to recharge after an adventure on the road...

NSW

The verdant, scenic Southern Highlands provide some of the best driving routes in the state, with Bowral the perfect destination to make a beeline for if you're a fan of rustic country charm, cricket (the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame is a popular tourist destination), or wine.

Those fond of a tipple can sample some local wine at Centennial Vineyards, which serves up a range of Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Traminer, Albariño, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo from grapes grown on its 80-acre property.

A restaurant is also on-site, as are Type 2 EV chargers made available for visitors. The 22kW chargers are about three times faster than your average home wallbox, which means - in the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV - you'll be charged up with up to 84km of all-electric driving faster than you can say "we'll try the cheese plate".

VIC

Ballarat, located about 90-minutes drive from the Melbourne CBD, may be best known for gold rush-era tourist attraction Sovereign Hill, but the city has a whole lot more to offer curious visitors, including stunning Victorian architecture and a plethora of outdoor activities.

If a round of golf or game of lawn bowls is your bag, head for Midlands Ballarat RSL Sports & Services Club, where you can also charge up your EV or PHEV thanks to a Type 2 charger.

If panning for gold is more your thing, Sovereign Hill also has a charger available for visitors, and if you're really lucky, you'll be able to recharge your bank account as well as your Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV.

WA

Australia's largest state is ensuring those driving emissions-free vehicles will be able to comfortably get around by creating Australia's longest EV-charging network, which, once completed, will include 98 charging stations across 49 locations, from Eucla at the South Australian border to Kununurra in the far north of Western Australia and Esperance in the south, with the average distance between stations about 200km.

Stretching a total of 6,600 kilometres, it will be the world's longest EV highway. But if you drive a plug-in hybrid vehicle, like the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV, there's no need to wait for it to be finished, given you can explore this cast country using electrify, petrol or a super-efficient combination of both.

If you're keen on a swim or a surf somewhere a little more urban and less remote, Perth's Scarborough Beach has several 22kW EV fast chargers on offer that will see your all-electric driving range topped up in no time.

One of the most obvious perks of plug-in hybrid ownership — like the game-changing Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV — is that you don’t actually need to recharge.

QLD

The Sunshine State is also getting its act together in terms of EV charging infrastructure with the Queensland Electric Super Highway (QESH), which stretches from Coolangatta to Port Douglas and from Brisbane to Toowoomba and will consist of 55 fast-charging sites across the state, all set to be fully installed by mid-2023.

One of those QESH sites is located at the ever-popular tourist destination Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland, which is host to not one, but two World Heritage-listed sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, which is the oldest rainforest in the world.

SA

South Australian motorist's association the RAA is currently rolling out 140 EV-charging sites around the state, with the project set to be completed some time in 2024.

There are still plenty of EV chargers to be found in other parts of South Australia, including several at LOT. 100 in the Adelaide Hills, a bucolic food and beverage destination featuring a working craft brewery and small batch distillery.

The 84-hectare property takes its eco-friendliness seriously, with 1700 square metres of solar panels powering the site with clean, renewable energy.

Solidifying its green credentials is a waste water treatment plant used to harness two onsite bores.

TAS

The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) is one of the largest conservation areas in Australia, covering 25 per cent of the entire state.

Part of the TWWHA is the South West Wilderness, a largely inaccessible area famous for rugged peaks, wild rivers and a long, unspoiled coastline.

The Pedder Wilderness Lodge on Lake Pedder within the Southwest National Park lets you stay right in the heart of the area, giving you access to breathtaking hiking trails, rivers for kayaking and even an excellent vantage point to watch the Aurora Australis, aka the Southern Lights.

Pedder Wilderness Lodge features a restaurant, bar and a Type 2 EV charger for those fond of all-electric travel.

Australia's roll-out of EV charging infrastructure has some way to go, but it is gathering pace. But that's also what makes a car like the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV so special. It's the perfect vehicle for right now, and for the future.