Last verified: 5 October 2026
Why WLTP overstates Australian range
The WLTP test cycle averages 46km/h with gentle acceleration in mild temperatures. Australian highway touring is the opposite: sustained 110km/h, air-con running, sometimes a headwind. Aerodynamic drag rises with the square of speed, so 110km/h costs roughly 30% more energy than 90km/h. Every route plan on this site uses real-world figures, not WLTP.
The planning rules that never strand you
- Plan legs at 70% of WLTP for highway days — 80% for mixed
- Arrive at chargers with 15–20%; below 10% is gambling
- Charge to 90–100% only before the longest leg of the trip
- Headwind day? Add 10% buffer or drop 10km/h — same thing
- Check PlugShare for your next stop before unplugging from the current one
The efficiency leaderboard matters more than battery size
A slippery, efficient car beats a big-battery brick on the highway. The Tesla Model 3 (139 Wh/km) goes further per dollar of electricity than almost anything; big boxy SUVs pay the aero tax. When comparing cars, divide WLTP by battery size — the result tells you who engineered for efficiency and who just bolted in more cells.
Frequently asked questions
Expect 80–90% of WLTP in mixed driving, 70–80% at sustained 110km/h highway speeds, and another 5–10% off in extreme heat with air-conditioning. Plan road trips at 70% of the sticker and you'll never be surprised.
Yes — battery cooling and cabin air-con in 35°C+ heat typically cost 5–10% of range. Cold is a bigger issue in Europe; heat is Australia's version. Parking in shade and pre-cooling while plugged in both help.
Per our tracked figures, efficient sedans lead: Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal deliver the most real highway km per kWh. For outright distance, the Zeekr 7X (615km WLTP) and Kia EV3 Long Range (600km) are the current mainstream benchmarks.
Towing a caravan typically cuts range 40–50% — see the towing guide for the full picture, including which cars are rated and where the drive-through chargers are.