Brisbane to Cairns in an EV
Brisbane to Cairns is about 1693 km on the Bruce Highway, around 22 hours of driving. There are 26 fast-charging stops along the way, and the longest gap between them is 135 km (Marlborough to Carmila). 206 of the 213 EV versions we track can do it, most with 7 charging stops.
Can your car do it?
Uses highway range: about 75% of the claimed range at 100–110 km/h. Leave home full, fast charge to 80% and arrive with at least 10%. Charging costs assume home power for the first battery and 70c/kWh at fast chargers. Driving the same trip in a typical petrol SUV costs about $303 in fuel.
Fast-charging stops on the way
In order from Brisbane, with the gap from the previous stop.
| Stop | From Brisbane | Gap |
|---|---|---|
| BrisbanePlenty of fast chargers | 0 km | |
| BurpengaryEvie, BP Pulse | 38 km | 38 km |
| LandsboroughTesla * | 84 km | 46 km |
| PalmwoodsYurika | 93 km | 9 km |
| YandinaTesla * | 109 km | 16 km |
| CooroyYurika | 125 km | 16 km |
| GympieTesla * · up to 120 kW · 3 km off the highway | 165 km | 40 km |
| GunaldaYurika | 192 km | 27 km |
| MaryboroughYurika, Tesla | 250 km | 58 km |
| ChildersYurika | 307 km | 57 km |
| Gin GinYurika, Tesla | 362 km | 55 km |
| Miriam ValeYurika | 460 km | 98 km |
| CalliopeNRMA, Tesla | 519 km | 59 km |
| Mount LarcomYurika | 554 km | 34 km |
| RockhamptonNRMA, Yurika, Tesla, Evie | 628 km | 75 km |
| MarlboroughYurika | 729 km | 100 km |
| CarmilaYurika, Tesla | 864 km | 135 km |
| SarinaQLD Electric Super Highway | 928 km | 64 km |
| MackayYurika, Tesla · 4 km off the highway | 966 km | 38 km |
| ProserpineYurika | 1085 km | 119 km |
| BowenYurika, Tesla · 3 km off the highway | 1148 km | 63 km |
| AyrYurika | 1260 km | 112 km |
| TownsvilleEvie, ChargeStar, Yurika, Tesla · up to 250 kW | 1340 km | 80 km |
| InghamQLD Electric Super Highway | 1459 km | 119 km |
| CardwellYurika | 1512 km | 53 km |
| TullyYurika, Tesla · up to 250 kW | 1554 km | 42 km |
| InnisfailYurika | 1606 km | 52 km |
| CairnsPlenty of fast chargers | 1693 km | 87 km |
* Tesla Superchargers: many are open to all EVs through the Tesla app, but some are Tesla-only. We leave Tesla-only stops out of the plan for other cars. Power is the fastest charger listed at that stop, where known.
Route map
Green dots are fast-charging stops; grey are Tesla-only. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Tips for this trip
- Check chargers before you go. Chargers do break down or get busy, especially on holiday weekends. The PlugShare app shows recent check-ins from other drivers.
- Charge to 80%, not 100%. Fast charging slows right down above 80%, so two short stops are usually quicker than one long one.
- Speed costs range. At 110 km/h most EVs use 20–30% more energy than their claimed figure. Dropping to 100 km/h on the longest gap gives you a buffer.
- Have two networks' apps ready. Most stops have more than one network, so if one charger is down you can use another.
- Towing or a full load can halve your range. Plan stops about half as far apart.
Other road trips
Common questions
Can you drive brisbane to Cairns in an EV?
Yes. There are 26 fast-charging stops along the 1693 km route, and the longest gap is 135 km. Most EVs need 7 charging stops.
How much does it cost to drive brisbane to Cairns in an EV?
About $244 in charging for a typical mid-size electric SUV, using home power for the first battery and fast chargers after that. A petrol SUV would use about $303 in fuel.
Which charging networks are on this route?
BP Pulse, ChargeStar, Evie, NRMA, QLD Electric Super Highway, Tesla, Yurika. Many stops have more than one network.
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How we work it out, and our sources
Weekly cost = the car's energy use × 250 km × your electricity or fuel price, with 90% of charging at home. Prices are list prices at October 2026; check with the dealer.
- Electricity: 2026–27 default rates (AER, Victorian Default Offer, state retailers). Public charging: Sydney network prices, July 2026.
- Petrol and diesel: ACCC capital-city averages, 21 October 2026.
- Cars: maker figures via CarExpert, Drive, CarsGuide and EV Central. Plug-in electric range is taken as 80% of the claim.
- Servicing: published capped prices; marked as an estimate where not yet published (CarExpert comparison).
- Tyres: an EV set lasts about 35,000 km, a petrol or hybrid set 50,000 km (RACV); prices from Gridly.
- Home charger: about $2,000 installed ($1,000–$3,000). Novated leases: PwC summary.
Printed from EV Pick · evpick.com.au. Prices and costs are estimates; check with the dealer. © 2026 EV Pick (T. Crouch). For personal use only; not to be copied, republished or sold without permission.