We get it – bundling the kids into the car for a family road trip is a big enough mission already. Add an electric vehicle to the mix, and you might be wondering if you’re signing up for smooth sailing or a logistical headache. But here’s the good news: with a little planning and the right mindset, road tripping with kids in an EV can be surprisingly easy (and even more enjoyable than you’d expect).
Whether you’re headed off for beach days, bushwalks or theme park thrills, here are a few tried-and-tested tips to make the journey just as good as the destination.
Charge before you go
It sounds obvious, but it’s worth saying anyway: start your trip with a full battery. It’s one less thing to think about when you hit the road. If your EV has a long range, you might even get to your destination without stopping — but even if you do need to top up along the way, it’s easy to build it into the adventure.
Make charging stops kid-friendly
Need to plug in? Choose charging spots near parks, playgrounds, or shopping centres (with over 100 Evie charging locations at shopping centres, this should be easy). It breaks up the trip nicely and gives everyone the chance to stretch their legs, burn off energy, or go for a toilet break while your EV charges.
Tip: Use the Evie app to easily find chargers along your route. You’ll get all the info you need, including charger types, availability, and nearby amenities.
Here’s a tip to make your life easier: if your EV supports Autocharge (the majority do), activate it in the Evie app before you leave. It means your car will start charging automatically when you plug in — no need to pull out your phone every time. Trust us, it’s one less thing to juggle when the kids are asking for snacks again.
Get the kids involved
Let them help plug in the charger (with supervision), or check out the charger screen together. It’s a great way to spark their curiosity and make the whole process feel like part of the adventure. After all, it’ll probably be you teaching them to drive one day — might as well get them warmed up now.
Turn the back seat into a game zone
We were all kids once. Games like I Spy or the License Plate Game might ring a bell. These days, handing over a smartphone or iPad can do the trick, but why not have a few screen-free options up your sleeve too? You could even make it EV-themed. Play Spot the EV — Teslas, Polestars, IONIQs, you name it. Turn it into a leaderboard challenge: one point for every electric car spotted, five points for an Evie charger. Not only does it keep everyone entertained, but it’s a fun way to get kids thinking about cleaner, greener transport — without the lecture.
Snacks and sounds
It wouldn’t be a road trip without snacks. Load up with everyone’s favourites, and you’re halfway to success. Music-wise, make a family playlist or let each person pick a few songs. For quieter moments, try a kid-friendly podcast — The Fact Detectives and Super Great Kids’ Stories are great options.
Short stops = better vibes
Try quick 15–20 minute charging breaks every few hours. It keeps everyone refreshed, especially younger travellers who need time to move, snack, and toilet.
Finally, Comfort counts!
Bring pillows, blankets, cuddly toys — whatever makes the back seat feel like a home away from home. Happy passengers = happier drive.
