How to Find an EV Charging Station in Hobart
Cruising up the winding roads to the summit of kunanyi / Mt Wellington or heading out to MONA in an electric vehicle is a uniquely Tasmanian experience. Because the state runs on nearly 100% renewable hydroelectric and wind power, driving an EV in Hobart means you are genuinely driving a zero-emissions vehicle.
However, Tasmania’s rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and mountain roads can drain a battery faster than you might expect. If you are new to the EV world or visiting from the mainland watching your range drop while heading out towards the Huon Valley or the Tasman Peninsula can induce a mild case of range anxiety.
The good news? Tasmania has aggressively built out a highly connected, fast-charging highway system, heavily supported by state government "ChargeSmart" grants.
To keep you moving seamlessly, here are the three best databases and apps for locating EV charging stations near you in Hobart and the wider Apple Isle.
The Official Local Source: Electric Highway Tasmania (via Chargefox)
When it comes to the official backbone of Tasmania's charging infrastructure, Electric Highway Tasmania (EHT) is the pioneer. Built to ensure that EV drivers could easily circumnavigate the entire state, EHT operates a comprehensive string of fast chargers from Hobart all the way up to Smithton.
Rather than creating their own proprietary software, Electric Highway Tasmania stations are operated exclusively through the Chargefox network.
Why it’s great:
- The Ultimate Road Trip Network: EHT stations are strategically placed in key Tasmanian tourism hubs, ensuring you can comfortably drive from Hobart up the Midland Highway to Launceston or down into the Huon Valley.
- Motoring Club Discounts: Because the stations run on the Chargefox network, members of the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT) can often link their membership to the app for discounted charging rates.
- Reliability: Backed by major renewable energy developers and state grants, these stations are highly maintained to support the vital Tasmanian tourist trail.
The Community Heavyweight: PlugShare
Ask any seasoned EV driver in Tasmania what map they check first, and almost all of them will point to PlugShare. It is undeniably the world's largest and most active EV driver community database.
Think of PlugShare as the Google Maps or TripAdvisor specifically built for electric vehicles. It maps out almost every single public charger in Hobart, regardless of whether it's an EHT fast-charger, a Tesla Supercharger, or a free AC plug at a local winery.
Why it’s great:
- Crowdsourced Real-Time Reviews: Because chargers can occasionally go offline, PlugShare relies on recent driver "check-ins". If a station in Sandy Bay is offline, or a petrol car is blocking the EV bay in Glenorchy, a driver has likely already reported it with a photo on PlugShare.
- Deep Filtering: You can filter the Hobart map by your specific car's plug type (Type 2, CCS2, CHAdeMO) and charging speed. This is critical in Tasmania, where you want to know exactly how fast you can charge before hitting the alpine roads.
The Local Aggregator: Plugroo
While PlugShare is fantastic for community reviews, Plugroo has emerged as a brilliant Australian-built aggregator database that is perfect for navigating Hobart and regional Tasmania.
Because Hobart's charging coverage is split between city hubs, local councils, and various private operators (including Evie Networks, Tesla, and Exploren destination chargers), Plugroo brings all of these into one clean, live map.
Why it’s great:
- The Ultimate All-in-One View: Plugroo aggregates all of Tasmania's EV charging data into one place, showing you live availability and accurate plug details for the growing number of stations across the state.
- Transparent Pricing: It clearly lists the typical Tasmanian rates in AUD, so you know exactly what a session will cost before you plug in at Salamanca or Sandy Bay.
- The "Free" Filter: If you are hunting for a bargain, Plugroo has a dedicated filter that maps out the free AC destination chargers located at Hobart shopping centres, hotels, and council car parks.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Hobart is one of the most uniquely rewarding places to drive an EV in Australia, and with these three databases in your pocket, you'll never be caught out with a flat battery on your way to Port Arthur or the East Coast.
If you are planning an electric road trip around Tasmania, or just looking for the ultimate local guides on where to drive your newly charged car, make sure to visitaustraliadownunder.com to discover the best travel itineraries, scenic coastal drives, and hidden gems across the country. Happy charging!