Route Guide

Brisbane to Gold Coast EV Route Planner: Charging Stops and Timing

Published March 2026

Brisbane to the Gold Coast is about 80 km via the Pacific Motorway (M1). That's inside the comfortable range of every modern EV. Most can do it without touching a charger. But the route is worth knowing, because you'll likely want to charge at some point on the Gold Coast end, especially if you're staying for a few days or driving home the same day.

The route: M1, 80 km, no range concerns

The Pacific Motorway runs directly from Brisbane south to the Gold Coast. At the 110 km/h speed limit, high-speed driving does eat into range faster than city driving, but 80 km at highway speed is well within what any EV with 250+ km of real-world range can handle comfortably, even on a partial charge.

Start with at least 40% battery and you'll arrive at the Gold Coast with plenty of range to spare. The practical concern isn't the one-way trip. It's what happens when you get there. If your accommodation doesn't have EV charging, you'll want to know where to top up.

Coomera: the fast-charging hub on the M1

Coomera sits roughly midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and it has the densest cluster of fast chargers on the corridor:

  • Evie Networks at Shell Coles Express, Old Pacific Highway, Coomera: ultra-fast, up to 350 kW. This is the standout option if your vehicle supports high charge rates. CCS connector.
  • BP Pulse at 54 Pacific Motorway, Coomera: 75 kW shared between two ports (CCS and CHAdeMO). Slower than Evie, but useful if the Evie station is occupied.
  • Woolworths Upper Coomera, Reserve Road: destination-speed charging via Chargefox. Useful for a longer stop while shopping, not for a quick top-up.

Check current chargers in Coomera to see live availability before you stop.

Charging options at the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast accounts for around 15% of Queensland's EV registrations, and the charging infrastructure has grown to match. Key locations:

  • Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach: 8 Tesla Supercharger stalls (Level 1, Purple Carpark), plus Evie Networks stations. Tesla Superchargers in Australia are open to non-Tesla EVs using the Tesla app. This is the most capable charging location on the Gold Coast.
  • Parkwood: NRMA fast charger, part of the statewide rollout of 44 new Queensland stations completed in 2024.
  • Robina and Broadbeach Waters: Evie Networks has additional stations in these suburbs.

Check current chargers across the Gold Coast to find the closest option to where you're staying.

Planning the return trip

If you're doing a day trip, charge at Pacific Fair or another Gold Coast fast charger before heading home. A 30-minute session at a fast charger will comfortably cover the 80 km return plus your in-city driving.

If you're staying overnight and your accommodation has a standard power outlet, a Level 1 charge overnight (2.4 kW) will add roughly 15–20 km per hour, enough to recover most of your range by morning. A Type 2 AC charger (if available) is significantly faster.

Don't leave the Gold Coast on low charge if you plan to continue south toward Tweed Heads or Byron Bay. That section of the Pacific Highway has fewer fast charger options. Use the journey planner to map ahead if your trip extends beyond the Gold Coast.

Apps and networks to have ready

The main networks on this corridor are Evie Networks, Chargefox (which operates the Queensland Electric Super Highway), BP Pulse, and Tesla. Download the Evie Networks and Chargefox apps before you leave, as they cover the majority of fast chargers on the route. RACQ members get discounted rates at both Evie and Chargefox stations, so check your membership before you go.

Queensland had over 50,000 battery EVs registered as of September 2024, up 57% in a single year. Charger queues during peak times (school holidays, long weekends) are becoming more common at the busiest locations like Pacific Fair. If you're heading down on a Friday afternoon in January, don't count on a free charger the moment you arrive.

Map your Brisbane to Gold Coast trip

Use the journey planner to check current charger availability along the M1 corridor, filtered to your connector type.