It is now possible to drive an electric car all the way from Cairns to Coolangatta, snubbing $1.50 a litre petrol, with the Palaszczuk government's east coast network of charging stations all but complete.

Electric charging at the stations will be free for the first 12 months before fees are introduced, bringing the cost to charge an average car to about $45.

A network of "fast" electric car chargers is now in place from Cairns to Coolangatta. Credit:Robert Shakespeare

Australia lags behind other countries on electric car adoption, prompting calls for registration fee discounts for electric car owners.

Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia all have fledgling electric super highways and demand is rising, while the federal government is openly investigating the hidden costs of electric vehicles.