Australians can now integrate rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging into their weekly grocery routine, following the announcement that Coles is partnering with Evie Networks to install DC fast chargers at up to 30 supermarket locations nationwide over the next two years. The initiative, confirmed on 28 July 2026, marks a significant step towards enhancing the convenience and accessibility of public EV charging infrastructure across the country.
The first operational site has already been activated at Coles Middle Camberwell in Melbourne, offering customers the ability to fast-charge their EVs while completing their shopping. This rollout responds directly to the escalating demand for accessible charging solutions as Australia’s EV market continues its rapid expansion.
Fast Charging Comes to Your Local Coles
The partnership will see Evie Networks, one of Australia’s largest fast-charging providers, deploy its DC fast chargers at selected Coles supermarkets. Each site will feature Kempower dual-plug charging stations, providing up to 200 kW of shared capacity across four charging bays. This means multiple vehicles can charge simultaneously, significantly reducing wait times.
Coles Head of Energy, Jane Mansfield, highlighted the strategic intent behind the move:
“We know EV drivers are looking for convenient charging options at destinations they already visit, with charge times that align with the time they spend there. By partnering with Evie, we’re helping build a more accessible charging network and giving customers another reason to choose Coles when planning where to shop.”
The broader rollout will progressively activate additional sites across Victoria and Queensland, including new Coles stores in Orana Village and Beveridge (Victoria), and Annerley and the existing Milton Village location (Queensland). This phased approach aims to strategically place chargers in areas with growing EV uptake and where additional infrastructure is most needed.
Addressing Australia’s Charging Needs
Australia’s EV market has seen unprecedented growth in 2026. Battery-electric vehicle sales reached over 30,000 units in June alone, marking the strongest month on record and contributing to EVs and hybrids approaching half of all new car sales in Q2 2026. This surge in adoption intensifies the pressure on public charging infrastructure to keep pace.
While approximately 80% of EV owners primarily charge at home, the expansion of public networks is crucial for long-distance travel, top-ups, and critically, for apartment dwellers who may not have access to dedicated home charging solutions. The integration of charging into everyday errands, like grocery shopping, transforms the charging experience from a dedicated stop into a seamless part of daily life.
This move by Coles and Evie Networks complements broader efforts to expand Australia’s EV charging capabilities. The federal government, for instance, committed $40 million earlier this year towards expanding EV charging infrastructure across urban and regional Australia. Other major players like Ampol, BP Pulse, and Tesla are also actively expanding their networks, with Ampol recently launching 400kW ultra-fast chargers in Sydney.
Public Charging vs. Home Charging
For many Australian EV owners, home charging remains the most convenient and cost-effective option. Dedicated wall chargers, often installed for between $1,400 and $4,500, offer overnight charging at cheaper off-peak electricity rates. However, public charging, while typically costing from 50c/kWh, plays a vital role in supporting longer journeys and those without home charging access. The Coles initiative bridges this gap by offering a convenient, high-power option in a familiar location.
| Charging Type | Typical Cost (AUD) | Primary Use Case | Convenience Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home AC | $1,400 - $4,500* | Daily commuting, overnight | High (at home), low (away) |
| Public DC Fast | $0.50 - $0.80/kWh | Road trips, opportunistic | Medium (requires dedicated stop), High (integrated) |
*Installation costs for a home charger. Electricity costs vary by tariff.
This strategic partnership with Evie Networks positions Coles to capture a share of the growing EV market by offering a tangible benefit to its customers. As the rollout progresses, it will provide critical infrastructure, particularly for those living in apartments or without off-street parking, making EV ownership a more practical reality for a wider segment of the Australian population. For more information on public charging options, see our guide on Public EV Charging in Australia 2026: Costs from 50c/kWh, Reliability & Avoiding Headaches. For those in apartment buildings, understanding your options is crucial, as explored in EV Charging for Australian Apartments & Strata in 2026: Solutions & Costs from $1,000.
The shift towards integrating EV charging into daily routines at locations like supermarkets reflects an evolving landscape where convenience and accessibility are paramount. This initiative not only supports EV drivers but also contributes to Australia’s broader transition to a low-emissions transport future.