EnergyAustralia has commenced the rollout of ten new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across 7-Eleven stores in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, with the first site in Melbourne’s north already operational. The initiative, announced on May 21, 2026, aims to significantly enhance public charging accessibility and alleviate range anxiety for Australian EV drivers by the close of the year.
The new charging sites will feature either 200-kilowatt (kW) or 400-kW ultra-fast chargers, capable of replenishing an EV battery from 20 per cent to 80 per cent capacity in as little as 12 to 15 minutes. This speed is critical for drivers on longer journeys or those needing a quick top-up during daily errands. The chargers will support convenient payment options, including the Chargefox app and tap-and-go credit card functionality directly at the unit.
Boosting Convenience Across Key States
The initial phase of the rollout will see three Victorian sites completed by the end of 2026, including the recently activated Melbourne location. Following this, the remaining seven stations will be strategically distributed, with four earmarked for New South Wales and three for Queensland. This targeted expansion focuses on high-traffic retail locations, integrating EV charging into existing consumer habits.
“Range anxiety and charging inconvenience remain real barriers to EV take-up in Australia,” stated Jack Kotlyar, Head of Green Transport at EnergyAustralia. “Putting fast, reliable charging stations at locations people already know and visit regularly means topping up can become as natural as stopping for fuel has always been.”
Kotlyar emphasised that by making charging more accessible and convenient, EnergyAustralia aims to ease the transition to electric transport for everyday Australians, aligning with the broader national push towards decarbonisation.
The Growing Demand for Public Charging
This infrastructure investment comes as Australia’s EV market continues its rapid expansion. April 2026 saw electric vehicles achieve a record 16.4 per cent share of all new car sales, with over 15,400 battery electric vehicles sold nationwide. This surge occurred despite an overall downturn in the total new car market, underscoring the accelerating consumer shift towards electric mobility. The BYD Sealion 7, for instance, was the top-selling EV in April with 1,780 deliveries.
While approximately 80 per cent of EV charging in Australia occurs at home, the need for robust public charging infrastructure is growing, particularly for inter-city travel and for those without dedicated home charging access. The federal government’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy targets a national highway network with fast chargers spaced, on average, every 150 kilometres by the end of 2026. EnergyAustralia’s partnership with 7-Eleven directly contributes to meeting this demand for readily available, high-speed charging options.
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Public Charging Costs and Accessibility
Public charging prices can vary significantly across states and networks. For instance, a recent report highlighted Darwin as having the highest average public charging price at approximately AUD$0.77/kWh, while Melbourne’s average was around AUD$0.51/kWh. Canberra was noted as the most EV-friendly capital, boasting around 83 charging plugs per 100,000 people at an average cost of AUD$0.57/kWh. These new ultra-rapid chargers will provide competitive options for drivers in the eastern states.
EnergyAustralia’s move reflects a broader industry trend to address infrastructure gaps and support the increasing number of Australians embracing electric vehicles. As more models become available and charging networks expand, the convenience and practicality of EV ownership continue to improve across the country.
| Charger Type | Power Output | Charging Time (20-80%) | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Rapid | 200 kW or 400 kW | 12-15 minutes | Chargefox app, Tap-and-go credit card |