Coles rolls out EV fast chargers at supermarkets across Australia

Coles is partnering with Evie Networks to install DC fast chargers at up to 30 supermarkets over the next two years. It allows Australians to charge their electric vehicles while doing the weekly shop, and is part of a test phase to gauge customer uptake.

Australians may soon be able to top up their electric car while topping up the fridge, with Coles and Evie Networks announcing plans to install DC fast chargers at up to 30 supermarkets nationwide.

The partnership arrives as Australia's EV market continues to grow, while pressure mounts to improve the country's public charging infrastructure.

The first site is already live at Coles Middle Camberwell in Melbourne, where customers can plug in, doing their shopping, then be recharged ready for when they head home.

The location uses Kempower charging hardware and offers up to 200kW of shared charging capacity across four bays, though actual charging speeds will vary depending on vehicle capability, battery condition and how many cars are plugged in at once.

The broader rollout will see additional sites progressively switched on across Victoria and Queensland, including planned locations at Orana Village, Beveridge, Annerley and Milton Village.

It's the latest sign that EV charging is shifting from a dedicated activity to something drivers increasingly do while ticking off everyday errands.

Australia's EV market has accelerated sharply in 2026, with battery-electric vehicle sales reaching more than 30,000 units in June alone, up from 21,062 in May and the strongest month on record.

Battery-electric vehicles now account for 23.5 per cent of new vehicle sales nationally, almost double the 11.8 per cent share recorded earlier this year.

The challenge is ensuring the charging network keeps pace.

As carsales recently reported, Australia remains one of the most charger-starved developed EV markets.

According to the International Energy Agency, Australia has around 45 EVs for every public charger, compared with about 1.8 EVs per charger in South Korea – which is the global leader.

That disparity has become increasingly noticeable as EV sales continue to grow. Public charging wait times remain a concern for some drivers, while charger availability consistently ranks among the biggest barriers preventing prospective buyers from making the switch to an EV.

Governments and private operators are now scrambling to close the gap.

Earlier this year, the Federal Government committed $40 million towards expanding EV charging infrastructure across urban and regional Australia.

Tesla continues to expand access to its Supercharger network, while BYD has flagged plans to introduce ultra-fast charging technology locally before year's end.

For Coles, the attraction is obvious.

"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," Coles head of energy Jane Mansfield said.

"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 move could prove particularly valuable for apartment dwellers and others without access to home charging, who rely more heavily on public infrastructure.

It also reflects a broader shift beyond traditional charging locations.

Councils across metropolitan Sydney are already trialling and rolling out kerbside charging solutions for residents without off-street parking.

Supported by NSW Government funding, dozens of street-based charging points are being installed across the City of Sydney and neighbouring council areas, while Waverley, Woollahra and Randwick are operating a combined network of pole-mounted public chargers.

Australia still needs thousands more public charging plugs if EV adoption is to continue at its current pace, but Coles is betting the future of charging will be built around everyday convenience rather than dedicated charging stops.

Expect to see Woolworths and Aldi enter a similar partnership with a charging infrastructure company moving forward and if the scheme proves popular we could see more shopping centres and other establishments jumping on the bandwagon.

We’ve seen similar DC fast charging infrastructure rolled out at fast food outlets overseas and they are expected to get involved when EVs reach a critical mass.

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