Coles and Evie Networks will install fast electric vehicle charging at up to 30 supermarkets across Australia, allowing drivers to recharge while completing their weekly shop.
The two-year rollout will place direct current fast chargers at selected Coles locations, beginning with Middle Camberwell in Victoria.
The first site features Kempower charging technology, with up to 200kW of charging capacity dynamically shared across four bays. The charging speed available to each vehicle will depend on the number of cars connected, the vehicle’s charging capability and battery conditions.
Additional locations are expected to begin operating before the end of 2026 in Victoria and Queensland, including Orana Village, Beveridge, Annerley and Milton Village.
Charging where drivers already stop
The partnership reflects a broader shift in public charging infrastructure away from dedicated charging destinations and towards locations motorists already visit.
Research conducted through Evie’s annual survey of more than 8,800 EV drivers found that 83 per cent visit food or retail outlets while their vehicle is charging.
For Coles, the chargers offer customers another service while also helping to address one of the practical challenges facing drivers considering an electric vehicle: finding convenient places to recharge.
Coles Head of Energy Jane Mansfield said EV drivers wanted charging options that matched the time they already spent at common destinations.
“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,” 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.”
She said future locations would be selected based on factors including local EV adoption and the availability of existing charging infrastructure.
“As we continue to roll out up to 30 sites over the next two years, we’ll be looking at sites where EV uptake is growing and where more charging infrastructure is needed, helping ensure our store network evolves with changing customer needs and the shift to EVs,” Mansfield said.
Fast charging becomes part of the routine
Australia’s electric vehicle market has continued to expand during 2026, increasing demand for chargers that can be incorporated into normal daily activities.
Battery electric vehicle sales exceeded 30,000 units during June, compared with 21,062 in May, according to figures referenced in the announcement. Battery electric vehicles accounted for approximately 23.5 per cent of total new vehicle sales during the month.
Evie CEO Chris Mills said supermarket locations were well suited to public fast charging because drivers could use the charging time productively.
“EV drivers are looking for charging that fits naturally into their day and supermarket locations are a perfect example of that,” Mills said.
“This partnership is an important step in expanding access to fast charging at selected Coles supermarkets across Australia, supporting more drivers as they make the switch to EVs.”
Drivers will be able to locate participating Coles charging sites through the Evie app. The app provides information on charger availability and allows customers to start a charging session and manage payment.
The partnership adds another dimension to the supermarket’s growing involvement in electric transport. Coles has also recently introduced electric prime movers into parts of its freight network as it evaluates how battery-electric technology can support both customer transport and commercial operations.
By locating fast chargers at supermarkets, Coles and Evie are aiming to make charging less of a separate task and more like another part of the weekly shopping routine.
