We probably already know that EVs are becoming more popular, but the pace of change is pretty impressive. By the end of 2024, around 10% of all new cars sold in Australia were electric. That’s a huge jump from just a few years ago. There are a few reasons for this — better technology, more affordable models, government incentives, and let’s be honest, petrol prices that keep climbing don’t exactly encourage us to stick with traditional fuel.

But with more people switching to EVs, there’s one big question: Is the charging infrastructure ready to keep up with all these new electric cars hitting the roads?

What’s the Current Charging Scene Like?

Right now, we’ve got over three thousand public EV charging spots around Australia, with about eighteen hundred of those being fast or ultra-fast chargers. Most of these are concentrated in our major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth where EV ownership is highest. We might have also noticed that big petrol companies like Ampol, BP, and Viva Energy (that’s Shell) have started installing EV chargers at many of their stations.

For example, Ampol has chargers at more than fifty stations and is aiming for around three hundred charging bays across the country. But here’s the thing — only about one hundred and thirty are currently up and running because they’re still waiting on the power companies to connect them to the grid. BP Pulse is planning over six hundred charging bays by 2025, and Viva Energy is rolling out hubs that use solar and batteries to make the whole process greener.

The government isn’t sitting back either. They’re pumping millions into programs designed to boost the charging network, especially in regional and remote areas where charging options are a bit thin.

So, What’s Holding Us Back?

Even with all this progress, there are still a few big hurdles to clear before we can confidently say goodbye to petrol stations.

First off, there’s the issue of connecting chargers to the electricity grid. Sometimes the chargers are physically installed but can’t be switched on because they’re stuck waiting for approval or upgrades from the local power network. It’s frustrating because it means those chargers sit idle, unused, while EV owners are still hunting for a place to plug in.

And then there’s the reliability factor. Some drivers have told us about chargers being out of order for weeks, especially in places like Western Australia or regional Queensland. When there aren’t many chargers around, having just one out of action can be a real problem — nobody wants to be stuck with a dead battery and no way to recharge.

Regional coverage is another challenge. While cities are getting more chargers every month, rural areas can have charging points spaced hundreds of kilometres apart. That’s a long way if your battery’s running low, especially if you’re towing a caravan or driving in tough conditions. There are some great state-led projects working to fill those gaps, but it’s not an easy fix.

One thing we don’t often think about is how long charging takes compared to filling up with petrol. A quick petrol stop might take five minutes, but charging an EV can take anywhere from fifteen to forty-five minutes depending on the charger and your battery. This means petrol stations are rethinking their business models. Some are turning into charging hubs with cafes, clean toilets, Wi-Fi, and comfy spots to hang out while you wait — making the charging experience better than just standing around.

Are We Ready to Ditch Petrol Stations Yet?

Honestly? Not just yet. The charging network is growing fast, but it’s still got a long way to go before it can fully replace petrol stations.

To keep up with the number of EVs expected in the next few years, Australia will need tens of thousands more charging bays. The electrical grid itself will need upgrades, and chargers have to be reliable and easy to find, even outside the cities. Plus, the whole charging experience needs to be convenient and comfortable so people don’t feel like they’re losing time every time they fill up their battery.

Experts say we’ll need over 100,000 public chargers by 2030 if EVs really take off. That’s a huge jump from what we’ve got now — so there’s a lot of work ahead.

What Can We Do to Get There?

This transition isn’t going to happen overnight. Governments, businesses, and everyday people all have a role to play.

For starters, upgrading the electrical grid to handle all these new chargers has to be a priority. It’s one of the biggest reasons why chargers are sitting idle right now, and fixing it will speed up the rollout significantly. Encouraging people to install home or workplace chargers also helps — the more charging done privately, the less pressure there is on public stations.

Government incentives could ensure publicly funded chargers meet minimum reliability standards so drivers aren’t left stranded with faulty equipment. And petrol companies will need to keep improving their charging hubs, turning them into places we actually want to spend time while our cars charge.

What Will the Future Look Like?

Phasing out petrol stations might seem like a big leap, but it’s coming. Several Australian states have announced plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles during the 2030s. So, the petrol station as we know it will gradually become a thing of the past.

But charging won’t be just like refuelling at the bowser. Most of us will charge our EVs at home overnight, fleets will recharge at their depots, and apartment buildings will have shared chargers. Petrol stations may evolve into energy hubs, combining solar panels, battery storage, and fast chargers instead of selling petrol and diesel.

The switch to electric vehicles is happening now, and the charging network is improving. But for us to be ready to say goodbye to petrol stations completely, we need faster grid upgrades, better coverage outside cities, and a much more reliable and pleasant charging experience.

We’ve started on the right path, but there’s still a way to go. The future of driving in Australia is electric, and with the right push, the day when petrol stations are history won’t be too far away.