Unlike slower AC chargers, which you might use at home or at work, DC fast chargers bypass the vehicle’s onboard AC/DC converter and deliver high-voltage DC power directly to the battery. This means much faster charging—often 20–30 minutes to reach 80% charge, depending on the battery size and charger rating.

Modern fast chargers typically operate at 50 kW, 150 kW, or even up to 350 kW. Ultra-rapid charging at these power levels can deliver around 300–400 km of range in about 15–30 minutes. That’s just enough time to grab a coffee or a snack—making it directly comparable to the stop-and-go model of a typical petrol station visit.

This is a game-changer for long-distance travel, urban convenience, and public charging infrastructure.

The Australian EV boom is here

EV sales in Australia are booming. According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, more than 17% of new cars sold in early 2025 are electric—up from just 3.8% in 2022. Tesla leads the pack, but brands like BYD, MG, Hyundai, and Kia are growing fast.

At the same time, governments are heavily backing EV infrastructure. The Australian Government’s Driving the Nation Fund has allocated $500 million to EV charging, hydrogen refuelling, and supporting grid upgrades.

Each state and territory is playing its part too:

• NSW is rolling out a $209 million EV strategy with grants for ultra-fast charging hubs.
• Victoria and Queensland are investing in regional fast charger networks.
• WA’s Synergy and Horizon Power are expanding charging along remote travel corridors.

It’s not just a trend—it’s a transformation. And DC fast charging is central to making this work.

Are petrol stations becoming obsolete?

Now, let’s tackle the big question.

Short answer: not yet—but their role is changing fast.

Here’s why:

1. Fuel demand is slowly falling
   As EV uptake grows, long-term petrol and diesel demand is projected to decline. While ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles will remain on the roads for years, fewer new ones are being bought. Over time, this will erode the profitability of traditional service stations—especially smaller, independently run sites that rely heavily on fuel sales.
   According to industry research, by the mid-2030s, a large number of existing service stations may struggle to remain viable unless they evolve.
2. The servo is evolving—not disappearing
   Major fuel retailers like Ampol, BP, and Shell are already pivoting. Rather than closing their sites, they’re installing EV fast chargers and repositioning themselves as “mobility hubs.”
   For example:
   • Ampol’s AmpCharge network is rolling out fast chargers at dozens of sites across the eastern states, aiming for over 100 locations by 2025.
   • Evie Networks, backed by St Baker Energy, is partnering with shopping centres and major highways to deploy 350 kW chargers nationwide.
   • BP Pulse is installing ultra-fast chargers in strategic metro and highway locations.
   Petrol stations aren’t vanishing—they’re just changing what they offer.

New business models: charging plus convenience

Unlike filling up a tank in 2–3 minutes, EV drivers spend 20–30 minutes at a DC charger. That changes the business model—and the opportunity.

More dwell time means more time to spend money on food, drinks, coffee, or even work or entertainment. That’s why we’re seeing chargers co-located with:

• Shopping centres
• Cafes and bakeries
• Gyms and health clubs
• Tourist centres and rest stops

The servo of the future may look more like a café with parking spots that charge your car.

In fact, in the UK and parts of Europe, dedicated “EV forecourts” are already popping up—complete with lounge areas, solar canopies, free Wi-Fi, and snack bars. There’s no reason Australia won’t follow suit.

Infrastructure: growing, but with hurdles

Australia’s fast charging network is improving rapidly. As of mid-2025, there are over 750 DC fast charging sites nationally, many along major routes like the Hume Highway, Pacific Motorway, and Bruce Highway.

Still, some challenges remain:

• Regional coverage gaps still exist, especially in inland or remote areas.
• Grid connection delays can make fast charger installation slow and expensive.
• Land availability and permits can be an issue in built-up areas.
• Charger reliability—some sites still experience outages or faulty equipment, frustrating drivers.

That said, standards are improving, government support is increasing, and more providers are entering the market.

Home vs public charging: different roles

Let’s not forget—most EV charging still happens at home, especially overnight. For city dwellers with off-street parking, this remains the cheapest and most convenient option.

But not everyone has that luxury. People in apartments, rental homes, or without dedicated parking rely on public infrastructure. And even those who mostly charge at home still need reliable fast charging for long trips or emergencies.

That’s where fast DC chargers shine—and where they’re likely to replace the petrol station model in certain contexts.

The road ahead

So, will petrol stations disappear? Here’s the realistic outlook:

Short term (next 5 years)

• More petrol stations will add EV chargers, especially in metro areas.
• Fuel sales will plateau or decline, but ICE vehicles will still dominate the fleet.
• Fast chargers will expand across highways and major shopping precincts.

Medium term (5–10 years)

• Expect to see hybrid fuel/EV sites become the norm.
• Small petrol-only servos without space for chargers may struggle.
• Dedicated EV charging hubs—like Evie, AmpCharge, and Tesla Superchargers—will become more common.

Long term (10+ years)

• Petrol-only stations could be phased out, repurposed, or redeveloped.
• Charging will be ubiquitous—at work, at home, in public car parks, and on the road.
• EVs will make up the majority of new car sales, shifting the centre of gravity away from the fuel bowser.