If you’ve popped into your local Bunnings lately, you might have noticed something a little different in the car park.
Something that’s got electric vehicle (EV) owners buzzing with excitement and everyone else wondering, ‘Why didn’t we think of this sooner?’
That’s right: Bunnings has quietly rolled out powerful new EV charging stations at 14 of its stores across Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and even New Zealand. And the response?
Let’s just say, it’s electrifying.
A welcome jolt for shoppers
For many of us, a trip to Bunnings is rarely a quick in-and-out affair. Whether you’re picking up a few pot plants, hunting for the right drill bit, or just there for the iconic sausage sizzle, you’re likely to spend a good chunk of time wandering the aisles.
Now, thanks to these new 120kW fast chargers (alongside 22kW and 50kW options at some locations), you can top up your EV while you shop—no more range anxiety, no more wasted time.
Sydney-based electrification expert and EV advocate Sarah Aubrey summed it up perfectly in her now-viral video: ‘You’re at Bunnings, you’re spending some time here lollygagging, and 120kW is really fast, so you’ll be good to go. I am so stoked about that. That is awesome.’
She also pointed out the thoughtful design, with marked-out bays and plenty of space, making it easier for people with mobility challenges to get in and out of their cars.
How does it work?
The chargers operate at a rate of $0.60 per kilowatt hour, which means you can add hundreds of kilometres of range in the time it takes to browse the garden section or debate the merits of matte versus gloss paint.
Clear signage and step-by-step instructions are provided at each site, so even if you’re new to the world of EVs, you’ll be able to plug in with confidence.
One driver who tested the Kingsgrove charger reported, ‘Can confirm it works well. It gave a very consistent 118kW on my (Hyundai) IONIQ 5.’ That’s the kind of reliability we love to see.
Why Bunnings? Why now?
Rod Caust, Bunnings’ director of stores, explained the move: ‘As electric vehicles become more common in Australia and New Zealand, we’re installing EV charging stations in some of our store car parks so our customers with EVs can charge up while they shop.’
It’s a simple idea, but one that shows Bunnings is paying attention to the changing needs of its customers.
And let’s be honest—hardware stores are the perfect place for EV chargers. You’re already planning to spend a bit of time there, and the locations are easy to access with plenty of parking. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Credit: Electrify This / TikTok
A sign of the times
Australia’s EV market is growing rapidly, with more models on the road and more drivers looking for convenient charging options.
Public charging infrastructure has long been a sticking point for would-be EV owners, but moves like this from Bunnings are helping to bridge the gap.
As one enthusiastic shopper put it online, ‘It’s about time. That’s a great place to put them.’
Another added, ‘Bunnings is weirdly one of the random companies at the forefront of EV electrification. Love it! We need more of this in public places.’
What’s next?
With only 14 stores currently offering the service, there’s hope (and a fair bit of online chatter) that Bunnings will expand the rollout to more locations soon.
As more Australians make the switch to electric vehicles, the demand for convenient, reliable charging will only grow.
The bottom line
Bunnings has once again shown it knows what Aussies want—sometimes before we even know it ourselves.
Whether you’re a seasoned EV driver or just EV-curious, this new car park feature is a welcome addition that makes life a little easier and a lot more convenient.
Have you spotted the new EV chargers at your local Bunnings? Are you an EV owner who’s used them, or are you considering making the switch now that charging is getting easier? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your comments below!
Also read: Bunnings’ $49 winter essential is warming hearts and soles
