Ampol Limited announced on October 1, 2026 that its subsidiary Ampol Energy Pty Ltd entered into a share sale agreement to acquire Fast Cities Australia Pty Ltd, operator of Evie Networks, for $225 million. The acquisition is subject to clearance by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and would add more than 1,030 electric vehicle charging bays to Ampol's network. The combined platform would become one of Australia's largest EV charging networks, with 1,425 bays across over 400 sites.
Strategic Expansion of the Charging Network
The deal represents a significant step in expanding Ampol's public charging network at a time when the company is seeking to diversify beyond traditional fuels. It combines an established national footprint of well-located sites with attractive long-term site tenure, existing grid connectivity, a strong customer base, and specialist operating capability. Ampol expects the acquisition to position the company for growth as EV adoption and charging demand continue to rise across Australia.
Market Momentum and Customer Demand
Electric vehicles have exceeded 20% of new car sales on average in Australia over the last five months, marking a new stage of adoption. Within the AmpCharge network, charging sessions increased 116% and energy supplied increased 120% in the first half of 2026, which Ampol said supports the business case for expansion. Public charging infrastructure is considered a precondition for broad EV adoption, particularly in a country where long distances between locations can contribute to range anxiety.
Executive Perspective
Managing Director and CEO Matt Halliday said the acquisition positions Ampol to capture growth as charging demand builds. He described EV charging as a question of disciplined investment at the right time, requiring close monitoring of customer behavior, EV uptake, site economics, grid connections, and the broader charging network. Halliday also praised Evie principal shareholder Trevor St Baker AO as a genuine pioneer of the country's EV charging industry, citing his vision and capability in building a national platform.
Addressing the Infrastructure Gap
A substantial portion of Australian households have no practical means of charging at home, according to Ampol. Public infrastructure is also critical for commercial fleets, rideshare operators, and customers traveling longer distances. The company said Evie's high-quality sites, some with expansion capacity, provide an opportunity to grow its charging footprint at scale and pace, helping to reduce range anxiety.
Regulatory Approval and Completion Timeline
The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and is anticipated to complete in the first half of 2027. Until clearance is obtained, Ampol and Evie Networks will continue to operate independently as separate businesses. The companies expect the combined network to support households without home charging, commercial fleets, rideshare operators, and long-distance travelers.
The acquisition of Evie Networks represents a disciplined investment to expand Ampol's charging footprint at scale and pace. By combining Evie's high-quality, long-term sites with AmpCharge's rising usage and customer base, Ampol aims to address range anxiety and broaden EV adoption across Australia. If cleared by regulators, the transaction will create a nationally significant charging platform as the country's electric vehicle market continues to mature.