Hungry Jack’s to roll out national electric vehicle charging network

Fast food chain Hungry Jack’s has partnered with Evie Networks to begin offering electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its restaurants.

The first fast-charger was launched at Hungry Jack’s Cabramatta in Sydney’s south west, with funding coming from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Future Fuels Fund.

“This partnership will help grow the national footprint of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, providing greater accessibility for the increasing number of electric vehicle drivers, who can now conveniently charge their car while ordering a Hungry Jack’s meal,” Hungry Jack’s CEO Chris Green said at the unveiling.

Evie CEO Chris Mills says the partnership allows drivers to use charging points 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with access to food, drink, and amenities – helping both the car and driver to fill up.

“Our focus is to bring fast charging to where drivers work, shop and play,” Mills said.

“Gone are the days where we drive to fuel stations; instead, drivers can charge while they grab a bite to eat.”

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ARENA has committed to funding 158 public fast-charging stations through Evie, at a cost $8.85 million – with the EV charging network company owned by billionaire Trevor St Baker’s Energy Innovation Fund, which invests in sustainable businesses.

“If the demand is there, we will look at other Hungry Jack’s sites for Evie Networks chargers,” Green said.

If the idea gains traction, it means EV owners may only need to search for an HJ’s wherever they are in Australia, rather than relying on EV charging maps.