How many recharging points are there in France?
The rapid growth of the electric vehicle market in France is accompanied by an equally dynamic expansion of thecharging infrastructure.
To meet the growing needs of drivers, the deployment of charging stations is accelerating across the country. Let's take a closer look at the current situation, the targets set by the government, and the progress being made in this area for the automotive sector's energy transition.
Inventory: how many are already installed?
The deployment of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in France is making remarkable progress. As of January 31, 2024, France had 120,354 charging points open and accessible to the public. This significant growth represents an annual increase of 41%, testifying to the country's commitment to electric mobility.
The distribution of these charging points is varied, with a particular focus on fast charging stations. Indeed, 17% of installations are now fast charging points, 8% of which are ultra-fast (over 150 kW). This development meets the needs of electric vehicle users, particularly for long-distance journeys.
Motorway infrastructure is also expanding. At June 1, 2024, French motorway service areas had a total of 4,290 charging points with a capacity of 50 kVA or more, marking an exceptional increase of 13% on the previous month. This increase is crucial to facilitating intercity travel by electric vehicle.
It's important to note that these figures only take into account public charging points. Including private charging points in businesses and homes, the total number of charging points in France is well over one million, underlining the scale of the transition to electric mobility in the country.
What is the goal for 2024 and beyond in France?
The French government has set ambitious targets for the deployment of charging stations over the coming years. By 2024, if the current rate of growth continues, France could reach the milestone of 150,000 charging points. This interim target is part of a longer-term vision to install 400,000 charging points open to the public by 2030.
To support this rapid expansion, several initiatives are underway:
- Particular emphasis is placed on increasing the number of fast-charging stations, which now account for 17% of the network, compared with just 9% in January 2022.
- Ultra-fast charging stations, which can be recharged in less than 20 minutes, have seen spectacular growth, from 2% to 8% of the network in two years.
- Particular attention is being paid to the deployment of recharging points in parking lots, shops and businesses, in anticipation of the obligation to equip 5% of spaces in non-residential parking lots with more than 20 spaces.
These ambitious targets are designed to keep pace with the growing percentage of electric cars in France, and to facilitate mobility for drivers throughout the country, including on freeways where there is already a growing list of electric charging stations.
Are we lagging behind in the deployment of charging stations?
France has made significant progress in deploying charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, but the question of the delay remains nuanced. With 120,354 charging points open to the public as of January 31, 2024, the country is posting impressive annual growth of 41%.
This rapid progress testifies to a concerted effort to support electric mobility. However, the percentage of electric cars in France continues to rise, creating constant pressure on the recharging network.
Fast charging stations, essential for long journeys, now account for 17% of installations, of which 8% are ultra-fast. This development is crucial to meeting the needs of drivers on freeways and trunk roads. The list of electric charging points on freeways is gradually expanding, with 4,290 charging points with a power rating of 50 kVA or more at motorway service areas by June 1, 2024.
Despite these advances, the government is aiming for 400,000 charging points open to the public by 2030. At the current rate, France could reach 150,000 charging points by the end of the year, i.e. a third of this ambitious target.
Although this figure may seem insufficient, it is important to note that over 1.4 million charging points are available throughout the country, including private charging stations in businesses and at home.
In short, France is not necessarily lagging behind, but must maintain its efforts to keep pace with the rapid growth in the electric vehicle fleet and ensure a smooth transition to more sustainable mobility.
How do public charging stations work?
Public electric charging stations have become an essential part of modern urban infrastructure, facilitating the growing adoption of electric vehicles. Their operation is based on a sophisticated system that combines technology and practicality. Typically, these terminals are connected to the local electricity grid and convert alternating current into direct current, suitable for charging vehicle batteries. Users can generally access these kiosks via an RFID card, a mobile app, or sometimes simply by paying with a bank card. The charging process begins once authentication has been completed and the cable connected to the vehicle.
Public terminals offer different power levels:
- Slow charge (3-7 kW): ideal for long-term parking
- Accelerated charging (22-43 kW): for faster charging, often in urban areas
- Fast charge (50 kW and over): for significant recharging in 30 minutes, generally on main roads
Intelligent management of these terminals enables real-time monitoring of their availability and operating status, optimizing their use.
What's more, many charging stations are now equipped with integrated payment systems and reservation functionalities, making the charging experience as smooth and convenient as possible for electric vehicle drivers.
What is the difference between a recharging point, a recharging point and a recharging station?
Understanding the different elements that make up electric vehicle charging infrastructure is essential for drivers and industry professionals alike. Here are the key distinctions between a charging point, a charging station and a charging station:
Charging point This is the basic unit for recharging a single electric vehicle at a time. Also known as EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), it is usually associated with a dedicated parking space and can be fitted with one or more types of connector.
Charging station A charging station is a fixed device, often in the form of a roadside formwork or wallbox, which can contain one or more charging points. Depending on its configuration, a charging station can be used to charge several vehicles simultaneously.
Charging station This is a larger geographical area comprising one or more charging stations associated with parking spaces. It is supplied by a single electrical delivery point and managed by a single operator. It can be compared to a traditional service station, but dedicated to electric vehicles.
This hierarchy reflects the organization of the charging infrastructure, from the smallest element to the most comprehensive. Understanding these distinctions enables users to better plan their recharges, and professionals to design infrastructures adapted to the needs of electric vehicle drivers.
How many electric vehicles are there in France?
In 2024, the French electric vehicle fleet experienced remarkable growth. According to the latest figures, there are now over 1.5 million electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on the roads of France. This growth can be explained by several factors:
- An increasingly diverse range of models, covering all market segments
- Government incentives, such as the ecological bonus and the conversion premium, have boosted sales despite some adjustments in 2024.
- Growing ecological awareness among consumers
- Improving charging infrastructure
Electric vehicle sales accounted for 16.8% of new registrations in 2023, and this trend continued in 2024. French automakers succeeded in placing several models among the top sellers, including the Peugeot e-208 which became the best-selling electric vehicle in France, with 17,341 units sold in the first half of 2024.
This positive momentum points to a continued acceleration in the adoption of electric vehicles over the coming years, with optimistic projections of price parity with combustion vehicles as early as 2027.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, France is seeing a rapid expansion of its electric charging infrastructure, with 120,354 public charging points in January 2024, up 41% year-on-year. The government is aiming for 150,000 points by the end of 2024 and 400,000 by 2030.
What's more, demand is growing, with over 1.5 million electric vehicles on the road. The diversity of models and government incentives are supporting this transition, but continued efforts are needed to ensure sustainable mobility.
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