Acceleration of electric charging infrastructures
TotalEnergies is therefore positioning itself as a key player. By the end of 2023, the company had already installed over 1,000 high-power charging stations in France, marking a major milestone in the development of ultra-fast charging infrastructures. These terminals, installed mainly at service stations on freeways and in high-transit areas such as airports and railway stations, enable users to regain 80% of their range in just 20 minutes.
Faced with growing demand, TotalEnergies has continued into 2024 with massive investments to expand its network. The company aims to install more than 300 new charging stations in suburban areas and in cities, thus widening access to ultra-fast charging infrastructure. This effort is crucial to support the energy transition and meet the needs of users who are increasingly looking to use electric vehicles in urban environments, where charging stations are often less accessible.
In comparison, 2023 was a year of network structuring with a focus on major national roads and freeways, where 200 stations were equipped. In 2024, the aim is to multiply these infrastructures in more localized areas, thus increasing the territorial grid for better accessibility to charging, particularly in large conurbations and tourist areas. This expansion should keep pace with the sharp rise in sales of electric vehicles, which have up 25% on the previous year.
The contrast between 2023 and 2024 is clear: while 2023 was a launch year, with infrastructure focused mainly on major roads, 2024 marks a phase of acceleration, with greater urban and suburban coverage. This effort is in response to fast-growing demand, both for long-distance travel and for daily commuting. TotalEnergies, at the forefront of this development, continues to play a leading role in the rapid expansion of the electric charging network in France.
Also read → What's the current status of charging stations?
The answer to new parking challenges: anti-parking bollards
The introduction of anti-parking bollards represents an innovative solution to the growing challenge of abusive parking near charging stations. These terminals are equipped with devices that limit the parking time of vehicles once their batteries have been recharged, to prevent a vehicle from monopolizing a space when it no longer needs to recharge. This system facilitates access to charging stations, particularly in urban centers, where demand is constantly increasing.
In practice, some of these charging stations apply penalty rates if the vehicle remains parked after recharging, encouraging drivers to quickly free up the space for other users.
The addition of these technologies in suburban and urban areas is part of a broader strategy to meet the growth of electric vehicles, particularly in large cities where infrastructure is saturated.
In addition to optimizing the use of charging stations, this approach helps to reduce parking-related tensions, while enabling more efficient management of charging infrastructures, thus meeting the growing needs of an urban population increasingly focused on electric mobility.
Also read → What will be the charging infrastructure challenges for electric cars in 2024?
Changes in kWh prices: what is the impact on users?
Between 2023 and 2024, the price of recharging electric vehicles varied considerably, strongly influencing user habits. Charging at home remains the most economical option. In 2024, the average home charge was is around €0.20/kWh, compared with €0.39/kWh for public charging, which varies according to the power of the charging stations.
By comparison, in 2023, public tariffs were slightly lower, around €0.35/kWh. This increase can be explained in part by inflation in energy costs and by the impact of theNational Energy Index (IEN 2024), which regulates the French energy market.
Ultra-fast charging stations on freeways, with power ratings of over 50 kW, now charge up to €0.59/kWh which is much higher than for slow home recharging. The high cost of public charging stations is prompting many users to opt for night-time home recharging, where off-peak rates can be as low as 0.16/kWh.
Thus, the rise in prices in 2024 is influencing drivers' recharging habits. They often prefer to recharge at home or use off-peak periods, even if recharging at a public station remains essential for long journeys.
Conclusion
TotalEnergies has therefore strengthened its position by collaborating to adapt charging stations to new vehicle models. In addition, new legislation facilitates the interoperability of charging networks, simplifying access for users. Finally, efforts to recycle batteries also underline the importance of sustainability in this energy transition.
