What is the current state ofcharging infrastructure in Paris?
How do electric car recharging facilities work in Paris?
Paris has taken an active approach to supporting the transition to electric mobility, with the deployment of a network of charging stations for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. At the heart of this infrastructure is the Belib' public charging network in Paris, operated by Total Marketing France. Launched in March 2021, Belib' comprises some 430 stationsrepresenting over 2,000 charging stationsincluding fast-charging stations in dedicated car parks.
Belib' charging stations offer a maximum power of 22 kWcompatible with a wide variety of vehicles thanks to the following plugs T2, T3, domestic, Combo and CHAdeMo sockets. Electric car drivers can register on the Belib' website to access the service, which is designed to be easily accessible and meet their needs.
In terms of costs, the use of Belib' terminals in Paris is structured around a pricing model based on the time of day.
| Refill type | All day (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.) | Night (8 pm - 8 am) |
|---|---|---|
|
Normal charging (3 kW)
|
1 € / hour
|
Free |
|
Accelerated Recharge (22 kW) |
0.25 € / 15 minutes (1 € / hour) for the first hour
|
0.25 € / 15 minutes (1 € / hour) for the first hour
|
|
|
2 for the first 15 additional minutes
|
2 for the first 15 additional minutes |
|
|
Followed by €4 / quarter of an hour |
Followed by €4 / quarter of an hour |
To gain access to the Belib' recharging network, a badge must be requested at a cost of €15. There is no monthly or annual subscription, and users only pay according to their use of the charging stations.
These infrastructures play a crucial role in adapting Paris to the needs of electric vehicle drivers, providing flexible recharging options and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
Also read → What's the current status of charging stations?
The necessary expansion of the charging station network
Expanding the network of charging stations in Paris and across France is crucial to keep pace with the growing number of electric vehicles. France has already achieved a significant target of 100,000 public charging stations, making it the second best-equipped European country after the Netherlands. However, the government is aiming ambitious target of 400,000 charging points to be installed by 2030 to meet growing demand.
Major players like Engie are actively participating in this expansion. With Vianeo, Engie plans to add 12,000 charging points by 2025, including 4 500 with ultra-fast charging, enabling vehicles to be recharged in less than twenty minutes. These initiatives are underpinned by the 20-25% annual growth in sales of electric vehicles.
At the same time, Izivia, a 100% subsidiary of EDF, is playing a leading role in the deployment of fast charging stations. It has launched the Corri-Door network, placing charging stations every 80 km on average on major French roads. Izivia has also added 300 fast-charging stations to its network to its network since 2022, increasing the number of charging stations and their accessibility outside freeways, particularly in shopping areas or on the outskirts of major cities.
These efforts between the public and private sectors illustrate the commitment to electromobility and the need for a well-developed charging infrastructure to further encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. Collaboration between energy suppliers, local authorities and electric mobility operators is essential to achieve the ambitious targets set by the government and to ensure a successful energy transition to more sustainable modes of transport. transition to more sustainable modes of transport.
Paris 2024 initiatives for sustainable mobility
Towards more responsible Olympic Games: Paris 2024's commitment
Paris 2024 aims to organize environmentally-friendly Olympic Games, aligned with significant sustainable initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable mobility. This ambition is based on several strategic pillars and concrete actions aimed at minimizing the event's ecological footprint, while leaving a lasting legacy for the community and the environment.
Responsible, sustainable infrastructure
Paris 2024 has placed particular emphasis on reducing itscarbon footprint, opting in the main to use existing and temporary infrastructures, thus limiting the need for new construction. The aquatic center, the only competition venue built specifically for the Games, is an example of sustainable construction. Using wood for its main structure, this choice considerably reduced carbon emissions compared to the traditional use of concrete and steel. In addition, the use of solar energy and the recovery of heat from a nearby data storage center help to reduce energy consumption.
Energy transition as a key element
Renewable energy is at the heart of Paris 2024's strategy. All Games venues will be connected to the power grid and supplied with 100% renewable electricity. This approach will save around 13,000 tonnes of CO2. Paris 2024 is also adopting innovative technologies, such as retractable electrical terminals for certain temporary venues, thus reducing the use of diesel generators and their associated emissions.
Accessibility to promote sustainable mobility
Encouraging the use of public transport and soft mobility, Paris 2024 will ensure that the venues are accessible via a diversified and environmentally-friendly transport network. The organization is also planning to use electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles for official purposes, in addition to installing electric charging stations to promote cleaner mobility.
Waste management for a more responsible diet
Reducing waste, notably by limiting the use of single-use plastic, and offering local and plant-based food options are testament to Paris 2024's commitment to a greener event model. The organization aims to significantly reduce the waste generated and encourage sustainable food practices among participants and spectators.
Leaving a lasting impression
Paris 2024 aspires to leave a lasting legacy, not only through environmentally-friendly infrastructure, but also through education and community engagement around sustainable development and environmental responsibility. Projects such as the transformation of the Olympic Village into eco-friendly post-Games housing illustrate this long-term ambition.
All these initiatives are part of a broader framework of sustainable development strategies and environmental legislation supported by the French government and international bodies, such as the IOC's Olympic Agenda 2020, which aims to make the Olympic Games a model of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Paris is therefore firmly committed to organizing innovative and responsible Olympic Games, which will serve as a benchmark for future editions of the Games and beyond, thus contributing to the evolution of standards in the organization of global sporting events.
Paris 2024's electric mobility initiatives
Whether organizing the Olympic or Paralympic Games, Paris 2024 is firmly committed to promoting electric and sustainable mobility. This initiative is part of a global approach aimed at reducing the event's carbon footprint and promoting inclusive mobility for all participants and visitors.
Collaboration with Toyota for sustainable mobility
In partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Paris Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Toyota, as a global mobility partner, will play a key role in implementing sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions.
Toyota will supply around 250 personal electric vehicles, wheelchair e-pushers available in the athletes' village, and 250 zero-emission Accessible People Movers (APMs) to facilitate the transportation of all athletes as well as organizers, volunteers and spectators, including those with reduced mobility. These electric vehicles and personal micro-mobility solutions will be shared via the KINTO Share mobile application, optimizing their use during the Games.
A commitment to the electrification of transport
Toyota will also contribute to the effort to reduce its carbon footprint with a fleet of over 2,650 electrified vehicles, 150 of which are wheelchair accessible. Around 60% of this fleet will be made up of zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), such as the Toyota Mirai. These vehicles will play a crucial role in transporting the Olympic and Paralympic family, athletes, organizers and volunteers, contributing to a more sustainable event.
Working with Île-de-France Mobilités
Île-de-France Mobilités, the organizing authority for all transport in the Île-de-France region, is playing a key role in transport during the Games, with a commitment to increasing public transport provision for the millions of spectators expected to attend. The collaboration between Paris 2024 and Île-de-France Mobilités aims to ensure that 100% of spectators can access the competition venues by public or active modes of transport, in line with the commitments made during the Paris 2024 bid. This initiative reflects the ambition to create a lasting mobility legacy for Île-de-France, with infrastructure and services that will benefit residents and visitors well beyond the Games.
These actions by Paris 2024 to promote sustainable, electric mobility demonstrate the organizing committee's deep commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of the Games and encouraging a transition to greener transport solutions. These actions are part of a broader vision to leave a lasting legacy for the city of Paris and its residents, as well as for the Olympic and Paralympic movement as a whole.
Also read → Sustainable mobility, challenges and solutions
What are the objectives for electric charging infrastructure in Paris?
Developing a charging station deployment strategy
To support the increase in the number of electric vehicles in Paris and improve access to recharging, the City of Paris, in collaboration with its partners, has put in place an ambitious strategy for the deployment of electric recharging infrastructures:
- The international standard EN IEC 61851 regulates the installation and characteristics of charging stations, guaranteeing their safety and efficient operation.
- The EV Ready labellabel, initiated by several major automakers, certifies the compatibility and safety of charging infrastructures, emphasizing the importance of interoperability between public charging stations.
- The Mobility Orientation Law (LOM) underscores the urgent need to extend the network of recharging infrastructures in companies, by requiring the installation of charging stations in parking lots with more than 20 spaces.
Anticipating future challenges
As part of Paris' ambitious goals for the deployment of its electric charging infrastructure, a number of initiatives and challenges are on the horizon, requiring careful anticipation and planning.
Electra, a key player in the electric vehicle charging sector, has embarked on a major initiative to meet the growing demand for high-performance charging stations. With the support of the Banque des Territoires, Electra plans to build 1,000 ultra-fast charging stations in Paris by 2030. This expansion aims to make up for the shortage of charging stations and enhance the user experience, by making recharging as quick and easy as filling up with traditional petrol. Electra's ultra-fast stations aim to ensure that users are always less than 10 minutes from a charging station, with the option of on-demand reservations for fast charging.
For its part, ADEME has launched a program to encourage investment in electric charging infrastructures open to the public. The program targets companies distributing fuel for road use, and offers subsidies for the deployment of recharging stations, underlining the importance of greater accessibility to electric recharging. Subsidies are calculated according to the cumulative power of the installation, with ceilings of up to 105,000 euros for the most powerful installations.
The main future challenges for charging infrastructure in Paris are increasing the capacity of charging stations to meet growing demand, improving the reliability of charging stations to reduce malfunctions, and expanding the network geographically to cover the whole of Paris evenly. Collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as innovation in charging technologies, will be essential to overcome these obstacles and ensure a successful transition to electric mobility.
By anticipating these challenges, Paris and its partners are committed to developing a robust and accessible electric charging infrastructure, essential to support the energy transition and meet tomorrow's mobility needs.
Also read → What will be the charging infrastructure challenges for electric cars in 2024?
Conclusion
In the run-up to the Olympic Games, Paris is positioning itself as a model of electric mobility by expanding its recharging infrastructure. These coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors, underlined by the expansion of the Belib' network, Electra's initiatives, and the support of ADEME, ensure not only an ecological transition but also an enhanced user experience for residents and visitors alike. These measures effectively anticipate future challenges, demonstrating Paris' commitment to a sustainable and welcoming future for all.
If you would like to know more about the charging station tax credit at 2024please consult our article on the subject.
