France Plans 22,000 EV Chargers by 2035
France Targets 22,000 EV Charging Points on Major Roads by 2035
France is accelerating its transition to electric mobility with an ambitious plan to install 22,000 charging points along its major road network by 2035. The move is designed to support the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), improve long-distance travel, and decarbonise freight transport.
This large-scale infrastructure push will reshape how residents, expats, and tourists travel across the country.
A Nationwide Rollout Across Key Routes
The strategy focuses on 20,000 km of major roads, including motorways and national routes. While this represents just 2% of France’s total road network, it carries around one-third of all traffic, making it the most impactful area for investment.
What’s planned:
Expansion from 4,500 to 22,000 charging points for passenger vehicles
Installation of 8,000 chargers for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)
Coverage across nearly 900 service and rest areas
Strategic placement to eliminate “charging deserts” on long journeys
This rollout aims to make EV travel as convenient as traditional fuel-based driving—especially for long-distance trips.
Faster Charging for Everyday Drivers
To meet growing demand, France will prioritise high-speed charging technology.
Key features:
Minimum 150 kW fast chargers for cars
Charging times of 20–25 minutes for most vehicles
Increased total grid capacity to 2.8 GW for light vehicles
For drivers, this means shorter stops and more predictable travel times—critical for wider EV adoption.
A Major Push for Electric Freight
One of the most significant elements of the plan is the focus on heavy goods vehicles, a sector that remains largely diesel-dependent.
Freight electrification targets:
Around 560 service areas equipped for electric trucks
Ultra-fast chargers:
400 kW (approx. 45-minute charge)
800+ kW (as little as 20 minutes)
Dedicated infrastructure for overnight and long-haul parking
This is crucial, as road freight accounts for around 90% of goods transport in France, yet electric trucks currently represent just 2% of new sales.
Improving the Charging Experience
Beyond infrastructure, the government is also targeting usability and reliability—two major concerns for EV drivers.
Service improvements include:
Transparent pricing per kWh
Universal card payment acceptance
Interoperability between networks (no more app overload)
These changes aim to standardise the charging experience and remove friction for both locals and visitors.
Rapid Growth in EV Usage
Electric mobility in France is already accelerating at pace.
Electricity consumption from EV charging has doubled annually since 2022
Infrastructure deployment is set to double compared to the last five years
The government is targeting 2 out of 3 new vehicles to be electric by 2030
This reflects a broader European shift towards cleaner transport and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Why This Matters for Expats and Travellers
For English-speaking residents and visitors in France, this plan brings several clear benefits:
Easier long-distance EV travel across regions
More reliable charging access in rural and coastal areas
Lower running costs compared to petrol or diesel
Alignment with growing low-emission zones in French cities
If you live in France or are considering switching to an electric vehicle, the next decade will make ownership significantly more practical.
Enjoyed this? Get the week’s top France stories
One email every Sunday. Unsubscribe anytime.
