France's EV Charging Network Expands: €1.5B Plan, 120K Public Points by 2025
France, a leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, is expanding its charging network. The Ministry for Sustainable Development launched a €1.5 billion plan in 2009, aiming for 2 million EVs by 2020. Today, over 100 charging point operators (CPOs) serve the nation, with new brands emerging and the ADVENIR program installing 120,000 public points by 2025.
France's charging network is diverse yet decentralized. While Sweden has four key players and Luxembourg one dominant company, France boasts over 20 CPOs with limited market share. Newcomers like Powerdot, TotalEnergies, and Lidl are making strides. In 2020, IONITY and Tesla held around 80% of the market, indicating some centralization.
The ADVENIR program supports this growth, offering subsidies of up to €15,000 per charging point. Decree 2021-153 mandates the installation of fast chargers at all highway service stations by 2022. Despite this progress, monopolies can hinder competition and innovation.
In 2023, 26% of new cars sold in France were EVs or plug-in hybrids, reflecting the country's commitment to clean transportation. With ongoing investments and regulatory support, France's charging network continues to evolve, balancing growth with competitive fairness.
