EV Charging in France: From Hell to Paradise
Not long ago, France was considered one of the least convenient destinations in Europe for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. Public charging stations were few and far between, often hidden in remote locations or attached to small local car dealerships. For travelers heading south on popular routes such as the Route du Soleil, “range anxiety” and so-called “charging stress” were part of every journey.
Today, that image has been completely transformed. Within just a few years, France has become one of the leading countries in Europe for EV charging infrastructure. What was once a charging desert has turned into a paradise for electric drivers, attracting more Dutch, Belgian, and German holidaymakers than ever before.
Explosive Growth of EV Charging Stations in France
The numbers tell the story of this rapid change. In 2022, France had just over 82,000 public charging points. By 2023 that figure had jumped to more than 118,000, and in mid-2024 the total reached nearly 175,000. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, the government aims for 400,000 public chargers by 2030, including at least 50,000 fast chargers capable of topping up a battery in only 20 to 30 minutes.
This growth has been visible across the country. Charging is no longer limited to hidden spots or specialized garages. Instead, drivers can now recharge at:
Hypermarchés (large supermarkets) along highways and in towns.
Restaurants and fast-food chains such as McDonald’s.
Hotels and tourist destinations, catering directly to international travelers.
Retail stores and shopping centers like IKEA.
The result is a highly accessible network where EV drivers can conveniently combine charging stops with meals, shopping, or overnight stays.
Political Decisions Behind the Boom
The expansion of France’s charging network did not happen by accident. Government policy has been a decisive factor.
In 2019, the French mobility law required that any parking lot with more than 20 spaces must dedicate at least 5% to EV charging by 2025. This single regulation sparked a wave of installations across supermarkets, shopping centers, and leisure facilities.
Low-emission zones (LEZs), also introduced in 2019, accelerated the shift to cleaner mobility in cities. These zones restricted older petrol and diesel vehicles, pushing both residents and businesses to consider electric alternatives.
European Union legislation complemented this approach, forcing stricter emissions standards on car manufacturers and requiring charging points in all new residential and commercial buildings.
Together, these policies created the framework for private companies to invest heavily in charging infrastructure.
Private Investment and Industry Confidence
Beyond regulation, private capital has played a key role. Thirteen major mobility and energy companies jointly invested over €1 billion in the expansion and harmonization of the French charging network in recent years. In February 2024, they announced an additional €3 billion of funding through 2028.
This level of investment reflects more than infrastructure growth; it demonstrates strong confidence in the long-term future of electric mobility in France. Investors clearly believe that the demand for EV charging will continue to rise as adoption rates climb.
EV Tourism: Holidays Without Charging Stress
One of the clearest signs of progress is the effect on international tourism. Each summer, tens of thousands of electric cars from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany head south to France. The Route du Soleil, the traditional holiday highway to the Provence and Côte d’Azur, has become a symbol of this transition. Where EV drivers once worried about finding a charger, today the route is lined with charging hubs that serve travelers heading to southern France.
In contrast, neighboring Spain still lags behind, with only about 50,000 charging points nationwide. Many EV drivers report difficulties when traveling through Spain or Portugal, with fewer options and longer charging times. As a result, France has become the preferred holiday destination for electric drivers, simply because planning and charging are much easier.
Regional Distribution of Charging Stations
Although chargers are spread throughout the country, some regions stand out. By 2025, nearly 18% of all public charging stations in France are located in the greater Paris region. Other highly covered areas include Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. This regional spread ensures that both urban residents and long-distance travelers benefit from improved infrastructure.
EV Sales in France: Strong Growth, but Room to Improve
Charging infrastructure goes hand in hand with vehicle adoption. In 2024, 24% of new cars sold in France were fully electric, compared with a European average of 21%. This puts France ahead of many EU countries but still behind the absolute leaders.
Norway remains the global benchmark, where 92% of all new car sales are electric thanks to decades of consistent incentives and policies. By comparison, China reached about 48% in 2024, while the United States remains far lower.
Despite not being the frontrunner, France’s adoption rate shows steady progress and signals that the country is on track to become a major EV hub in Europe.
Key Benefits for EV Drivers in France
For EV drivers planning a holiday in France, the improved infrastructure offers multiple advantages:
Reduced charging anxiety – The dense network means drivers are rarely far from a charger.
Convenient locations – Chargers at supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels fit naturally into travel routines.
Fast charging options – With more high-power stations, long-distance travel is faster and smoother.
Tourist-friendly network – Highways and popular routes now cater specifically to international holidaymakers.
Future Outlook: France Aiming Higher
Looking ahead, France has ambitious goals for electric mobility:
400,000 public charging points by 2030.
50,000 ultra-fast chargers to reduce waiting times.
Integration of smart charging systems to balance grid demand.
Further incentives to push adoption of EVs among both private consumers and commercial fleets.
Meanwhile, global innovations are also shaping the future. Sweden is testing roads that can charge vehicles while driving, China is developing ultra-fast charging technology that can recharge a battery in just five minutes, and even oil-producing nations such as Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in electric mobility.
Conclusion: From Challenge to Convenience
France’s transformation is remarkable. In less than a decade, the country has gone from one of the most difficult places to drive an EV to one of the most advanced. For holidaymakers from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, the country is now a preferred EV-friendly destination where long road trips are possible without stress.
With strong political backing, billions in private investment, and a clear roadmap for the future, France has secured its place as a leader in European electric mobility. For travelers, that means easier road trips, greener holidays, and a charging experience that continues to improve year after year.
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