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Date: December 11, 2024
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By Ailén Pedrotti
Europe

France vs. Spain: EVenergía’s approach to electric mobility in two markets

France and Spain show a marked difference in the maturity of their electric mobility markets. EVenergía, an expert in charge point management, evaluates the progress and challenges in both countries, highlighting the key elements of the French model and Spain's growth potential.

EVenergía has consolidated its reputation as a charging point operator through collaborations with large clients such as Acciona, Eroski, and Accor Hotels.

The company has extended its reach from Spain to the French market, managing points for the Stef Group, a leader in refrigerated transport.

The company’s strategy is based on a 360° model, but how does it specifically work?

Nacho Marzoa

It covers everything from installation to operation and maintenance of charging points. As Nacho Marzoa, Country Manager at EVenergía, explains to Mobility Portal Europe:

“It’s not just about installing a charger, but managing everything that happens afterwards.”

This comprehensive approach reflects the challenges and opportunities EVenergía faces when operating in markets with varying levels of maturity, such as those in France and Spain.

France: A mature market with advanced infrastructure

France has established itself as a key electric mobility market within the European eMobility map, particularly due to its robust charging infrastructure.

According to the Barometer of the National Association for the Development of Electric Mobility (AVERE France), as of September 30, 2024, France had 149,668 publicly available charging points, representing a 36% increase from the previous year.

The country has surpassed Spain in terms of charging points, with three to four times more chargers and electric vehicles, underscoring France’s leadership in the energy transition.

What’s behind this success?

One of the pillars is the implementation of an interoperable roaming platform, which makes it easy for users to charge at any point with just one application.

This platform, powered by GIREVE (Groupement pour l’Itinérance des Recharges Électriques de Véhicules), acts as an intermediary between charging point operators, mobility service providers, and electric vehicle manufacturers.

“France is a more mature and open market, partly due to subsidies and the interoperable roaming platform. This simplifies the process for users and fosters market growth,” says Marzoa.

The roaming system in France, based on public-private collaboration, has been crucial for the expansion of charging infrastructure in the country, providing simplified access for users and promoting widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Spain: A market of challenges and eMobility opportunities

Despite being behind in infrastructure, Spain presents significant potential. As of November 2024, the country has around 37,136 public charging points, representing a 35.4% increase from the previous year.

However, one of its biggest challenges remains interoperability. Unlike France, Spanish drivers need multiple applications to access different charging networks, limiting mass adoption.

That said, steps are being taken to improve this situation, such as the creation of the Geoportal de Hidrocarburos by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO), which allows users to check the location and characteristics of charging points across the country.

The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has also launched an official charging point map, making it easier to locate charging stations in Spain.

These initiatives reflect Spain’s institutional commitment to improving access to charging infrastructure, although much work remains in terms of interoperability.

Despite these challenges, Spain has enormous growth potential, especially when compared to more advanced markets like France.

Focus on new eMobility needs

EVenergía has identified a growing demand for mid-power chargers, specifically 30 kW.

These chargers, which offer an efficient solution for places with limited waiting times, such as shopping centres or restaurants, could be the key to improving the country’s charging infrastructure.

“The majority of users don’t need ultra-fast charging. Mid-power chargers offer an ideal balance, especially at service stations and places with reduced waiting times,” says Nacho Marzoa, Country Manager at EVenergía.

EVenergía’s Bold Commitment in Both Markets

The executive reaffirms in his conversation with Mobility Portal Europe:

“Electric mobility is not just the future; it is the present, and Spain has all the tools to close the gap with sector leaders.”

With this in mind, the company has expanded its portfolio by addressing the specific needs of various sectors:

  • Hotels and restaurants: Users value the reliability of chargers, which can also be incorporated into their ratings.
  • Supermarkets and shopping malls: These charging points are an incentive to attract and retain customers.
  • Fleet operators: In logistics, the reliability of charging points is crucial to ensure daily routes.

And while public tenders are not the core of their direct strategy, they collaborate with bidders who need a partner for the operation and maintenance of charging points.

“We select trusted installers and support them in offering a complete solution, from installation to operation and maintenance,” concludes Marzoa.

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