The French Minister of Energy Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, in a conversation with Le Figaro, defended the increase in rates for EV charging.
In this regard, the official pointed out that it represents an “effort” and emphasized that electric vehicle users enjoy various benefits, unlike domestic and business users.
“It is necessary to ensure that all consumers, including electric vehicle owners, contribute to the energy transition,” said Pannier-Runacher.
This increase comes in addition to the 10% rise in energy prices that began in early August.
This measure is justified by the need to “balance” the French electricity market and ensure that “all consumers pay the same for electricity, regardless of how they use it.”
According to consumption estimates, a full charge of a 60 kWh battery at the regulated basic rate by Électricité de France (EDF) costs 13.35 euros.
With the 10% increase, it could reach 14.68 euros.
It’s worth mentioning that prices will continue to rise towards 2024.
On the other hand, authorities from AVERE-France, the association representing the electric vehicle industry in France, criticized the increase in charging fees for zero-emission cars.
The association views this hike as a “counterproductive” measure that could discourage the adoption of EVs.
A statement from AVERE-France stated that this increase “will be a tough blow to the electric vehicle industry in the country.”
The organization believes that the rate hike will make EVs more expensive to operate, causing people to hesitate when considering purchasing them.
AVERE-France also criticized that the increase applies to all zero-emission vehicles, regardless of their size or power.
In this regard, the measure becomes “unfair” for owners of small electric vehicles, which are the most popular in the country.
Read more: In France, e-mobility would develop “slowly” after eco-bonus removal
What is the cheapest rates to charge the EV in France?
According to a study conducted by the energy services firm Switcher.io in 2023, the cheapest electric vehicle charging company in France is Chargemap.
Chargemap offers a flat rate of 0.20 euros per kWh for charging at all of its charging stations.
This means it’s the most affordable company for charging an EV in the country, even at fast charging stations.
Following them are TotalEnergies, which provides a flat rate of 0.22 euros per kWh for charging at their fast-charging stations, and Bouygues Telecom, which offers the same service for 0.23 euros per kWh.
The prices of other electric vehicle charging companies in France are as follows:
- Izivia: 0.25 euros per kWh
- NewMotion: 0.26 euros per kWh
- Renault: 0.27 euros per kWh
- FED: 0.28 euros per kWh
- Penacho: 0.30 euros per kWh
Rates can vary depending on the power of the station, the chosen rate type, and the region.
On the other hand, it’s worth mentioning that there are currently over 104,723 publicly accessible charging points in France.
During the last month, 3,042 of these were installed, marking a significant growth. While in the last three months of the year, growth remained close to 1% monthly, this month it reached 3%.
However, in the first quarter, the increase was around 5,000 units per month, which began to decrease in April.
AVERE-France considered this difference in the last month as a “brake” on the “slowdown” in growth.
“We will continue to monitor this trend, as we do every month,” said Clemente Molizon, General Delegate of the association.
“The signs remain positive for holiday departures. 99% of the privately managed highway network is equipped with fast charging,” he added.
In year-on-year terms, the growth in July corresponded to 56.3%.
Read more: Is France breaking the inertia of charging point growth?
