The transition to more sustainable mobility is in full swing in France, with petrol stations playing a crucial role in this shift.
Several brands, such as TotalEnergies, BP Pulse, Esso, and Avia, are leading the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
What are the projects of these companies? Below, Mobility Portal Europe presents the details.
Avia
The Picoty Group has developed and manages its own network of electric charging stations under the AVIA VOLT brand, distributing fuels (petrol, diesel), biofuels, hydrogen, and gases for mobility (LPG, CNG).
These charging points, available at AVIA Picoty service station networks located in urban areas and on highways, offer charging power of up to 180 kilowatts for the most advanced electric cars.
The stations are equipped with standard Type 2 alternate current sockets, allowing connection and charging of all types of EVs, benefiting users with fast and efficient service.
The electric charging stations will be associated with the AVIA VOLT pass and were scheduled to launch by early 2024.
This roaming charging service will provide practical and continuous access, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to a network of over 200,000 charging stations in France and Europe.
Moreover, they will be interoperable with major charging card providers, ensuring greater convenience for electric vehicle drivers.
bp pulse
bp pulse, one of the leading public networks for rapid and ultra-rapid charging for electric automobiles, announced its entry into the French market in early 2023 through a partnership with Compagnie de Phalsbourg, a player in the real estate sector.
The two companies plan to open more than 25 new ultra-rapid charging centers for electric cars by 2025.
These facilities will be located in shopping centers, mainly on the outskirts of major cities and near major roads.
“France is a key market for us as we continue to expand our presence in Europe,” says Stefan von Dobschuetz, BP Pulse’s Managing Director for Europe.
“We look forward to playing a significant role in the country’s transition to low-carbon transport,” he added.
Each new charging center will feature state-of-the-art technology, including 300-kilowatt ultra-rapid chargers.
This project is part of Compagnie de Phalsbourg’s ecological development program “1,000/100,000.”
This plan includes the installation of over 1,000 hubs in its parking lots and the implementation of 100,000 square meters of photovoltaic panels to provide energy to these terminals.
“Our facilities will not only generate electricity but also become charging centers for zero-emission vehicles, thus participating in the transition to more sustainable, economic, and clean mobility,” states Philippe Journo, President of Compagnie de Phalsbourg.
Esso
Esso, the renowned subsidiary of multinational petrol company ExxonMobil, is expanding its infrastructure to include electric vehicle chargers at its service stations across the country.
This effort is part of ExxonMobil’s broader initiative to support more sustainable mobility and reduce carbon emissions.
By the end of 2022, Esso had already installed over 1,000 charging points nationwide, establishing itself as a significant player in the electric vehicle charging market.
These charging stations are strategically located to offer EV drivers greater convenience and accessibility, facilitating long-distance travel and contributing to the expansion of electric charging infrastructure in France.
TotalEnergies
Following opening the country’s fifth fully electric service station at Relais Garibaldi in Lyon last October, President and CEO Patrick Pouyanné announced that the company operates over 1,000 high-power chargers (HPC) for EVs nationwide.
“With the installation of 1,000 HPC chargers, the company has demonstrated its commitment to the transition to electric mobility for French households,” Pouyanné stated.
“By the end of 2023, with around 250 stations equipped, we will offer ultra-fast charging every 100 kilometers in cities and on highways, solidifying our position as a leader in this segment in France,” he added at the time.
The company’s goal for 2026 is to reach 500 stations, with 200 on major routes like highways and bypasses, and 300 in cities, peri-urban areas, and transit zones such as airports, train stations, and tourist areas.
A third of these 300 stations will be fully electric, like those inaugurated in Lyon, Paris-La Défense, Metz, Courbevoie, and Rouen.
In addition to its petrol stations, TotalEnergies manages around 18,000 charging points in France, distributed among municipalities, corporate fleets, peri-urban areas, car parks, and private residences.
