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Electric Vehicle Charging Surge in Summer 2024
September 5, 2024
The summer of 2024 marked a major turning point for electric mobility in France, with unprecedented use of charging stations on motorways, particularly on the TotalEnergies network.
French electric vehicle owners significantly increased their use of motorway charging stations this summer. Between August 1 and 18, the number of charging sessions doubled compared to the same period in 2023, while the electric vehicle fleet only grew by 16%. Notably, the number of kilowatt-hours sold surged by 110%. As stated by TotalEnergies, “Our users are charging more energy per session than in 2023.” This indicates that travelers are either optimizing their travel time, extending their ranges, or utilizing larger battery capacities.
TotalEnergies reported a remarkable 116% increase in users at its charging stations compared to the previous summer. The busiest days were Saturdays during the peak travel period: August 3, August 10, and July 27. This surge correlates with rising electric vehicle sales and the launch of high-power terminals now operational at all company stations on motorways and expressways. The network boasts over 1,000 charging points across 230 service stations nationwide, with terminals capable of delivering up to 300 kilowatts (kW), allowing users to recharge their batteries in under 30 minutes. This advancement is vital for long summer journeys.
Understanding the Costs of Ultra-Fast Charging
This growing demand raises important questions surrounding the costs of recharging on motorways. On average, recharging for 100 km at a TotalEnergies high-power terminal costs approximately €11. Rapid recharges of 40 kilowatt-hours (kWh)—excluding additional occupancy fees—are priced at €19.6, while ultra-rapid recharges are around €23.6. Specifically, TotalEnergies implements a rate of €0.49/kWh for terminals with up to 50 kW and €0.59/kWh for those exceeding 50 kW. Furthermore, a fee of €0.40/min is charged after 45 minutes of connection to encourage efficient turnover of vehicles at charging stations.
While these prices align with average rates observed on motorways, they remain significantly higher than home charging rates, which are typically €0.2516/kWh under the basic option, €0.27/kWh during peak hours, and €0.2068/kWh for off-peak hours at regulated electricity tariffs.
Need for Transparency in Charging Offers
Avere-France’s third half-yearly report on public charging prices, released at the end of July 2024, emphasizes the complexity of charging costs, stating that “a charging session can be billed by time (per minute), energy (kWh), or a combination of both.” The report notes a 6.77% increase in ultra-fast charging prices between January and June 2024, while fast charging prices decreased by 6.08%.
The average cost for a typical ultra-fast recharge is estimated to range between €17 and €26.4 for 40 kWh consumed (at €0.52/kWh). These prices vary based on subscription status and whether billing is focused solely on energy consumed or includes time spent (for example, charging for 25 minutes at €0.21/min).
The Competition Authority also addressed this issue last June, highlighting the diversity in pricing structures that complicates cost anticipation for users. They recommend imposing a charging rate per kWh on operators and enhancing the public database to ensure real-time updates of these rates at each charging point, thereby facilitating the development of price comparison platforms.
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harges drivers around €30. While this price may seem steep, it’s crucial to consider the convenience of fast charging during long trips, especially in peak travel seasons. Drivers can save time on their journeys, allowing for more flexibility in their travel plans.
The increasing use of high-power terminals has also led to discussions on pricing models and accessibility. TotalEnergies aims to make its network more user-friendly, with integrated payment options and real-time availability updates through its mobile app. This technological enhancement allows drivers to plan their charging stops more effectively, reducing wait times during busy travel periods.
Environmental Impact and Future Developments
With this surge in electric vehicle usage and charging, the environmental implications are significant. Increased electric vehicle adoption helps reduce carbon emissions associated with traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles. As more drivers switch to electric, the demand for renewable energy sources to power charging stations is also set to rise.
TotalEnergies has committed to investing in renewable energy to support its charging network. The company plans to install solar panels at select service stations, aiming to offer sustainably sourced power for electric vehicle users. This effort represents a pivotal change in how energy is consumed in the automotive sector, moving towards a greener future.
Looking ahead, the success observed in summer 2024 serves as a benchmark for the continued growth of electric mobility in France. With ongoing advancements in battery technology and a robust expansion of charging infrastructure, the future appears promising for electric vehicle users, leading towards a more sustainable driving era.
