The electric vehicle market is experiencing growth globally, although sales have declined in regions like France due to high costs and other deterrents. However, charging infrastructure is improving, with over 154,000 stations in France and a notable increase in availability. Most charging points are located in commercial areas, and the cost of charging remains stable. Despite challenges, owning an electric vehicle remains a cost-effective alternative to traditional cars.
The Global Electric Car Market: Progress and Challenges
The electric vehicle (EV) market is on a steady upward trajectory across the globe, yet it encounters several challenges along the way. In particular, sales have witnessed a notable decline over the past year, especially in France and other parts of Europe. This downturn can be largely attributed to the high costs associated with electric cars, but there are additional factors that sometimes deter potential buyers.
Charging Made Easier
One of the main concerns for drivers is the autonomy of electric vehicles, as they seek to minimize their time spent at charging stations. The fear of not finding a charging point when needed has been prevalent, but this perception is gradually changing. Recent findings from Avere-France highlight the remarkable advancements in the charging infrastructure within the country.
As of December 31, there were an impressive **154,694 charging stations** available across France, marking a significant 31% increase compared to the previous year. For context, Avere reported **152,887 active charging points** as of November 30. This growth translates to approximately **230 stations for every 100,000 residents**, making the situation increasingly acceptable, albeit with uneven distribution.
The Île-de-France region boasts the highest number of stations, with **6,347 locations housing 26,538 charging points**. In stark contrast, Guyana has the fewest, with merely 31 stations and 48 charging points. Interestingly, the **Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region** leads in installed power, showcasing a total of **918,112 kW**, contributing to a national total of **6,993,362 kW**.
Currently, the most common charging points across France deliver between **7.4 and 22 kW** in alternating current, comprising 47% of the total stations. Direct current stations represent only 18%, with 5% exceeding 350 kW, such as those offered by Lidl, which remain the most affordable option at 360 kW.
Stable Charging Costs
When examining the geographical spread of charging stations, a significant portion is located in commercial areas (44%) and parking facilities (32%), including shopping centers and public venues. Conversely, only 17% of charging points are situated along roadways, which may seem limited. Another area of concern is the **availability rate**, which reflects how often stations are operational without issues.
The availability rate for alternating current sockets stands at **93.2%**, while direct current stations report **92.4%** for those under 150 kW and **94.8%** for higher capacity. These figures slightly decreased from last November’s rates. However, the **immediate access rate**—indicating the ability to connect without waiting—remains stable at **95%**, which is promising for EV drivers.
Contrary to popular belief, the **cost of charging has remained consistent**. In December, the price was **0.64 euros per kWh** for alternating current and **0.46 euros per kWh** for direct current. These rates were slightly higher in November, suggesting potential for future reductions due to anticipated drops in electricity prices. Thus, charging an electric vehicle continues to be a more economical choice compared to traditional combustion engines, reinforcing the attractiveness of EV ownership.