© Lemon squeezer
In France and Europe, charging electric vehicles is facilitated by a dense and diverse network of charging stations. This infrastructure, crucial to supporting the growing adoption of electric vehicles, provides drivers with the convenience and security of accessible charging while on the move… in addition to the possibility of recharging from the sector.
Depending on your vehicle, it can be connected to normal or fast charging terminals – the latter mode being practically a must if you want to make long journeys, since it makes the charging time more acceptable when you regularly have to plug in your car. A point to take into account, since, traditionally, not all charging points available in Europe have this capacity.
Beyond that, the latest vehicles placed on the market in Europe are compatible either with type 2 sockets or with so-called Combo CCS sockets, or with Tesla sockets (supercharger network). Most charging stations offer all three connectors – depending on the socket on your vehicle, an adapter may be necessary. Charging stations can be found both on highways and in commercial areas, or even, increasingly, directly on the street, near your address.
In France, several networks stand out for their reliability, quality of service, and overall user experience. According to a ranking based on user reviews on the Chargemap platform, some of the most popular networks include Tesla Superchargers, Fastned, and Electra.
Tesla, the leading historical player in the market, remains the main network in France. Its terminals are now largely open to competing vehicles, in particular those equipped with a Plug 2 and Cobo CCS sockets. The brand has also opened up its Tesla plug standard, which other manufacturers like Ford are starting to use.
This standard is now called NACS and because of the leadership of Tesla in terms of sales and its charging network, everything indicates that NACS sockets are in a good dynamic to ultimately win the war for charging standards for electric cars.
Europe is not left out, with initiatives like Ionity which is deploying a fast charging network across the continent. Ionity, backed by automotive giants such as Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, Daimler and Hyundai, offers stations capable of delivering up to 350 kW DC, although this capacity is not yet available. is not yet used by all current vehicles.
All with at least Combo CCS sockets to maximize compatibility with current vehicles. The Allego network, meanwhile, focuses on the Netherlands and its neighbors but has ambitions to expand across Europe. With more than 4,000 terminals, Allego aims to install ultra-fast 350 kW DC terminals in several European countries.
Fastned, originally from the Netherlands, is also a major player with its ultra-fast charging stations. This network also has European ambitions and intends to extend its presence beyond its native borders. Here again on the rest of the continent, the Tesla Superchargers network remains one of the densest and available.
© Tesla
N& ;#8217;let's not beat around the bush: due to its particularly dense network and its gradual opening to competition, the Tesla applicationis essential. Regardless of your car brand, we recommend that you download the application to your smartphone in advance, create a Tesla account and register a valid payment method, to avoid You don't have to do it at the last minute if you find yourself near a Supercharger. Click here to learn everything about the Tesla app and iPhone and Android download links.
© 01Net
Another particularly useful application – it’is the most complete, used and reliable on the market– Chargemapallows you to easily find a nearby charging point, regardless of the network of terminals, type of socket or subscription card accepted. It also discusses details such as timetables, presence at exits or directly at a motorway rest area and more. Chargemap is available on both iPhone and Android smartphones.
These two applications are undoubtedly the most essential. Of course, competing applications like Plugshare also provide quality information. We also note that common applications like Waze also present precise information on the charging stations on your route.
9.1& nbsp;M opinion
Electric vehicle charging in France and Europe has become more accessible thanks to the rapid expansion of charging networks and the constant improvement of infrastructure. Networks like Tesla Superchargers, Ionity, Fastned, and Electra, along with dedicated apps, are helping to make electric vehicle charging convenient and reliable, encouraging the adoption of electric mobility across the continent.
So, little by little, the anxiety that still keeps many motorists from switching to electric is therefore fading. Note, however, that when purchasing, compatibility with fast charging and its characteristics, particularly in terms of 80% recharge time, are essential if you seriously plan to make long journeys.
The subject has evolved considerably in recent years to the point that many vehicle models equipped with fast charging can now reach 80% in just around thirty minutes. Which is the recommended duration of a break such that you should observe on long journeys every two hours.
Technologies under development (but on ready to be commercialized) as solid-state lithium metal batteries promise significantly lower rapid recharge times, in the order of 5 to 10 minutes. Which will then bring the refueling time of thermal cars and electric cars closer than ever.
Note that electric cars always need to have a little remaining charge to be able to operate normally. If no charging station is on the horizon, you can call the tow truck. Finally, note that to maximize the life of your battery, it is recommended to permanently maintain the charge of your electric car between 20% and 80%.
We hope to have answered most of the questions on the subject. Of course, if you spot an error or think that this file does not sufficiently cover an aspect of charging electric terminals, do not hesitate to tell us in the comments. We will try to update this content as quickly as possible during an update, thanks to your help!
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