France's public energy associations - SDEs - trigger the electric vehicle charging evolution
France's transition towards a fully electrified mobility future is gaining momentum, with a well-balanced public-private evolution shaping the country's EV charging landscape.
As electric vehicle (EV) usage matures, the need for fast and ultra-fast direct current (DC) chargers becomes increasingly essential. In France, this transition is being spearheaded by both public and private entities.
State-run organisations, known as SDEs, primarily operate fast alternating current (AC) chargers, focusing on public spaces such as car parks and on-street locations. On the other hand, private sector networks are investing more in DC charging technologies, establishing fast and ultra-fast DC stations at retail outlets, highways, enterprises, and car parks.
The strategic importance of SDEs in the French EV charging landscape is undeniable. They played a significant role in the initial growth of the EV market in France and continue to hold a crucial position today. However, the number of public charge points operated by SDEs and other public entities has grown at a slower pace, resulting in a reduced overall market share.
Private operators, on the other hand, are rapidly expanding their network. By 2025, they are projected to dominate the French market, accounting for more than 70% of the total charge points. This growth was significantly accelerated in 2021, with private operators beginning to deploy charge points at an unprecedented rate.
However, it's important to note that regional variations in the deployment of charge points may exist, but specific details are not provided.
Fragmented regional approaches can hinder national adoption, and prioritizing interoperability is crucial. Interoperability and roaming agreements between networks are a critical area for future improvement in the EV charging landscape.
SDEs can focus on underserved areas, ensuring equitable access, and innovating in areas like vehicle-to-grid technology, local energy management, and green energy integration. By doing so, they can contribute to a resilient, inclusive, and scalable EV infrastructure.
Markets like Spain, Italy, and parts of Eastern Europe could benefit from a similar staged approach, combining early public support with gradual private sector scaling. The success of the French model demonstrates that a well-balanced public-private evolution can pave the way for a sustainable, resilient, and scalable e-mobility infrastructure.
Independent actors may also be present in the French market, but their role and influence are not detailed in the provided information. Meanwhile, there is no specific information available about the involvement of energy syndicates (Syndikate d'énergie) in Germany or a comparable public-private development model like that of the French market for sustainable, resilient, and scalable e-mobility infrastructure.
In conclusion, the French EV charging story serves as a blueprint for other countries looking to transition towards a fully electrified mobility future. By striking a balance between public and private sector involvement, countries can create a resilient, inclusive, and scalable EV infrastructure that caters to the needs of all road users.
