Summer holidays are approaching, and for more and more motorists, they’ll be at the wheel of an electric vehicle. While the driving comfort and silence of an electric car may be appealing, one question remains: how do you manage recharging on the road when you’re on holiday? On French motorways, particularly those in the VINCI network, the infrastructure is ready. You just need to know how to deal with it. Here’s a practical article to help you travel with a clear head, with insights from Olivier Granier, Director of Commercial Installations at VINCI Autoroutes.
A charging point every 80 km: a promise kept
The good news is that recharging on the motorway is no longer a headache. On major routes such as the A7, A10, A61 and A75, among others, all service areas are now equipped with fast-charging stations. VINCI Autoroutes, which manages more than 4,400 km of the network, has already equipped 100% of its service areas, i.e. more than 300 recharging stations and 90% coverage of ultra-fast charging points.
» We have embarked on a vast programme of equipment from 2020, in partnership with the major operators in the sector, to respond to the increase in the number of electric vehicles, particularly during the summer period « , explains Olivier Granier. The objective that the French group had set itself has been achieved: to offer a station every 80 kilometres or less on the network, to guarantee peace of mind on long-distance journeys.
A wide range of partners and a user experience at the heart of the system
The chargepoints installed generally recharge 80% of the battery in less than 30 minutes. Some stations offer up to 16 simultaneous charge points, and the diversity of operators present – Ionity, TotalEnergies, Fastned, Driveco, Tesla, etc. – ensures good interoperability, whatever the vehicle model.
But technical performance is not the only concern of those involved in recharging: the user experience is even more important. To facilitate this transition and help EV drivers with the recharging process, VINCI Autoroutes has launched Operation Gilets Bleus, a summer initiative that mobilises its staff on the ground to help, inform and ensure the safety of drivers at service areas during major holiday periods.
Simplified payment and digital tools to the rescue
This convenience extends to payment, because today you don’t need to be an expert to recharge on the motorway. Most chargepoints accept payment by credit card or QR code. You can also use the operators’ mobile applications or multi-network badges such as Chargemap or Shell Recharge. In terms of digital services, the Ulys application developed by VINCI Autoroutes helps users on their journeys on French motorways. » Our application allows drivers to locate charging points, check their availability in real time, and plan their itinerary to include recharging breaks , » explains Olivier Granier.
Anticipate to avoid peaks in visitor numbers
During the summer, some service areas can be very busy, especially on Saturdays known as « black Saturdays ». VINCI Autoroutes is aware of this, and steps up its technical surveillance and maintenance operations at this time of year. » We have put in place centralised supervision and teams mobilised 24 hours a day, particularly for major departures , » says Olivier Granier.
His advice to motorists: don’t wait until the last minute to recharge. So plan your stops in advance, recharge as soon as your range falls below 30%, and regularly check the status of charging points on specialist applications. It’s better to plan a stop at an area a little earlier in the journey than to risk waiting in the middle of the heat.
The motorway is ready, now it’s up to you to get organised
The coverage of the network, the diversity of operators, the digital tools and the comfort offered at the rest areas make the electric car a credible option for holidays. The key is to plan ahead. Recharging should be incorporated into your journey as a useful and enjoyable break, rather than a constraint. This summer, go away connected, go away serene.
