Diversification of Charge Point Operators (CPO’s) in France

In a landscape once dominated by Tesla and IONITY, the ultra-fast charging market in France has undergone a remarkable transformation, welcoming over 100 Charge Point Operators (CPOs). The evolution, highlighted in a recent article by Gireve, underscores the burgeoning demand for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and the dynamic shifts in the charging sector.

Published

February 2024

Industry

EV Charging

Two pie charts showing charge points repartition per operator. The left chart for 31/12/2020 highlights Ionity, Tesla, and others. The right chart for 31/12/2023 showcases developments in the market with Tesla, Powerdot, Electra, Ionity, Allego, Lidl, and others.

Source: Gireve

Since 2014, when Tesla stood as the sole provider of ultra-fast charging services, to the entrance of IONITY in 2018, the market has seen significant expansion. However, the real surge came in 2022 and 2023, with a proliferation of charging stations across the country. This surge wasn’t confined to highways; retail giants like Carrefour and Lidl strategically installed charging points in their parking lots, diversifying the charging infrastructure landscape.

Notably, the increase in charge points has been accompanied by a shift in power output levels. While Tesla’s upgrade to V2 Superchargers contributed to the reduction of level 1 ultra-fast charging in 2021, higher power outputs exceeding 150 kW (ultra-fast lvl 2) have become more prevalent, facilitating quicker charging times for EV drivers.

The influx of new players has brought both opportunities and challenges. While the competition has led to diversification and innovation, it has also raised questions about network reliability. Despite the exponential growth in charge points, the availability rate of ultra-fast chargers has remained relatively stable at 83%. This figure, though reasonable, falls short of the ideal 95% benchmark, indicating room for improvement in network reliability.

Looking ahead, the industry’s focus will likely shift towards enhancing quality and reliability. As the market matures and CPOs gain experience, efforts to optimize revenue and anticipate future growth will become paramount. Furthermore, with competition driving innovation and consumer preferences shaping network rankings, the evolution of the ultra-fast charging market promises to be a dynamic and exciting journey for EV enthusiasts across France.

The article by Gireve serves as a comprehensive overview of the rapid evolution of the ultra-fast charging market in France, highlighting key metrics, market dynamics, and the imperative for continued improvement in quality and reliability as the sector continues to grow.

Source: Gireve