Biannual Report on Charging Prices in France
Avere-France recently unveiled its biannual report on the charging rates of electric vehicles in France. Overall, costs have increased, with the exception of stations ranging from 50 to 150 kW, which have seen a slight decrease. Despite this upward trend, driving an electric car remains significantly cheaper than a gasoline car.
Increase in Charging Costs
Despite a notable increase in electricity costs over the years, charging an electric car remains advantageous, whether at home or at public stations. Avere-France’s report indicates that the cost of public charging has generally increased from January to June. Charging on alternating current outlets of less than 22 kW saw a 27.8% increase, from 0.288 euro/kWh in January to 0.368 euro in June. This increase is mainly due to the expansion of Avere-France’s database.
Ultra-fast stations over 150 kW also saw their rates increase, but more moderately, with a 6.77% increase, reaching 0.473 euro/kWh in June compared to 0.443 euro in January. Rates vary from one operator to another, some being more expensive than others, such as Ionity compared to Lidl.
Decrease for Fast Chargers from 22 to 150 kW
Despite these increases, there is a decrease for fast chargers from 22 to 150 kW. Their rate decreased by 6.08%, from 0.477 euro/kWh in January to 0.448 euro in June. In summary, excluding increases for direct current stations, charging prices remain relatively stable in France.
Subscription Benefits
The report shows that subscribing can be particularly advantageous. Without a subscription, an average driver spent 26.54 euros in June for public charging (26.40 euros on average in the first six months of 2024), while a high-mileage driver spent 80.20 euros (84.33 euros on average). With a subscription, these costs are reduced to 16.38 euros and 77.96 euros, respectively, representing decreases of 37.95% and 7.55%.
Subscription offers are becoming more favorable and simplified, making this option interesting even for those who don’t drive a lot.
Comparison with Gasoline Vehicles
Regardless of the situation, charging an electric car remains much cheaper than refueling. For a typical driver (with 80% home charging) and compared to a gasoline or diesel car, the savings are significant. In June 2024, an electric car driver spent an average of 34.89 euros on electricity per month, compared to 104.24 euros for diesel and 110.94 euros for gasoline, representing decreases of 66.53% and 68.55% respectively.
High-mileage drivers also enjoy similar savings of around 65%. These savings could increase with potential future decreases in electricity costs.
