To support the phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicle sales in Europe, the French government published an ambitious roadmap on April 17, 2026, for equipping national roads and motorways.
The goal is clear: to deploy 30,000 high-power charging points on major highways by 2035.
Driving range remains the primary barrier to purchasing an electric vehicle for 40% of French people. To remove this obstacle, the road network electrification plan provides for an ultra-dense network. It is no longer just about installing a few charging stations at rest areas, but about building a true industrial infrastructure capable of handling the massive traffic flows during holiday departures.
By 2035, the goal is to guarantee a high-power charging station (over 150 kW) every 50 kilometers or so on major routes. This strategy aims to align the charging experience with that of refueling with gas: speed, availability, and reliability.
With 30,000 charging points, long-distance travel becomes a concrete reality. Drivers will be able to cross France without fear, benefiting from ultra-fast charging technologies that allow for an 80% charge in less than 20 minutes.
To optimize these trips today, it remains essential to manage your vehicle's range and plan your charging stops through adapted driving habits. Proper planning remains the key to a stress-free journey, even with a dense network.
For fleet managers, this plan sends a strong signal. The viability of electric vehicles for high-mileage employees is now confirmed by the government's commitment. Massive investment in public infrastructure perfectly complements on-site charging solutions. This makes greening fleets more consistent and significantly reduces the operational risks associated with nationwide travel.
While 2035 is the final target, the first deadlines are approaching quickly. Starting in the 2025-2027period, a major acceleration in deployment is expected to keep pace with the exponential growth of the electric vehicle fleet in France.
The government is banking on a public-private partnership to fund these costly installations, which sometimes require significant upgrades to the high-voltage power grid.
Anticipate grid developments to adapt your mobility policy. Your choice of future vehicles must take into account the charging curves supported by the models to take full advantage of the upcoming high-power charging stations.
This 30,000-charger plan marks a major turning point. By transforming our highways into "electric highways," France is equipping itself to succeed in its ecological transition. For Oriway users, this means more freedom, more peace of mind, and a drastically reduced carbon footprint on every trip, whether professional or personal.
