Tips for electric car drivers on where to charge in France for least cost
From using an app to getting the best deal at home - here is how to do it
Charging points along the motorway may be more expensive, but more reliable
MikeDotta/Shutterstock
Planning your charging in advance is usually the best approach when it comes to finding the best deals, reports RMC-BFMTV.
The cost of charging points can vary considerably, depending on location and speed of charge. For example, just as with petrol, it tends to be more expensive at motorway service stations.
Read also: Electric cars: charging at French motorway services ‘too expensive’
Read more: How French motorway service stations are changing (for the better)
Tips to find the best-value charging points include:
Use an app
There are many apps available that can help you to find charging points and view their prices, including:
The companies Michelin and Enedis also have their own maps with charging points listed.
Most of the apps try to ensure that their information is up to date as possible, but there is always the risk of charging points not working when you arrive. Some apps have reviews and ratings from users that help to avoid this problem, as non-functioning points can be reported if people come across one.
Take out an abonnement (season ticket)
If you often need to recharge when ‘on the road’ away from home or work, and find yourself using the same company regularly, it may make sense for you to take out an abonnement with them, so you can benefit from lower costs overall when you use their charging points.
Shop around for the best deals
Depending on the locations available to you you may be able to make the most of good-value prices at supermarkets or hypermarkets. Some offer it for free, or for low prices.
For example, there are often charging points in car parks at:
Try your local charging points
Some local authorities offer public charging points at good value (sometimes even for free) to local residents, along with lower rates for visitors.
An increasing number of companies, such as Tesla, are working to ‘guarantee’ that their charging points are always usable, but some more affordable or local points may not be able to ensure this.
If you come across a non-functioning charging point, try to report it to the relevant authority or management company, or at least leave a review or rating in your app, so that other users are not caught out.
Read more: Can I install an electric charging point at our flat in France?
Get a better deal at home
Around 90% of electric vehicle charging takes place at the owner’s home or workplace, states the Association pour le développement de la mobilité électrique.
This means that getting the right deal at home could make a real difference to your finances and cost of running your vehicle.
Using a specific type of electric vehicle power outlet, or a ‘Wallbox’, is typically recommended in contrast to a traditional outlet point, as the latter are slower.
A reinforced power outlet will be able to recharge a 50kWh car battery in 15 hours, and will cost around €500 to install. However, charging times will be quicker if you use a Wallbox (borne de recharge), which can get a car battery to full in two hours if the vehicle permits charging at 22kW. If it does not, charging at 7.4kW will take about seven hours.
Wallboxes can often be set to charge at certain times, so that those who are on a tarification dynamique electricity tariff (with rates that vary throughout the day) can avoid peak charge times.
However, Wallboxes are more expensive to set up with the total price of the equipment and the installation typically coming in at around €1,000-€1,500.
Those whose home is within an apartment complex or who have a shared car park in France can request that shared charging points be installed in the parking area. This is done by writing to the managing office (and the owner, if they are a tenant).
Since 2017 the law has stated that new-build complexes must have charging stations installed in their car parks.
Grants and financial aid packages still exist in France to help people buy an electric car, although the amount available has been reducing every year.
Read more: Which grants exist in France in 2025 to help buy an electric car?
Read also: Explained: Electric vehicle grants, maintenance and charging in France (2024)
These packages also include extra finance to help owners install charging points at their own homes.
The full list of funds and grants in your region should be available from your local mairie.
Those fitting charging points at their house or flat can also benefit from tax credits to contribute to the cost of installation, whether they own, rent or live free of charge in their property.
More information on the types of charging points eligible for this tax credit are available on the relevant government service-public.fr page here.
