Volkswagen Group France is developing an ultra-fast charging network under a single label to cover Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Audi, SEAT, Cupra, and Škoda. Electrify France will comprise 150 charging stations by summer 2024. Volkswagen will concentrate its efforts in France in regions with few motorways and in peri-urban areas.

While set at dealerships and other Group locations, Volkswagen says all charge hubs will be accessible 24/7 and open to EVs of any make. Each station will be equipped with at least one charge point with a guaranteed power of 150kW in all circumstances, the largest ones having up to twelve ultra-fast charging points.

Volkswagen adds that 19 large projects equipped with 4 to 12 DC charging stations have already been grouped together. The company also installed seven stations at French dealerships as a test in 2020.

“The installation of Superchargers in our network is a strong sign that our distributors are committed to transforming their business model, with the desire to satisfy our customers by installing high-quality charging stations, open to all,” said Luc Chausson, Director of Strategic Projects, in charge of Electrify France.

The French network will complement the large high-power charging networks already established across the country but will offer better coverage, Volkswagen said.

Volkswagen Group France is also working in partnership with Allego to bring chargers to French municipalities. As for highway charging, Volkswagen is of  working with
Ionity, that covers motorways and major roads.

Volkswagen Group France is convinced that it is essential to be able to offer electric vehicle users HPC (fast charging) charging stations on a daily basis, far from major roads. 50% of French people do not have a dedicated parking space that will allow them to charge at home.