2024-08-24 09:15:16
It is, on the French road network, the largest TotalEnergies charging station: on the A10, the area of Briis-sous-Forges (Essonne) offers 23 sites, protected by a generous shade. At the end of this August, there were no traffic jams around the terminals. There is no need for the intervention of the “blue vests”, which Vinci Autoroutes deploy to guide users and guarantee the flow of water. “It’s very easy to cross France with an electric car,” says Martin, a Dutch motorist.
On our roads, all service areas are equipped with terminals. No less than 1,800 sites (86% of which have super fast charging) across 180 areas of the Vinci network alone. Martin is one of the pioneers: after driving a Tesla, this father drives a BMW car. Here is the juggernaut parked, sealed in, connected. Fifteen to twenty minutes, and you will have earned 70% of the price. Just time to grab a snack with the kids on the way home.
Long, frequent vacations
At the station, there is a worldly atmosphere between the “returnees” and those who are opening the last window of rest, like Christèle. This Vendée woman took a vacation in Briis-sous-Forges to “get back 100 or 150 km of freedom” to peacefully reach Roissy and the plane that will take him, with his two young ones, to Canada. Christèle’s case illustrates the change in behavior of many drivers when they switched to electricity. “I stayed longer than before, usually. I arrived at least. »
The increase in fleets (1.5% of vehicles, and according to some estimates, 25% in 2030, 45% in 2035) that road companies and their partners, companies energy and food industries, to speed up the transformation of the work areas. The idea is to provide a pleasant entertainment for drivers who are often forced to wait for half an hour for their car. A time off that lasts and offers additional profit opportunities.
New questions? Christèle is not “didn’t ask”. “I just wish I didn’t have to pay twice as much at the supermarket for a packet of crisps. And greater disclosure by charging charges from one station to another, such as for fuel. »
Job sites
Come to think of it, this trainer, who is always on the go, would also like to be able, in the areas where he charges his car, to be able to have a place where he can check his emails, prepare the your contribution, and plug in your computer. Exactly what we do in Briis-sous-Forges, with around fifteen workstations and a micro-meeting room. Every day, here, 30 km from Paris, some drivers start their day’s telework, before hitting the road as soon as the roads are cleared.
Work environments adapt to their environment. Those located near a city and which welcome regular visitors are equipped, for example, with lockers where they can accept purchases made online. Those who are far from the cities rely on property: the shop is full of local specialties, architecture painted local symbols and materials.
The identity of the communities is reinforced. With a downside, however: when the old cafeteria gives way to other food outlets, it is always for the benefit of city center brands – Paul, McDonald’s, Starbucks – and their standard offers.
Soon 60 to 70 charging points per area
The transformation of work environments is far from complete. Because as Nicolas Bardou, technical director in the low carbon mobility division of Vinci Autoroutes, points out, “In a few years, there will no longer be 10 charging points but 60 or 70 that we will have to rely, in general, on each of them”. The solution? “Turn simple parking spaces into charging points”.
Developments which also affect certain holiday areas. In addition to restrooms and picnic tables, there are now charging points. “The number of our holiday areas equipped with terminals will increase by the end of the year from 4 to 44, spread over the A7, A9, A10 and A11,” confirmation of Nicolas Bardou. The face of these rest areas will change, with the appearance of drinks and snack vending machines, and even fast food vans.
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