Why are motorway charging points a game-changer for business fleets?
Fewer "no-load zones" and longer operating distances
Until recently, one of the main obstacles to the electrification of fleets was the lack of infrastructure on major roads. Drivers of LCVs or company cars had to plan their journeys around available charging points, which limited geographical coverage.
With the motorway network now much denser, it is possible to extend routes and reach areas that were previously difficult to access by electric vehicle, without fear of running out of fuel.autonomy.
Better long-distance route planning for LCVs and light trucks
The increasing density of fast-charging stations means that it is now possible to plan journeys that include several optimised charging stops: shorter stopping times, more powerful stations (often 150 to 300 kW), and greater availability. The LCV fleets and light trucks, which have to make deliveries or carry out operations across several regions, are becoming more reliable and more efficient.
A commercial and image impact for the company
By adopting electric vehicles capable of carrying out inter-regional missions, companies are showing that they are investing in sustainable, high-performance mobility. This improves their brand image with customers and partners, while meeting growing expectations in terms of CSR and environmental protection. decarbonising transport.
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What are the current regulations and what do they mean for the network of motorway bollards in Europe?
The growth of the fast terminals is no longer simply a response to demand: it is now supported by clear political objectives in France and Europe. These new rules guarantee improved coverage of major roads with recharging points, a key area of development for fleet managers who have to organise long-distance routes.
France's ambitions for 2030
In France, the Energy Transition for Green Growth Act calls for the installation of 7 million public and private charging points by 2030.
The government is also aiming to 400,000 public charging points50,000 of which are high-powered (≥150 kW), mainly on major roads and high-traffic areas.
For the professional fleetsThe aim of this national strategy is to remove one of the main obstacles: the scarcity of fast charging stations accessible for inter-regional journeys.
A now binding European framework: the AFIR regulation
Since 13 April 2024, Regulation (EU) 2023/1804, known as AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation), requires Member States to accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure throughout the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and at motorway service areas.
Adopted on 25 July 2023 and published in the EU's Official Journal in September 2023, the text sets binding targets:
- At least one fast-charging station (≥150 kW) every 60 km on the main roads by the end of 2025 for light vehicles;
- extension to heavy vehicles with suitable recharging points (>350 kW) by 2030, including in secure parking areas and urban hubs;
- target for available capacity: 1.3 kW per electric car and 0.8 kW per plug-in hybrid on the road.
The regulation also introduces requirements for interoperability and transparency: prices must be clearly displayed on the charging points (rate per kWh and any per-minute charges), and payment without a subscription becomes compulsory on all charging points over 50 kW (contactless electronic payment terminal or bank card). These rules will be extended to all existing charging points on the TEN-T network by 2027.
For fleet managers, this standardisation means more predictable journeys, optimised downtime and better cost control, whatever the country crossed.
| Deadline | France | European Union (AFIR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | - | ≥ 1 fast station (≥150 kW) every 60 km on the TEN-T network for light vehicles |
| 2027 | - | Obligation for universal payment (Eftpos terminal / card) on all existing TEN-T terminals ≥ 50 kW |
| 2030 | 7 million recharging points (public + private), including 400,000 public and 50,000 high-power points | Networking for heavy goods vehicles: stations >350 kW every 60 km + deployment in secure areas and urban hubs |
Why electrify your fleets now?
The mass deployment of motorway charging points removes one of the main obstacles to electrification: the fear of a lack of range. Fleet managers can now envisage inter-regional electric tours, with planned stops on the fast public network.
Today, electrification offers a number of levers:
- Operational safety: load stops become predictable and are more easily integrated into the routes of LCVs and light trucks, reducing detours and wasted time.
- Lower cost per kilometre: despite occasional rises in electricity prices, the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of an electric vehicle is now competitive, particularly for heavy drivers.
- Subsidies and tax incentives: regional purchase subsidies (subject to conditions), exemption from VAT and tax depreciation are still available, but are likely to diminish as the market matures.
- Regulatory pressure and key account customers: with the arrival of CSRD non-financial reporting, reducing fleet emissions is becoming a commercial argument and a legal imperative.
- Employer image and HR attractiveness: offering clean, modern vehicles encourages retention and recruitment, particularly in urban logistics.
Why install on-site charging stations?
While the network of charging points on motorways is an undeniable catalyst for electric mobility, it remains a back-up solution that does not replace private infrastructure.
Rapid public recharging has a number of limitations for fleet managers:
- High cost: the price per kWh is generally 30 to 50 % more expensive than on a private siteespecially at peak times.
- Variable pricing and budget uncertainties: each operator applies its own price scale, which makes it difficult to control expenditure.
- Complexity of invoicing: multiple subscriptions and fragmented invoices add to the administrative burden.
- Dependence on terminal availability: queues at peak times, terminals occupied or broken down, leading to operational delays.
Installing charging stations on the company's site allows it to regain control over costs and secure day-to-day operations. Electricity is billed at the professional rate, which is often much more competitive than the public network rate, and can be optimised through green energy contracts, consumption management systems or the integration of photovoltaic panels to further reduce the cost per kWh.
La night recharging or off-peak periods means that vehicles can be refuelled when rates are at their lowest, without being immobilised during operational hours, guaranteeing maximum fleet availability. Coupled with this, smart charging and centralised supervision offer intelligent management of each charge point: planning according to the real needs of each vehicle, allocating costs per unit, monitoring consumption and integrating directly into the company's management tools. reporting CO₂It also anticipates peaks in demand to avoid overloading the internal electricity network.
Finally, the on-site infrastructure is fully scalable: it is possible to increase the power of each chargepoint, add new chargepoints or modify the energy distribution plan as the fleet grows or missions intensify, offering total and lasting flexibility to support the company's electrical transition.
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A recharging mix tailored to each fleet profile
Depending on the type of company and its travel profile, the on-site recharging strategy can take different forms:
For a small company with few daily trips, such as a local craftsman or SME whose vehicles return to the depot every evening, the best solution is to install 100 % proprietary charging stations, generally in alternating current (AC). Slow charging at night is enough to cover all needs, totally eliminating dependence on public charging points and simplifying fleet management.
For a company with recurring journeys over several regional areas, such as a maintenance company or mobile technicians, it makes sense to combine on-site AC charging points and a few DC charging points (50 to 100 kW) with fleet planning and optimisation tools. Public rapid charging stations then complete the solution for one-off missions, enabling continuity of operations to be maintained without relying exclusively on the public network.
For transport or logistics companies with high turnover, long-distance daily journeys and sometimes cross-border journeys, the strategy is based on a mix of high-power AC and DC on-site charging points for the majority of needs, coupled with strategic use of public motorway and European charging points. This combination guarantees fast turnaround times, reduces downtime, secures vehicle autonomy and keeps costs under control, while benefiting from the European network developed in the AFIR framework.
In all cases, the winning formula remains the same: the majority of charging takes place at the depot, using optimised proprietary charging points, while the public high-speed network is used as a back-up solution for long distances or unforeseen circumstances. This approach ensures cost control, safe journeys and operational efficiency, whatever the type of company and the profile of its fleet.
| Use of vehicles | Optimum configuration | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Short, regular journeys, returning to the depot every evening | 100 % AC proprietary terminals (7-22 kW) - slow recharge at night - cost optimisation via off-peak hours | - Lowest energy cost - No dependence on the public network - Infrastructure that's easy to scale |
| Regular inter-regional travel, 150-300 km/day, often back to the depot but occasional occasional travel | Proprietary charging points (AC + some DC 50-100 kW) + fleet planning and smart charging tools Occasional use of fast motorway charging points to top up the electricity supply | - Almost total coverage by internal recharging - Optimising turnaround times and costs - Flexibility for exceptional missions thanks to the public network |
| High turnover, long-distance commuting (>300 km), sometimes across borders | Mix of on-site charging (AC + DC 150 kW and more) for most needs + strategic use of public motorway and international charging points | - Time-saving rotation thanks to fast on-site terminals - Cost control on most refills - Guaranteed autonomy over long distances thanks to the European network (AFIR) |
The massive roll-out of motorway charging points is changing the situation for business fleets: safety, autonomy and visibility on long-distance journeys are now enhanced. But public recharging remains a back-up option, often more expensive and harder to control. To really benefit from electrification, it's essential to deploy on-site charging points tailored to your needs, with intelligent planning and supervision tools.
So what strategy should you adopt for your car fleet? Should you opt for depots with smart charging, or opt for a mix of motorway and public transport? And how can you integrate this transition into your mobility plan and your CSR objectives? Anticipating these choices today means securing your operations, optimising your costs and preparing your teams for your company's electric future. Beev can help you see things more clearly with its fleet audit service!
