What’s Happening
Siemens has teamed up with ENGIE Vianeo to equip 64 rest stops along French freeways with 320 high-capacity electric vehicle (EV) chargers. ENGIE Vianeo has elected Siemens technologies for this comprehensive network, which encompasses 251 SICHARGE D 300 kW and 69 SICHARGE D 160 kW high power chargers, the latter of which can be upgraded to 300 kW.
Why It Matters
This project is a major stride towards promoting sustainable mobility in France. As electromobility is poised to play a crucial role in sustainable development, the availability of a robust charging infrastructure is paramount. In 2022, France registered nearly 200,000 electric vehicles, a surge of 26% compared to the previous year. As per the International Energy Agency’s Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS), the projected global share of electric car sales for 2030 has risen to 35%.
Key Points
Each charging hub can host up to 24 simultaneous charging points, enhancing the efficiency of the network. These stations offer quick charging capabilities, replenishing up to 80% of a vehicle’s charge in 20 minutes. The stations’ dynamic distribution system can split the charge between two vehicles simultaneously, optimizing energy usage. The chargers maintain an efficiency of over 95.5%, ensuring minimal energy loss during power transmission.
The stations are not just technologically advanced but also user-friendly, featuring a 24″ screen to streamline the user experience. This project expands upon Siemens’ commitment to offering powerful, interoperable, and scalable charging infrastructure solutions for electric vehicles, serving the broad spectrum of requirements from 11 kW to 300 kW.
Bottom Line
ENGIE Vianeo, in partnership with Siemens, is fortifying France’s charging network in anticipation of a future where electric vehicles are prevalent. The success of this transition largely hinges on the availability and reliability of charging stations, coupled with the efficient management of energy resources. Didier Liautaud, Managing Director of ENGIE Vianeo France, expresses his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Siemens, lauding their technical prowess and commitment to decarbonization. In turn, Olivier Delassus, Director of the eMobility business at Siemens Smart Infrastructure France, affirms the shared commitment to accessible, low-carbon mobility.
