FRANCIE FINDS EVS IN FRANCE: CURBSIDE CHARGING AND GROWING ADOPTION

EV Channels Review

This episode of the Out of Spec Podcast features Francie reporting live from France, offering a unique perspective on the country's burgeoning EV adoption and charging infrastructure. The discussion highlights a significant presence of electric and hybrid vehicles, including taxis and personal cars, alongside electric motorcycles. A key observation is the widespread availability of curbside charging, facilitated by companies like BELIV, which offers a convenient solution for urban dwellers. The review touches upon various EV models seen, such as the VW ID. Buzz, Tesla Model 3, VW ID.3, Smart Cars, Fiat 500e, Citroen Ami, Renault Twizy, and Mercedes EQE/EQV. A notable point of comparison is Europe's advantage in Level 2 charging infrastructure, offering up to 22 kilowatts compared to the US's typical 6 kilowatts, attributed to their three-phase power grid. The episode also delves into France's strong government incentives for EVs and hybrids, which saw a 47% jump in sales from 2022 to 2023, and discusses new stringent criteria for eligibility based on manufacturing carbon emissions. The overall sentiment is positive, emphasizing the growing and visible adoption of EVs in France, contrasting with a potentially insular view of the market in the US.