Electric vehicle owners and non-owners view charging differently

In France, electric vehicle (EV) owners and those who are not yet owners have very different opinions about public charging stations. According to the EV Index 2026, a study by HERE Technologies and SBD Automotive, 47% of French EV owners think the availability of public charging stations near their homes is good or very good. In contrast, only 22% of non-owners share this view, showing a significant gap in perception.

Charging network growth and performance

Between 2025 and 2026, Europe added 162,000 new charging points, a 14% increase. The average power of these stations rose from 44 to 50 kilowatts (kW), still lower than the 83 kW in the United States. However, the development of charging infrastructure varies widely across countries, with Norway and the Netherlands leading in the EV Index, despite differing challenges in station power and density.

France's position in the EV transition

France is categorized as a country where infrastructure is ahead of demand, similar to the United States. However, only 15% of French drivers with internal combustion engines plan to switch to an EV, much lower than Germany's 27%. The survey also highlights that 46% of French respondents believe EVs are more expensive than traditional cars, the highest percentage among the eight countries surveyed.

French skepticism and growing adoption

Despite skepticism, EVs are becoming more popular in France. In October 2026, they accounted for 41% of new car registrations, up from 24% the previous year, partly due to the fuel crisis. However, concerns about cost, station availability, and the rejection of Chinese brands remain significant barriers. Only 52% of French respondents believe their country will install enough charging stations to support growing EV sales.

Post-purchase satisfaction and ongoing challenges

After owning an EV, many drivers find the charging experience better than expected, with 68% of surveyed owners reporting this. However, public charging remains a source of frustration, with 14% of owners citing difficulty finding stations or fear of running out of battery as their top concerns. One in five owners has encountered a non-functional station, and 54% have abandoned a trip due to charging worries.

Loyalty and hybrid interest vary by country

Loyalty to EVs varies significantly across countries, with 87% of UK owners and 78% of German owners planning to buy another EV. In contrast, only 48% of Italian owners are considering another one. Hybrid vehicles are gaining interest, with 28% of owners considering a hybrid or range-extended EV for their next car. This interest is strongest in Italy and Spain, where charging infrastructure is less developed.