Everything you need to know about charging an electric vehicle

Where can I find a charging station?

1 million. In Europe, the number of charging stations passed this symbolic milestone in late 2025. Driven primarily by the rapid expansion in motorway installations, the number of charging points is rising steadily across Europe every year.

The three countries with the largest EV charging networks include France⁽¹⁾ with over 174,000 charging points, and Germany⁽²⁾ with over 198,000. The number one spot is held by the Netherlands, with more than 210,000 charging points.

EV charging stations are easy to locate using a dedicated app or GPS connected to your smartphone or in-car multimedia system.
And it’s easier still with Renault Group electric vehicles. The Google Maps route planner in openR Link lets you plan charging stops and times before you set out. With this onboard technology, available with Renault 5 E-Tech electric, car of the year 2025, you can take to the road with confidence.

EV charging points are now increasingly found in conventional petrol stations. Others can be found in charging stations managed by specialists known as “charge point operators” or CPOs. Leaders include US firm Tesla Superchargers, Dutch operators Fastned and Allego, and Germany’s Ionity.

In France, Renault Group is making its mark with its Plug Inn Fast Charge network, including a cosy and comfortable lounge area on some sites.

Plug Inn Fast Charge: a network of ultra-fast charging points by Renault Group

Fitted with standard CCS2 connectors, Plug Inn Fast Charge stations are open to all EV drivers, regardless of the make of vehicle.
Featuring high-power stations with a capacity of up to 320 kW, the network also offers a secure premium lounge area at selected sites, open 24/7 with WiFi, toilets, drinks, a workspace and a relaxation area.

Plug Inn Fast Charge stations are mainly located in Renault dealerships, close to major roads. To further expand and establish the network across France, Renault Group is aiming to open 93 stations by the end of 2026.

How do I charge my electric vehicle at the charging point?

After locating and, if necessary, unlocking the charging socket flap on your vehicle, just plug in the charging cable. On fast chargers, the cable is attached to the charging point.
Two types of standardised connectors are used across Europe:

You do not need to stay inside or close to the vehicle during the charging process. The charging cable locks automatically when plugged into the vehicle socket to prevent accidental disconnection before the end of the charging process.âble de recharge se verrouille automatique à la prise du véhicule jusqu’à l’arrêt de la charge afin d’éviter tout débranchement accidentel.

How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?

At home, the cost of charging depends solely on the price per kWh set out in your electricity contract and the average consumption of your vehicle.

On the road, the cost of charging at a charging point depends on:

Charging time per minute. For example, it takes just 30 minutes to charge the battery of a Megane E-Tech electric, Renault 4 E-Tech electric or Renault 5 E-Tech electric from 15% to 80% at a fast charging point.

Any fixed charges (registration or subscription, roaming, time-based penalties, etc.) applied by the operator;

The price per kilowatt-hour of electricity, which depends on the output of the charging point. At Plug Inn Fast Charge points, the rate is €0.39/kWh with a pass and a no-commitment subscription (Intense package), €0.46/kWh with a pass and no subscription, and €0.59/kWh when paying by credit card;

Paying for EV charging

Although you can use a credit card, payment is usually made with a “charge pass” or through the CPO app. These require you to sign up or to buy a subscription to gain access to a cheaper rate.

Examples include the Plug Inn charge pass, ChargeMap Pass, Fulli (formerly KiWhiPass), Ulys, Freshmile, Izivia, Plugsurfing and the Total Charge pass.

On Renault vehicles and at charging points compatible with the Plug & Charge function, charging is surprisingly easy. The smart charging point recognises the vehicle and initiates charging and payment automatically without further action by the user.

At Plug Inn Fast Charge points, a QR code generated by the charging point or the My Renault app lets drivers monitor the charging process remotely and in real time from their smartphones.

While Renault, Dacia and Alpine EVs all deliver a substantial range, drivers should not forget an important safety recommendation: take a break every two hours on the road!  The perfect opportunity to relax while your car is charging.  Drive safely!

(1) Source: French Ministry of Ecology, July 2025
(2) Source: Bundesnetzagentur, November 2025