European motorway operator VINCI Autoroutes has joined forces with Renault to set up electric vehicle charging on their motorways.
The partnership will result in the installation of charging stations in car parks where at least five spaces will be set aside for electric vehicles. VINCI Autoroutes’ has said its companies will build 738 carpool parking spaces between now and 2013.
In addition, quick-charging infrastructures will be installed in some motorway service plazas, mainly across France. This program will focus on the sections of the VINCI network most commonly used for short-distance journeys, particularly commuting. Three such sections are Paris to Orléans to Tours, Paris to Chartres to Le Mans and Arles to Montpellier.
VINCI also plans to add electric vehicles to its operating fleet with the aim to carry out the first tangible operations by the end of this year.
André Broto, executive vice president of VINCI Autoroutes, said: “The partnership with Renault shows that we are determined to be an assertive player in the sphere of sustainable mobility by offering customers motorways that are safer, more user-friendly and more environment-protective and encouraging them to drive differently.”
Bernard Cambier, senior vice president, market area France, added: “I am delighted with the partnership with VINCI Autoroutes for at least two reasons. First, we are demonstrating that the electric vehicle is also suitable for inter-city motorway journeys, provided the charging infrastructure is in place. Second, VINCI Autoroutes has chosen Renault for its electric vehicle fleet. This further proves the relevance of our strategy of offering a full range of four electric vehicles aimed both at business customers and at individuals.”
