Charging Your EV in France: Everything You Need to Know

France is one of the easiest European countries to drive an EV through. The motorway rapid-charge network is good, the domestic socket standard (Schuko/French Type E) is compatible with a standard portable EVSE, and campsites almost universally have blue 16A caravan hookup sockets. Here is how to prepare properly.

Does my UK Type 2 cable work in France?

Yes. France uses the same Type 2 (Mennekes) AC charging standard as the UK. Your existing Type 2 cable works at any AC charge point in France and across the EU without modification. For rapid DC charging, CCS and CHAdeMO are also the same standards — no adapter needed.

What public charging networks should I use in France?

The three networks with the best motorway coverage are:

• IONITY — 350kW ultra-rapid at most French motorway services. Download the IONITY app before you leave.
• TotalEnergies — widespread at service stations, typically 50–150kW. Accept contactless bank cards directly.
• Allego — mainly at retail parks and urban sites, useful for overnight stays in cities.

Chargemap is the best app for France: it aggregates all networks and shows real-time availability. Download it and buy a Chargemap Pass card before you leave — it gives access to most networks without needing separate accounts.

How do I charge overnight at a French gite or Airbnb?

French domestic sockets are Type E (similar to German Schuko). A standard Type E socket delivers 230V at up to 16A — the same as a UK 13A socket in voltage terms. To charge from one, you need a portable EVSE with a Schuko plug on the mains end and a Type 2 connector on the car end.

At 16A, this gives 3.5kW — around 15–20 miles of range per hour. Plugged in overnight for 8 hours, you gain 120–160 miles. For most daily touring distances, this is enough. Check with your accommodation host first and avoid using an extension lead on the mains side.

Type 2 to Schuko adapter for French sockets

A passive Schuko adapter is the cheapest option if you already have a UK granny charger with a switchable cable end. However, for reliability and safety, a complete EVSE unit designed for Schuko use is the better buy. The AOHEWEI adapter rated 16A is a popular choice for occasional European travel.

Full portable EVSE with Schuko plug

The EVDANCE unit is a complete smart EVSE with Schuko plug. It is adjustable from 6A to 16A, has temperature monitoring, and is IP65 rated — useful for outdoor sockets in French farmyards and rural gites. More expensive but more reliable than a passive adapter.

How do I charge at a French campsite?

French campsites (and most European campsites) have blue CEE 16A caravan hookup sockets on each pitch. These are the same as UK campsites. A Type 2 to CEE 16A adapter lets you plug your EV into the hookup point and charge at 3.6kW overnight.

Note that many campsites limit the time you can draw from a hookup or charge an electricity supplement. Mention to reception that you have an EV — most are accommodating and some have already seen plenty of EV guests.

Use V2L to power the campsite instead

If your car supports V2L, you can flip the equation and use the car as the power source at the campsite — running lights, a fridge, a camping kettle, or charging phones and laptops. Our V2L discharge cable with CEE output delivers up to 3.6kW from the car's battery through a standard blue campsite socket, so you can power caravan-compatible devices directly. See the full V2L guide.

What legally required items must I carry in France?

France requires all drivers (including UK visitors) to carry:

• A warning triangle
• A hi-visibility vest (accessible from inside the vehicle, not in the boot)
• Two single-use breathalyser kits (legal requirement since 2012, though not penalised if absent)
• Headlight beam deflectors (to adjust UK right-hand headlights for driving on the right — not needed on EVs with manually adjustable or adaptive headlights)

European driving kits include all of these. Buy one before you go rather than at the Eurotunnel — they are cheaper and you can pack everything properly.

Range planning tips for France

• Plan stops at IONITY chargers on motorways — they are reliable and fast (100–350kW depending on your car)
• The A1, A6, A7, A8, and A10 all have good IONITY coverage for the most popular UK-to-south-France routes
• In rural areas, TotalEnergies fill in the gaps — most Leclerc supermarkets have charge points
• Download Chargemap and IONITY apps before leaving. Mobile data roaming charges apply — check your plan
• If your car has a Schuko-compatible EVSE, set up overnight charges at accommodation to arrive at each motorway run with a full battery