# Charging Your EV in France: Everything You Need to Know By EV Charge Cables · Published 3 November 2026 **The short version** Charging in France works well on the motorway (IONITY and TotalEnergies are widespread) but requires planning for overnight stops. A portable EVSE with a Schuko plug charges from any French domestic socket. For campsites, you need a Type 2 to CEE 16A adapter. Bring the standard European driving kit — it is a legal requirement. - Motorway rapid charging (IONITY, TotalEnergies, Allego): same Type 2 cable as the UK - Overnight at a gite or Airbnb: portable EVSE with Schuko plug, charges at 1.8–3.5kW - Campsite hookup: Type 2 to CEE 16A adapter, charges at 3.6kW from a blue caravan socket 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](https://www.evchargecable.co.uk/collections/type-2-charging-cables) 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. **pick: Type 2 to Schuko Charging Cable Adapter** - Type 2 to Schuko Type F - 16A rated - Use at French domestic sockets - Compact and portable - Lower cost option Price: £25.79. [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DQXR665S/ref=nosim?tag=evchargecable-21) #### 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. **upgrade: EVDANCE Type 2 to Schuko Smart EVSE** - Adjustable 6–16A - IP65 weatherproof - Temperature monitoring - 6.1m cable - 3.68kW max Price: £94.20. [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D4Y775DJ/ref=nosim?tag=evchargecable-21) ### 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. **pick: AFYEEV Type 2 to CEE 16A Portable EV Charger** - Type 2 to CEE 16A (blue caravan plug) - 7.2kW capable (16A) - For campsite hookup charging - Compact portable design - Works across Europe Price: £107.98. [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CXHFY5KR/ref=nosim?tag=evchargecable-21) #### 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](https://www.evchargecable.co.uk/collections/v2l-discharge-cables) 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](https://www.evchargecable.co.uk/blogs/guides/how-to-use-v2l-vehicle-to-load). ### 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. **pick: EVAQ8 European Car Travel Kit** - Warning triangle - Hi-vis vest - 2 breathalysers - Beam deflectors - Meets French legal requirements Price: £33.95. [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DWN8V28M/ref=nosim?tag=evchargecable-21) **budget: GADLANE 2026 European Driving Kit 8 PCS** - 8 piece kit - 2026 specification - Warning triangle - Hi-vis - 2 breathalysers - Beam deflectors Price: £29.99. [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FFNG4VXM/ref=nosim?tag=evchargecable-21) ### 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 --- Canonical version: https://www.evchargecable.co.uk/blogs/guides/charging-your-ev-in-france EV Charge Cables, EV charging cables matched to your car: https://www.evchargecable.co.uk. Some links in this article are Amazon affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.