Will we be able to charge our electric car this winter in France? The question is more relevant than ever, while Europe is experiencing a serious energy crisis. A threat that the state authorities consider more and more probable. Even if the latter claim that it is only a question disaster scenarios. But the head of the French power network RTE says to himself very worried for the coming winter months.

Electric cars, impossible to recharge?

In their winter predictions, RTE explains this episodes of severe cold in France may lead to power outages at certain infrastructure facilities, in particular at charging stations. RTE actually explains that in the case of peak electricity consumption due to the cold, EcoWatt device will be implemented. It is provided by RTE that “the use of electric vehicle terminals in car parks and buildings in the tertiary sector may be restricted to emergency use between 8:00 and 13:00 and between 6:00 and 20:00.

accurate TEN “that on Ecowatt rouge days, owners of electric vehicles whose charging is not automatically monitored during off-peak hours are encouraged to charge their vehicles after 8:00 p.m.”. If these restrictions are not there used only as a last resortthis suggests that there is a threat to the EV charging network.

The government wants to spare people as much as possible

The government, for its part, wants to limit reductions for individuals as much as possible. In the presentation of the energy plan for this winter, Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne noted that companies, administrations and local authorities were primarily focused on efforts to reduce electricity consumption. Even in spite of the government prepares minds for possible reductions, individuals will be affected as a last resort. Elizabeth Bourne explained that there was no way the French would find out how they were going to charge their car.

In addition, commercial offers providers can offer individuals to encourage the French to charge at night.

Public charging stations are most at risk

Therefore, this winter, the reductions will not affect charging at home. This is not necessarily so public charging stations, which can be found in the city or on the highways. Some municipalities have warned that they may turn off power in certain areas to limit consumption. And thus lower the bill. with cuts that will affect charging stations. Therefore, it will no longer be possible to charge a car at a public terminal.

This especially applies to parking lots of hypermarkets. Large retailers are obliged to limit electricity consumption. If these cuts are temporary, whatever happens, they illustrate the difficulty of the French electricity grid in providing the energy needed for a fleet of electric vehicles.