France beats UK on EV infrastructure in Electric Car Index

The OSV’s Electric Car Index has placed France at the top of its rankings for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, with the UK left behind in third place (joined with Switzerland).

France led the rest of the world in amount of electric vehicle charging points installed during the last year, with a total of 11,987. Germany (in fifth place on the index overall) was the only country to come close with a total of 7,937 installations.

The index ranks each country on its adoption and preparedness for electric vehicles based on a variety of data. These include:

• Total market share of new EV sales

• Number of governmental incentives to encourage EV adoption

• Number of charging points installed in the last year

Despite France only possessing 1.5% of the global share of new electric car sales, its remarkable investment in EV charging infrastructure put it in first position – ahead of Norway, in second place with three different governmental incentives in place and its massive 34.7% market share.

The UK, tied with Switzerland, achieved third place with two government incentives, a market share of 1.7% and 2,833 charging points installed in the last 12 months.

Debbie Kirkley, joint company director at OSV, said: “The UK has come in for some criticism in recent years, for the time that it has taken to create the infrastructure necessary to facilitate the switch to more environmentally-friendly vehicles, so it’s quite a pleasant surprise to find that we are now ranked joint third for electric vehicle preparedness and adoption. However, it should not lead to complacency.”

“The fact that France – Paris, in particular – has struggled so terribly with air pollution in recent years may account for the French Government’s serious investment in electric charging points.

“But, while it may seem disproportionate, given the country’s current market share, it could be a canny business move of the ‘if you build it, they will come’ variety.

"People will only start buying – or renting – electric vehicles in significant numbers if they can be confident in their ability to charge them wherever they go. For the moment, the French are really powering ahead in that area.”

“The 2040 petrol and diesel ban will come around faster than we imagine, so it’s great to see the future electric cars selection increasing to provide for the demand. From small electric cars to electric SUVs leading brands are providing for all.”