More than 1.75million UK motorists are expected to drive to France between July and September via Dover, Le Shuttle and other routes. Based on current EV ownership (4.5% of UK cars), 78,750 of these travellers are estimated to make the journey in their own electric vehicles.
In addition, an estimated 368,000 UK holidaymakers will rent cars in France this summer, with 16.9% expected to choose an electric vehicle – amounting to 62,192 EV rentals.
This means that in total, a record 140,942 Brits are expected to drive electric vehicles in France during the summer months.
But experts say navigating French roads in an electric vehicle isn’t always straightforward, with emissions regulations, rental rules, and charging access to consider. George Penny, EV Expert and Director at The Solar Co, warns that unprepared UK EV drivers in France this summer risk fines of up to £981, along with rental and breakdown surcharges. He highlights six common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Six mistakes UK EV drivers should avoid in France or risk paying £981
1. Forgetting your emissions sticker could cost Brits up to £155
“Over a dozen French cities now have clean air zones in place meaning all vehicles, including electric ones, must display a Crit’Air emissions sticker when driving through these zones. It can be easy to assume that as an EV will produce zero emissions, a sticker isn’t required, however travelling without one could land drivers an on-the-spot fine of up to €180 (£155).
Crit’Air stickers cost just €4.61 (£4) and are valid for the lifetime of the vehicle. They apply in the majority of France’s urban tourist hotspots, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux. It’s the driver’s responsibility to order the sticker online ahead of travel, though some travel firms or membership services may offer to do so on your behalf.”
2. Returning a rental EV with less than 80% charge could result in a £35 surcharge
“Many French EV rental companies require vehicles to be returned with at least 80% battery charge. Falling short of this could mean a €35 (£30) fee – something that often catches out British car renters unfamiliar with the policy.
“Always check your hire agreement and budget time for charging before your return, and be sure to plan how and where you will charge up the car battery before returning it to the rental office to avoid hidden charges.”
3. Save up to 35% by charging up at Le Shuttle
“Charging up before you cross the channel can significantly cut costs if you’re planning to travel via Le Shuttle – the EuroTunnel route that connects Folkestone and Calais. The ultra-rapid 210kW and 50kW chargers at Le Shuttle terminals in Folkestone and Calais offer quick charging of between 20 and 50 minutes, depending on your vehicle, as well as great value.
“At £0.50/€0.50 per kWh, these chargers are up to 35% cheaper than the UK average of £0.80 per kWh for pay-as-you-go charging. A full charge here could save drivers up to £15 compared to UK forecourt rates. On the return journey, prices drop further still at the Calais terminal – just £0.43 per kWh.”
4. Watch driving speeds on French motorways to avoid call-out fees of up to £676
“Driving at faster speeds can have an impact on your EV’s estimated mileage. With motorway speed limits often 10mph higher than in the UK, driving at typically 80mph in France can lead to a drop in mileage of 15%. Driving at these higher speeds uses more energy, meaning you’ll need to charge more frequently. For those accustomed to how their EV operates in the UK, it can be a shock to find out your battery is draining faster and could mean you don’t make it to your location.
“Drivers who run out of charge mid-route may be forced to call for roadside assistance or emergency towing, with average roadside call outs in France estimated to be €792 if not covered by insurance.”
5. Blue Badge-holding EV drivers could be fined £115
“Despite 30 European countries now allowing UK blue badge holders the right to access disabled spaces with their usual permit, EV drivers that use their blue badge for disabled parking in France can face fines of up to €135 (£115) this summer. French legislation only accepts the EU Disability Card or the French Carte Mobilité Inclusion (CMI) as a valid disabled parking badge, and is yet to follow European counterparts in enabling the widespread use of British blue badges in parking spaces across the nation.”
6. Get a 5% discount off French road tolls by registering beforehand
“EV drivers subscribed to France’s automatic toll collection system, Télépéage, are entitled to a 5% discount on motorway tolls. You’ll need to sign up for an electronic badge and register your EV with the toll provider in advance – but it’s a quick process and the discount is applied automatically at the toll if your vehicle is registered as electric.
“With the typical French toll fees amounting to €1 per 10km, a return trip to the South of France by car could set you back up to €205 in toll fees, meaning spending a few minutes registering your EV beforehand could save you €10.25”
