Heatwave: Why Fast Charging Stations Are Closing on Highways
- Published on 26/06/2026 14:40
At the peak of the heatwave hitting France, several fast charging stations on the highway are temporarily unavailable. Explanations.
Motorists traveling on the highway this Friday, June 26, may have encountered an unpleasant surprise: several fast charging stations appear to be partially or completely unavailable. This phenomenon occurs as France experiences an exceptionally hot spell and the first major holiday departures begin.
Like all high-power electrical equipment, fast charging stations, capable of delivering between 150 and 400 kW, are sensitive to extreme temperatures. They generate a significant amount of heat and rely on liquid or ventilation cooling systems to maintain their performance.
When temperatures exceed 40°C, these systems can reach their limits, which are around 50°C. Manufacturers have therefore implemented protective mechanisms: the stations automatically reduce their charging power or temporarily disable certain charging points to prevent overheating of components. A temporary interruption is always preferable to a lasting breakdown.
A sadly natural phenomenon
The heat not only disrupts the charging stations themselves but also puts stress on the electrical network. High temperatures can affect transformers, cables, and some distribution equipment. Even if the national power supply remains secure, localized incidents can lead to the unavailability of certain charging stations at rest areas along the highway.
This situation illustrates a new challenge for electric mobility. After focusing for a long time on charging power, operators must now adapt their infrastructure to increasingly extreme weather events. The cooling of charging stations, their thermal management, and the reliability of their power supply are becoming as strategic as their charging speed.
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For electric vehicle drivers, a new reflex is now required during the peak summer holiday times: check the status of charging stations in real time and plan an alternative charging solution before hitting the road. Unfortunately, heatwaves may indeed become a new factor to consider when preparing for long journeys.
READ ALSO: Heatwave: what impact on the range of an electric car?
This page is translated from the original post "Canicule : pourquoi les bornes de recharge rapide ferment sur autoroute" in French.
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