Norauto deploys its fast charging stations

Like supermarkets, car centers want to attract electric vehicle drivers, with Norauto installing fast charging stations.

Charging only at home or on public stations is a thing of the past. Today, it’s about being able to connect your electric (or plug-in hybrid) car in very diverse locations. For example, auto centers are investing in infrastructure, like Norauto.

135 centers by the end of 2022

The brand aims to install its fast charging stations in 135 of its 400 centers by the end of 2022. These are installed with the help of the R3 (Rapid Recharge Network) partner of DBT. Norauto’s first charging station was inaugurated in December 2021 at the Faches-Thumesnil center near Lille. Other auto centers will, however, host different models of stations in collaboration with Izivia or SMEG.

These stations deliver power up to 180 kW for the fastest, although some are limited to 50 kW. Each station features up to 3 different outlets: Type 2 AC, CHAdeMO, and Combo DC. Analyzing the photos also shows that these stations are compatible with Freshmile (mobile app or pass).

The price of fast charging at Norauto

The key point is not necessarily speed, but cost. Where does Norauto stand in this regard? Officially, Norauto announces a rate of €0.39/kWh, with €1 connection fee. These prices will be uniform everywhere, and the stations are said to be “available 24/7”.

Per model, a charge from 10% to 80% will cost €8.48 on a Dacia Spring, €15.20 for a Renault ZOE, but €22 on a Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Here are some charging cost data for different electric cars:

	Battery (kWh)	Charge 10-80% (kWh)	Charge Price	Distance (km)	Time (min)
Dacia Spring	27.4	19.2	€8.48	161	60
Fiat 500e	42	29.4	€12.47	313	35
Renault ZOE	52	36.4	€15.20	276.5	35
Volkswagen ID.3	58	40.6	€16.83	297.5	40
Tesla Model 3	77	53.9	€22.02	429.8	25*
Porsche Taycan	93.4	65.4	€26.50	316.4	23*

*Estimation, as charging power is limited to 180 kW

Regarding electric cars in general, Norauto also offers packages for installing reinforced sockets like Green’up at 3.7 kW (from €399) or a smart home charging station Smappe of 7.4 kW starting at €1,699.

The auto center will also launch “a 100% dedicated maintenance package for electric vehicles.” This has not yet been priced but will include “electronic diagnostics, battery condition check, cables, and battery pack.”

Supermarkets offering charging

Norauto is the only player in the market to position itself on electric vehicle infrastructure. Will competitors Feu Vert, Midas, or Roady follow suit? In any case, supermarkets have not waited.

The Carrefour group (2,000 stations in 2023), Leclerc with 5,000 free stations this year (10,000 by 2025), and Lidl (750 stations) have deployed their charging networks. However, not all stations are fast chargers. Only Carrefour stations by Allego offer this type of connection with power up to 350 kW.

Also read: Tesla opens its first Superchargers in France (for some) non-Tesla cars