Charging stations: SPIE rolls out e-Vadea across France and inaugurates its first stations in Châteauroux

Châteauroux, 26 May 2025 – SPIE CityNetworks, a French subsidiary of the SPIE group, independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, announces the signing of new partnerships for the deployment of e-Vadea fast and ultra-fast charging stations in 14 municipalities throughout 2025. These projects, which mark the expansion of the network beyond the motorway routes, include the installation of around 100 high-power charging points across strategic locations, allowing batteries to be recharged from 20% to 80% in just 25 minutes. The first station in Châteauroux, in the Indre department, was inaugurated today.

A new strategic step for sustainable mobility at the heart of local communities

This new phase in the development of the e-Vadea network marks the acceleration of the implementation strategy in city centres and rural areas, after the success of the initial deployment in the APRR and Vinci motorway service areas in 2022–2023.

The first e-Vadea station in Châteauroux was unveiled today, in the presence of the Mayor and President of Châteauroux Métropole, Gil Avérous, and the Managing Director of SPIE CityNetworks, Luc Sauze. This inauguration marks an important step in the roll-out of the e-Vadea network outside the motorway routes, with a strategic location in this town at the heart of the Indre territory.

Châteauroux will benefit from a total of four 180 kW stations, totalling 16 charging points spread across four high-traffic locations (Avenue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Avenue de La Châtre, Rue Paul-Accolas and Boulevard de la Valla). Ideally located near administrative centres, shopping areas and residential areas, these stations will enable residents, professionals and visitors to easily recharge their electric vehicles in their daily lives.

The 180 kW terminals will enable ultra-fast charging (from 20% to 80% in just 25 minutes).

A turnkey solution that combines high performance with optimised public finances

The expansion of the e-Vadea network is accelerating: SPIE CityNetworks plans to open 25 new stations in 2025, while 50 sites are currently in the negotiation phase.

These projects are being carried out jointly by SPIE CityNetworks and the FMET (Fonds de Modernisation Écologique des Transports – Fund for the Ecological Modernisation of Transport), represented by DEMETER. They will ensure the deployment, operation and maintenance of these infrastructures over a period of 15 years.

The e-Vadea solution provides a global approach that includes the financing of the infrastructure, the installation and connection of the charging stations, the setting of signage and the operation and monitoring of the infrastructures using the ORIOS by SPIE solution, as well as preventive and corrective maintenance of the charging stations. This operating model allows local authorities to benefit from high-power charging infrastructure without any investment on their part, while helping to make their region more attractive.

From the motorway to the regions: e-Vadea expansion ramps up, preparing for the future

The first quarter of 2025 has already seen more than 30,000 charges on the existing motorway network, an increase of more than 75% compared to the same period the previous year. This success confirms e-Vadea's position as the fifth-largest European ultra-fast charging network. The user-oriented approach of the e-Vadea network sets itself apart due to its ease of use: accessibility without subscriptions, contactless payment by credit card and compatibility with many different recharge cards.

Capitalising on these successes, SPIE CityNetworks is already preparing a third phase of expansion with the planned opening of the first e-Vadea station for charging electric heavy goods vehicles in 2025, confirming its pioneering role in the transition to more sustainable mobility.

"Our ambition is to meet the growing needs of electric vehicle users by offering a reliable, accessible and fully integrated charging network in the regions," says Marie-Pierre Maccario, Director of Business Development & Strategy at SPIE CityNetworks. "These new installations demonstrate our ability to support local communities in their energy transition while enhancing their attractiveness, yet without impacting their public finances."