Ouest Charge, Belib’ – Increase in charging network prices: what about this famous shield?
Before last Christmas, we published an article about the increase in prices on the Ouest Charge network. Many of you have reported similar situations to us on other meshes, specifically for Belib’. In addition, we have been contacted directly through an energy union hoping for the implementation of the famous tariff shield announced by Emmanuel Macron. This will allow to offer a service that is as accessible to electromobilists as possible.
West Load
As a reminder, a massive increase in tariffs was announced by an electronic message from the network operator Ouest Charge, applicable from January 20, 2023. For example, at the 22 kW AC terminal, the kilowatt hour will increase from 0.22 to 0.49 euros including tax.
A little vaguely, the first message received in this sense by many users suggested that this scenario is about the 7 departments that make up the network in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire. These are the Côtes-d’Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine, Loire-Atlantique, Mayenne, Vendée and Maine-et-Loire. The latter, however, won’t see an increase anytime soon. It doesn’t seem to be the only one, and other network departments have reigned in a less strong curve.
At Automobile Propre, we greatly appreciate that SIEML (Syndicat intercommunal d’énergies de Maine-et-Loire) took the trouble to contact us directly to explain the reason. ” All remain sovereign over the pricing of their respective terminals », the 7 departmental energy unions chose a « harmonization of tariffs” to “facilitate interoperability and interdepartmental roaming “.
The particular case of Maine-et-Loire
Tensions in the energy market have weakened the budget balance of some of these establishments, to the point of not being able to comply with the principle of a price list. Coming later than the other departments in the Ouest Charge network, Maine-et-Loire will not be subject to the renewal of its electricity supply contract until January 1, 2024.
Meanwhile, the SIEML “ strives to maintain the incentive pricing policy as much as possible “. The only major development about this territory, and which we follow: ” The introduction of penalties for suction cup vehicles penalizing other users “.
IRVE Technical Manager for this establishment, Julien Gerault emphasizes however that if SIEML will also undergo a year ” an extraordinary increase “in terms of power supply, it will be ” forced to change its prices “. Unless… In the Maine-et-Loire energy union, we “ highly dependent on the measures to be taken by the State following the announcement made by the President of the Republic himself to extend the tariff shield to charging stations “.
Charging price shield
In a way, and indirectly, the price charging shield already exists. This benefits electromobilists who can refuel their electric vehicles from home. After the initial contained increase of 4% in 2022, the price of electricity for individuals should see a further increase on February 1 next, limited to 15%, and disconnected from the evolution of prices in the markets.
Aware that dissuasive tariffs applied to charging stations would complicate the use of electric mobility by motorists who cannot plug in an electric car at home or at their workplace, Emmanuel Macron dropped the idea of a specific tariff that shield. And since then, nothing! Action is expected early this year. In a few days maybe…
A senator waiting for an answer
In early November 2022, Senator Gilbert Roger, from Seine-Saint-Denis, wanted to obtain legitimate details. He put in refills that could cost an entire tank of diesel. And underlined the opacity of tariffs: ” The current prices offered by private companies are not transparent and may include the costs of rents, the construction of terminals or other company enrichment costs: all are very far from the real price of a kilowatt hour. “.
So he asked: When and how will the government take the necessary steps for transparency and regulation of electricity prices at charging stations? “. And to clarify: Without it, conversion to electric power for transportation would be a failure. “.
Referred to 0240S, and published in the Official Journal of the Senate on November 3, his concern has still not received a response from the Ministry of Energy Transition authorized to respond to him.
Belib’ under media fire
Following our article on the price increase of the Ouest Charge network, several of our readers informed us of the scenario envisaged by TotalEnergies for the Belib’ Ile-de-France network. And since the Paris region was affected, the major media took up the subject. ” The increase in prices at Belib terminals puts customers under pressure “, for example with the headline Le Parisien. ” A sharp increase in charging prices at public terminals “, said Le Monde.
One of our readers, to whom we would like to give the floor more widely, warned us at the end of last December of the increase in Belib tariffs. He summed up: It’s very simple, the rates will take at least 65% at night and triple during the day “. The previous situation suits him: Until then, the rates are very reasonable in particular 20 cents per kilowatt hour at night (from 8 pm), and 55 cents per 15 minute recharging period during the day (making 32 cents per kWh approx. 7 kW of electricity ) “.
He finds the appearance of double billing for time and energy annoying: ” Usually it’s one or the other in France, and it tends to energy pricing. That’s double the punishment “.
New Belib tariffs?
Only applies to the Moto (up to 3.7 kW of power) and Flex (7 kW) offers, the share per kilowatt hour is fixed: 0.55 euros plus tax. Except for Belib subscribers who live in Paris and recharge between 11 pm and 8 am the next morning, where the numbers drop to 0.30 euros.
The time fraction is calculated for each 15-minute segment started. Except for 50 kW terminals (Boost+) where the unit is the minute (0.50 euro for visitors; 0.45 euro plus tax for subscribers, whether they live in Paris or not). With the Boost offer (22 kW), it is 2.30 euros per quarter hour started, unless you are a subscriber (2.15 euros).
This becomes seriously complicated for the Simultaneously Charged Time Flex proposal, as we have already seen. We add 0.78 euros every 15 minutes for guests, or 0.60 euros for subscribers. If you also live in Paris, you will pay less for a quarter of an hour at night rates: 0.20 euros between 8 pm and 11 pm, but only 0.05 from 11 pm and 8 am
If we add that the subscription is charged at 7 euros plus tax per year, and that beyond 14 consecutive connection hours, a fine of 10 euros plus tax will be charged every 60 minutes, simple, isn’t it!? Then again, we didn’t go into Moto’s tariff detail. We let you find it all on the dedicated site.
How much is the full 50 kWh in Belib’?
We would like to know the price of a 50 kWh recharge in Belib’. It’s already on the Flex tariff. Let’s first calculate the part for energy that will be the same for everyone, apart from the night tariff. For 50 kWh at 0.55 euros per unit, that gives us 27.50 euros.
Now let’s look at the branching time. With the maximum power of 7 kW provided for this formula, it will take at least 7 hours and an initial section of 15 minutes of connection, that is, 29 periods of 15 minutes. At 0.78 euros for one guest, that is 22.62 euros, to which 27.50 euros are added, for a total of 50.12 euros.
Enough to achieve 400 kilometers with a relatively low average consumption of 12.5 kWh / 100 km which makes the calculations easier, or 12.53 euros per 100 km. A subscriber has to pay 17.40 (29 x 0.60) for the time share, and therefore 44.90 euros in the end. These are minimums: the charge will increase more or less if the charging power is less than 7 kW.
A subscriber in Paris can also use the night rate, with a component for energy at 15 euros (50 kWh x 0.30 euros), and for connection time at 1.45 euros (29 periods at 0, 05 euros), meaning , 16.45 euros. in total. That will give 100 km with a light foot in town at 4.11 euros.
Boosted recharges
Still on paper, with the Boost Belib offer at 2.15 or 2.30 euros plus tax for 15 minutes, the price to be paid will be 62.35 euros respectively (29 x 2.15 euros) for subscribers, and 66.70 euros ( 29 x 2.30 euros) for guests.
But I thought you would prefer the 50 kW terminal (Boost + offer). And you will be right, because it will be more useful! So a connection time? No, rather 75 minutes considering a favorable charging curve between 10 and 90% for a 64 kWh battery, or approximately 50 kWh received. Guests, be prepared to pay 37.50 euros (75 minutes x 0.50 euros). For subscribers, it will be only 33.75 euros (75 minutes x 0.45 euros).
” Lack of competition prevents switching to other operators. If we have an electric car in Paris, then we are totally trapped », our reader felt. With such high prices, we understand that a shield is necessary not to emphasize a certain social divide, but also and above all not to break the momentum in favor of electric.
Also read
MobiVE: 150 euros per refill, equivalent to a full tank at 5 euros per liter of diesel!
Author’s opinion
I will repeat myself in saying that we especially appreciate the direct contact of SIEML to correct its situation regarding the increase in charging prices in the Ouest Charge network.
We would have liked the mesh operator to perform such an approach, providing us with the correct details that we did not get during our call on his services. This would have allowed our readers to have the right information quickly, but also to reduce the calls they made themselves to the various energy unions. Hope to be heard, if the case arises.
Ditto for other energy unions, some of which we have had in the past very fruitful rapprochements in both directions.
In any case, we can also take the opportunity to inform our readers that SIEML will develop in 2023 about its alternative mobility show. It should be held at the end of September. New this year will be times for mobility exchanges. No rally on the cards for the moment, but a dynamic team that seems to have attracted the public, according to the echoes we received. We hope to see it right on site at the beginning of next fall.
