The new infrastructure is aimed at encouraging the use of electric trucks on long-haul journeys, in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of freight transport.
The opening ceremony took place at the Galande service area, located on the A5b motorway near Réau, south-east of Paris.
During the event, an ultra-fast, high-power charging station was demonstrated. The newly launched corridor spans the A5b and A6 motorways in both directions between Paris and Lyon, providing a dedicated charging network for heavy mobility.
This initiative aims to reassure hauliers about the reliability and efficiency of electric trucks, helping to accelerate the transition towards decarbonised freight transport.
Heavy goods vehicles are currently responsible for 40% of transport-related emissions in France. The corridor is expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding 40,000 tonnes of CO2 over a period of more than 10 years. In addition, the switch to electric trucks will eliminate emissions of fine particles and nitrogen oxides (NOx) typically produced by combustion engines.
“APRR-AREA were already the first motorway networks to be 100% equipped with electric charging stations for cars. Today, we are proud to be working alongside ENGIE Vianeo to decarbonise all forms of mobility,” said Guillaume Hérent, Managing Director of APRR-AREA.