Located in the Morbihan department, it’s the first network of its kind in Brittany, installing seven rapid chargers along the region’s major routes – the RN24 and RN165 – to allow long-distance electric vehicle drivers with regular recharging stops.

The French-built DBT-CEV charging points are compatible with the CHAdeMO DC rapid charge and Type 2 AC connectors fitted to the majority of electric vehicles. Depending on the vehicle itself, these can top a battery up to 80% in 30 minutes.

Installation and maintenance will be handled by SDEM and customers will be able to access the units using Nissan’s Zero Emission Load PASS, an access card recently launched in France.

The French network already has similar rapid charging corridors, including Alsace, Cote d’Azure, Ile de France and the route between Nantes and Rennes, totalling 110 of the 1,000-strong Europe-wide network of rapid chargers. Nissan has agreements in place with utility companies throughout Europe, including Ecotricity in the UK, which is responsible for the Electric Highway.

Claude Muller, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure manager at Nissan West Europe, said: ‘Most refills are made ​​at home or the workplace. However, the availability of rapid charging free access is essential to reassure the user. They allow them to travel greater distances.’