LOM Law & EV charging stations: what are
the constraints for companies?
The LOM Law, what is it?
The Mobility Orientation Law, enacted on December 24, 2019, signifies a major transformation in France's transportation policy.
This law guides the electrification of corporate fleets and parking facilities, and details a number of incentives and fiscal policies. It aims to make daily transportation easier, less costly, and more environmentally friendly, with significant investments and a shift in priorities towards everyday transportation.
The LOM Law modifies and complements various legislative codes such as the Construction and Housing Code, the Energy Code, and the Transportation Code.
In the context of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the LOM law specifically regulates:
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The number of charging points to be installed in a parking lot
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The number of spaces to be pre-equipped (for future installation)
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The number of charging points accessible or reserved for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM).
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Who is affected by the law?
Businesses
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The LOM law includes provisions affecting businesses by introducing measures to promote sustainable employee mobility. For example, it encourages companies to develop Mobility Plans (MP) for their employees "to reduce the pollution generated by transport and to reduce congestion in infrastructure (traffic jams)" (employer mobility plans). It also includes fiscal incentives and legal obligations to accelerate the electrification of corporate fleets and parking facilities (regardless of their size, location, or configuration).
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The law proposes tax incentives to accelerate the electrification of company fleets and parking lots, whether they are underground or on the surface. It mandates a minimum number of charging stations and guarantees access to them for all users. These measures can also stimulate new business opportunities. Additionally, the law defines the power requirements for the optimal installation of the charging stations.
Fleet managers
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The LOM law imposes obligations on managers of parking facilities, particularly regarding the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. New parking facilities and those undergoing significant renovations must provide an adequate number of spaces equipped for EV charging. This measure aims to encourage the adoption of EVs by facilitating their charging.
Local authorities
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The LOM law grants local authorities more responsibilities in managing and planning mobility. It aims to strengthen their role in coordinating and developing transportation services, promoting more sustainable and inclusive mobility. Local authorities must develop Mobility Plans (MPs) and can create Mobility Organizing Authorities (MOA). The obligation to develop a MP primarily concerns “MOAs that encompass an agglomeration of more than 100,000 inhabitants” (see more here).
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LOM Law and EV charging stations: What does it imply?
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1. Obligations for installing charging points
The rules for installing charging points apply to all types of parking lots, public or private, related to commercial, industrial, associative, or public service activities.
They apply regardless of the date of the building permit application and require from January 1, 2025:
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One charging point for every 20 spaces in parking lots with more than 20 spaces.
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For parking lots with more than 200 spaces, at least 2 spaces must be accessible to PRM, with one reserved for them.
If the upstream connection work costs exceed the total downstream work costs (site creation, charger installation, etc.), an exception to this obligation can be made.
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2. Obligations for pre-equipping parking lots
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Pre-equipping involves preparing installations for future charging point setups. The law provides specific technical specifications: the size and installation method of ducts, cable trays, and conduits from the LV switchboard.
The number of spaces to be pre-equipped depends on the date of the building permit application.
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Existing buildings with permits submitted before January 2012:
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Urban areas with more than 50,000 inhabitants: 10% of spaces must be pre-equipped.
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Urban areas with less than 50,000 inhabitants: 5% of spaces must be pre-equipped.
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PRM: 2% of spaces and at least 1 must be accessible to PRM.
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Existing buildings with permits submitted between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2017:
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10% of spaces must be pre-equipped.
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Existing buildings with permits submitted between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2021:
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Up to 40 spaces: 20% of spaces must be pre-equipped.
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More than 40 spaces: 10% of spaces must be pre-equipped.
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New constructions or significant renovations (after March 2021):
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20% of spaces must be pre-equipped.
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3. Technical requirements for public charging stations
A standard charging point must be equipped with at least one type 2 socket as described by the NF EN 62196-2 standard. Type 2 connectors are AC (alternating current) connectors and allow a charging speed of up to 22 kW.
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What are the benefits of the LOM Law for businesses?
Financial incentives: The law provides financial aid and subsidies for businesses to encourage the installation of charging stations. These aids can cover a significant portion of the installation costs.
Benefits for employees: Offering charging stations at the workplace can be an attractive benefit for employees who own electric vehicles.
Commercial opportunities: By installing public charging stations on their sites or private but paid, businesses can generate additional revenue by offering this service to their employees, collaborators, or visitors.
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ADVENIR Program: a collaborative funding program
The ADVENIR program offers financial aid covering up to 50% of the installation costs for charging stations, with caps per charging point varying depending on the type of aid granted.
Since its launch, ADVENIR has enabled the installation of more than 40,000 charging points across France. For businesses, this represents an opportunity to reduce often prohibitive initial costs, thus facilitating the integration of EVs into their fleet.
In 2023, the program further increased its support with increased subsidies for installations in low-emission zones (LEZ), contributing to the ecological transition of businesses in the most polluted urban areas.
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