Vinci Autoroutes launches its own all-in-one application

Vinci Autoroutes, the motorway infrastructure operator, has announced the launch of a new mobile application called Ulys Electric. As its name suggests, this application is intended for drivers of electric vehicles and offers them an all-in-one service to facilitate their electromobility.

FACTS

• Vinci Autoroutes' new service is presented as an all-in-one service specially designed for electric vehicle drivers. It is based on a mobile application and a badge that allows :

  • plan an electrified journey,

  • geolocate charging stations,

  • access to nearly 30,000 electric charging stations in France and soon in Europe (Vinci has 433 on its network),

  • access to more than 500 car parks,

  • pay at 324 toll booths in France and in three other neighbouring countries (Spain, Italy and Portugal).

• The application is accessible without a subscription. Only a fee of 0.70 cents is charged to users of the service when they recharge their vehicle at the dedicated terminals.

• The offer is available from this summer; other services will be added over time by Vinci Autoroutes.

• In addition to France, the service is also available in Spain and Italy.

CHALLENGES

• Managing all mobility: With its new service, Vinci accompanies drivers of electric vehicles throughout their journey, from their passage on the motorway, to recharging their vehicle and managing it in a car park, including outside its network.

• Promoting electric mobility: Vinci Autoroutes emphasises its ambition to make electric mobility easier, by limiting the obstacles to it, even though the network is not yet fully adapted to this mode of mobility. Moreover, 63% of Vinci motorway service areas are currently equipped with charging stations. The Vinci group will set up mobile charging stations to complement the existing fixed ones, pending the end of 2023, when it plans to finally equip its entire network.

• Focus on education: In addition to its practical services, Ulys Electric allows its users to ask questions to trainers in 30-minute sessions aimed at reassuring them about electric mobility. The service is accessible by phone, via an online chat or WhatsApp.

MARKET PERSPECTIVE

• Vinci Autoroutes presented its Ulys app in 2018 as a digital companion dedicated to motorway users. The group has been enriching its offer since then, and in 2019 it will include a carpooling service.

• With more than 2 million daily users, the Vinci Autoroutes network represents a new major player in the democratisation of electric mobility.