France: Total to install charging points at 300 fuel stations

Oil giant Total is planning to add electric vehicle chargers at gas stations across France, the company's Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanne told Reuters.

Up to 300 Total petrol stations in France could become charging points for electric vehicles (EVs). The move is another sign of how oil companies are shifting their stance on EVs by displaying a more inclusive business attitude.

"Our plan consists of looking at how to create a charging point network around French highways to have charging points every 150 or 160 km (100 miles)," said Pouyanne.

The clear change in stance by traditional fuel retailers has been illustrated in recent weeks by a number of initiatives across the globe: BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group have partnered to launch 400 ultra-fast charging stations in Europe; while Nissan and BMW have announced a similar plan for the U.S.

Total´s announcement comes just a day after Shell executives talked of their intentions to add charging points at its retailing network in the UK and the Netherlands.

In contrast to previous positions, 2017 could be year when oil companies start to consider electric vehicles their allies instead of their competitors.