Connected Charging Stations to Govern Individual Mobility: The Contribution of Digitalized Electric Mobility Networks to Sustainable Mobility Policies in France

Since the 1990s, the management of individual mobility has emerged as a significant domain of public policy in France. With the intention of influencing travel behavior, public authorities have invested in public transport networks, active mobility, and shared transport solutions. More recently, aligned with greenhouse gas reduction targets, these public interventions have expanded to include the promotion of electric mobility through substantial investments in open-access charging infrastructures for electric vehicles (EVs). As with other urban infrastructures, charging stations are now undergoing a process of digital transformation. This change encompasses not only technological advancements but also social factors, including personal and professional relationships, cultural practices, and legal frameworks. Key challenges also persist around data governance: ownership, collection, and the negotiation capacity of charging station public operators in interactions with information communication and technology (ICT) firms. Drawing on a qualitative study of 45 interviews with local stakeholders in the Hauts-de-France region, this article argues that the effectiveness of charging infrastructure as a tool of public policy hinges on complex socio-technical conditions. For charging stations to reach their potential for providing real-time data to inform mobility governance, there is a need to address coordination between actors, to clarify data ownership, and to develop shared frameworks for data collection and exchange.