From data to decisions: EV infrastructure in Bernay
How Voltaage helped SIEGE27 avoid unnecessary infrastructure investment
This project demonstrated the true value of data-driven planning: Voltaage analyzed Bernay's existing network and recommended against additional installations — saving public funds by proving the current infrastructure was already sufficient.
Bernay — A typical mid-size French city
Bernay is a municipality in Normandy with approximately 10,000 inhabitants. Like many mid-size French cities, it had already deployed EV charging infrastructure through its energy syndicate.
The challenge was not expansion for the sake of expansion — it was about optimizing existing investments and avoiding unnecessary installations that would dilute utilization.
Understanding the existing network
Before recommending new installations, Voltaage analyzed the state of existing infrastructure
Network Diagnostic
Real-time infrastructure analysis
The Challenge
Smart infrastructure planning requires answering critical questions
Public funds are limited. Installing unnecessary chargers wastes resources and reduces ROI.
Without data, it's impossible to know if current infrastructure meets actual EV driver needs.
Private CPOs are expanding rapidly. Public authorities need visibility on competitor moves.
Every investment must be backed by data to satisfy public accountability requirements.
Multi-layer territorial analysis
Voltaage combined multiple data sources to build a complete picture of infrastructure needs
Traffic Analysis
Road congestion patterns and vehicle flow data
Population Density
Residential concentration and demographic data
Parking Availability
Public and private parking zones mapping
Points of Interest
Commercial areas, services, and amenities
Electrical Grid
Low-voltage network and connection points
Competitor Projection
Private CPO expansion forecasts
Our recommendation: don't build more
After comprehensive analysis, Voltaage concluded that Bernay's network was already sufficiently covered. The EV-to-charger ratio of 4.8 was well below the ideal range of 10-15, indicating existing infrastructure could handle significant future growth.
Additionally, private operators (Aldi, Intersport) were projected to expand in the area, further increasing coverage without requiring public investment.
This is the value Voltaage brings: we recommend the best decision for the territory — even when that decision is to not build. Our commitment is to data-driven truth, not to selling more infrastructure.
If expansion was required
Voltaage advised against new installations. However, if SIEGE27 chose to expand regardless, we identified the optimal location
Given the sufficient network coverage and probable private operator expansion, Voltaage recommended against additional public installations. This backup location was provided only in case expansion was required by policy.
The Transformation
Unclear view of existing infrastructure performance
No visibility on private operator expansion plans
Risk of over-investment in already covered areas
Difficult to justify decisions to elected officials
Reactive rather than strategic planning
Clear diagnostic of current network coverage
Competitor mapping with future projections
Data-driven investment decisions
Transparent justification for stakeholders
Strategic, forward-looking infrastructure planning
What our partners say
What Voltaage brought us is clarity. Before, we had data — but no real way to turn it into decisions. With the platform, we can instantly visualize our network, understand where the real demand is, and most importantly justify our choices. In Bernay, it helped us avoid unnecessary investments and focus on what actually creates value for the territory. It's not just a tool — it's a real decision support system.