As reported by Monaco Matin, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II has indicated that Monaco’s long-standing system of free public electric-vehicle charging is set for change, an evolution driven by growing saturation, rising demand, and mounting frustration among residents and workers…
With electric vehicles now representing nearly 20% of Monaco’s car fleet, the Principality has seen its charging points under increasing pressure. Taxi drivers, employees and residents have all voiced concerns about the difficulty of finding available spaces at all hours, a situation exacerbated by cross-border disparities: charging is paid in France, but free in Monaco, creating an incentive for some motorists to rely heavily on the Principality’s infrastructure.
The issue resurfaced prominently during the recent EVER Monaco trade fair and was later raised by elected officials at the National Council. According to Monaco Matin, Prince Albert II acknowledged both the success and the strain of the current model, noting that free public transport has greatly accelerated the shift toward clean mobility. But with Monaco relying on energy sources it does not fully control, he questioned whether a completely free system remains sustainable.
My angle is that the coming reform signals a shift from incentive to balance. Rather than rolling back support for clean mobility, the Prince is steering policy toward shared responsibility, encouraging electric adoption while ensuring fair use of limited infrastructure.
The Palace is now studying adjustments that would maintain financial aid for drivers choosing clean mobility, but introduce a more equitable approach to usage. A new chapter for Monaco’s energy transition is clearly underway.
Image: Photo by CHUTTERSNAP
