Survey: 86.0% of EV Drivers Have Home Chargers, Yet 59.6% Rely on Public Charging

ChargeLab has released findings from its recent report, “Industry Survey: 500 EV Drivers on Public Charging.” The survey, which polled 500 EV drivers in the United States, revealed a key insight: While 86.0% of EV drivers now have access to a home charger, 59.6% still use public chargers weekly. This highlights the ongoing need for continued investment in public charging infrastructure.

The survey also shed light on factors that impact driver satisfaction at public charging stations. These include the need for faster charging, emphasizing the importance of efficient DC fast chargers.

See also: U.S. EV Charging Study: Average Session Time at Paid Chargers – 42 Minutes; Variances Between Free and Non-Tesla Stations

Additionally, flexible payment options, such as mobile payments, are crucial, along with discounts for off-peak charging and other custom pricing schemes to foster user loyalty. Accessibility and location play a significant role, with mapping apps being the primary tool for locating EV chargers. Software supporting the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) is seen as crucial for improving EV roaming.

Cleanliness and maintenance are also important factors, with drivers expecting charging stations to be clean and well-maintained. User feedback through dedicated support lines or apps contributes to station upkeep. Brand reputation influences EV drivers’ choices, with white labeling charging stations to match established brands being a strategy to attract more customers.

See also: Study Reveals Disparities in Charging Behavior at Paid and Free DC Fast Charging Stations

Lastly, drivers prioritize an intuitive user interface for an easy and efficient charging process, highlighting the importance of smart software to enhance the user journey, making it accessible and user-friendly.

Another interesting finding from the survey is drivers’ willingness to share data to improve the EV charging experience. The majority are open to sharing session and vehicle data, indicating meaningful consumer interest in enhancing EV charging services, with only 3.4% expressing reluctance to share data.

See also: Study Estimates Need for 28 Million Charging Ports for 33 Million Electric Vehicles in the U.S. by 2030

Zak Lefevre, CEO of ChargeLab, expressed about the survey’s findings, stating, “There’s no shortage of news coverage on the problems with public charging—but what makes us excited about this survey is it reframes the issue as an opportunity. These EV drivers are echoing the same stories we hear from our customers. Everyone is happy if you can make the charging experience fast, easy, and affordable.”