Planning for the majorities: are the charging needs and preferences of electric vehicle early adopters similar to those of mainstream consumers?

Abstract

The mass deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) may bring significant challenges to the electricity sector. However, many of these challenges can be converted into opportunities depending on how and when consumers decide to charge their vehicles. While there are currently multiple efforts worldwide investigating EV charging behaviour, these efforts measure the behaviour of EV early adopters and may not represent the actual behaviour of the mainstream consumer. The current study uses data from a survey with near a thousand Australian consumers to shed light on the potential similarities and differences between the charging needs and preferences of EV early adopters and mainstream consumers. We find that consumer groups vary in terms of charging needs, perceived access to residential charging, and acceptance of direct charging control and management by suppliers. Our conclusions point to (1) the need for campaigns that increase the awareness and understanding of residential EV charging by mainstream consumers, (2) the significant interest across all consumer groups in free workplace charging, which could together with residential demand management strategies leverage the use of solar energy for charging, and (3) the need for utility plans and management strategies that enhance the mainstream consumer sense of control over charging together with their perceived monetary savings. Lay summary: This study analyses data from a survey with near a thousand Australian consumers to investigate potential similarities and differences between the charging needs and preferences of current electric vehicle (EV) owners and future mainstream consumers. Our conclusions point to (1) the need for campaigns that increase the awareness and understanding of residential EV charging by mainstream consumers, (2) the significant interest across all consumer groups in free workplace charging, and (3) the need for utility plans and management strategies that enhance the mainstream consumer sense of control over charging together with their perceived monetary savings.

Modelling interest in co-adoption of electric vehicles and solar photovoltaics in Australia to identify tailored policy needs

“…To optimise the potential of EVs in reducing carbon emissions while minimising their negative impact on power systems, it is crucial to utilise more renewable energy sources for their charging. The adoption of solar photovoltaics (PVs) is gaining attention as a viable approach to meet this need 3 , 4 . Residential PVs incur installation costs but provide access to free and carbon–neutral electricity.…”

“…Recent research in the United States shows that EV users who adopt PVs reduce their average hourly demand on the power grid by 1.1 kWh, demonstrating the potential for co-adoption of these technologies 6 . Additionally, studies have shown that home charging is the preferred location for EV users across the globe 1 – 3 , with prospective adopters exhibiting an even stronger preference for economic home charging options 4 . This underscores the relevance of promoting the joint adoption of PV and EV as a home-based and cost-effective charging option.…”