UK electric vehicle driver survey reveals low level of smart charge awareness

Electric vehicle owners are charging their cars as soon as they get home, increasing system load when demand is highest and decreasing the likelihood the charge is green, a survey published by UK energy regulator Ofgem showed July 6.

Most participants in a survey of 29 users across a broad demographic had not heard of the concept of smart charging, and most had not changed for what they looked for in an energy deal, or how they used energy.

"Of particular interest to Ofgem is how purchasing an electric vehicle influences consumers' wider energy usage in the home," it said in a summary report.

It could not be assumed that because a consumer had bought an EV, they would change the way they used energy, it said.

"This means the charge is more likely to start when electricity demand is at its highest, so it is less likely to have been generated from a renewable source. The reassurance need will have to be met also when looking for people to charge their car "off-peak" when demand is lower," it said.

The survey, conducted in September 2020, offers a fascinating insight into early adopter experiences.

No single EV owner, for instance, would consider using an electric vehicle for a long journey due to range anxiety.

"We've got about an hour limit in terms of travel," one respondent said.

Most stated financial reasons as the main motivation for buying an EV, noting a lack of transparency around the full costs of home charging, and the reality of ranges being much lower than expected or quoted.

"Range is about 25% less than what they advertise," said one.

Meanwhile public charging experiences varied between Scotland (good) and England (bad).

Scotland's single operator, ChargePlace Scotland, provided one GBP20.00/yr ($27.72/yr) card giving access to all the country's public charge points at no extra charge.

England had multiple operators with their own apps, cards, websites, charges and pre-registration requirements, several with an anxiety-inducing reliance on smart phones, one driver noting: "I don't understand why I can't use my credit card like I do in the shops."

Concluding the report, Ofgem identifies 29 user needs, ranging from trusted sources of information, to actual driving range, to readily available charge points and reliable smart charging with financial benefits.

"Fulfilling these needs falls on no single organisation but will require a whole industry effort," the regulator said.

According to S&P Global Platts Analytics' monthly EV Essentials report, UK plug-in passenger vehicle sales dipped below 20,000 units in April, from close to 40,000 units in March, when PEVs' market share exceeded 15% of total vehicle sales.