Satisfaction with EV charging has improved, notably with DC quick chargers and Tesla Superchargers, however challenges stay, in keeping with the J.D. Energy “2024 US Electrical Automobile Expertise (EVX) Public Charging Research.”
Sluggish however regular enchancment in satisfaction
The variety of public charging stations throughout the US continues to develop, however it’s nonetheless not maintaining with the surge in EV gross sales. The outcome? Extra EVs per charger, which has led to a drop in satisfaction. Nevertheless, this yr’s research exhibits some constructive developments.
Satisfaction with DC quick chargers has risen to 664 on a 1,000-point scale, a 10-point improve from 2023. Tesla Superchargers proceed to guide the pack, with Tesla house owners giving the community a satisfaction rating of 743. Non-Tesla house owners that just lately gained entry to the Supercharger community are additionally comparatively happy, score it at 706 – 42 factors increased than general satisfaction with different DC quick chargers.
However whereas DC quick chargers are gaining favor, Degree 2 chargers are dropping floor. Degree 2s noticed their satisfaction rating drop to 614, down 3 factors from final yr. EV house owners appear to be rising impatient with the longer wait occasions related to Degree 2 chargers, which is perhaps an indication that the business must double down on bettering fast-charging infrastructure.
The Tesla Supercharger benefit (and limits)
Tesla’s choice to open its Supercharger community to non-Tesla EVs is a game-changer. This transfer, motivated by the possibility to faucet into federal infrastructure funds, has allowed extra drivers to expertise the comfort and reliability of Tesla’s chargers. Nevertheless, the transition hasn’t been with out hiccups. Some Tesla house owners have began to note that Superchargers are getting busier, so their satisfaction with charger availability has dipped barely.
One huge motive Tesla’s Supercharger community continues to outperform different EV charger manufacturers is its seamless consumer expertise. Tesla’s plug-and-pay system takes the trouble out of charging. Non-Tesla house owners, however, want to make use of adapters and sometimes don’t have entry to the identical easy fee expertise. This creates a noticeable hole in satisfaction between Tesla and non-Tesla customers, particularly by way of ease of fee and charging.
Public charging complications
Regardless of these constructive developments, the research reveals that public charging remains to be a headache for a lot of EV house owners. Round 19% of respondents reported visiting a charger however being unable to cost their automobile – an issue that’s solely improved by a single share level since final yr. The most typical situation is out-of-service chargers, which accounted for 61% of failed charging makes an attempt.
One other persistent downside is the supply of chargers. In some areas, notably within the Mid-Atlantic and Pacific, lengthy wait occasions and a scarcity of obtainable chargers are leaving EV drivers pissed off. Vandalism and theft additionally stay issues, with cable injury being a big situation in sure elements of the nation.
Enhancing reliability and combating vandalism are essential steps towards making public charging a extra satisfying expertise for everybody.
Electrek’s Take
Whereas the 2024 research displays progress, there’s nonetheless so much to be carried out. Public charging infrastructure, particularly DC quick chargers, must develop extra quickly and enhance reliability to satisfy rising demand.
Tesla’s Supercharger community stays the gold customary, however as extra non-Tesla drivers plug in, the business might want to work to make sure that all EV house owners have entry to quick, dependable, and easy-to-use charging choices.
Learn extra: Mercedes-Benz Excessive-Energy Charging goes massive at Starbucks
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