When it comes to public EV charging stations, it seems they hold little allure for future electric vehicle owners, at least according to a recent AutoPacific EV Consumer Insights Study. It finds that EV charging stations are far from meeting consumer wants and expectations, and that consumers have lengthy list of charging station attributes that are important to them. They'd like things like easy to see and read charging speed and pricing signage, and basic vehicle care services like windshield cleaner, air pumps for filling tires, and vacuums. In essence, they want a more traditional gas-station experience.
The study, conducted as a part of AutoPacific’s annual Future Attribute Demand Study, surveyed over 7,200 future EV acceptors, those who either intend to purchase or will consider purchasing an EV in the near future, about their ideal public charging station attributes, reasons for wanting an EV, concerns about EV ownership and more.
“AutoPacific has long been committed to studying the future of the automotive industry and having a full understanding of future EV consumers and rejectors is essential, as is understanding all of the non-traditional extras, like charging, that go with EV ownership” says AutoPacific Director of Marketing and Consumer Insights Deborah Grieb.
AutoPacific says EV acceptance is on the rise according to the study date that shows EV purchase intention up from 11% in 2022 to 17% in 2023, and another 58% of respondents saying they'd consider purchasing an EV in the near future. It also would seem that both current and future owners have similar ideas on what they'd like their public charging experience to be like.
“Allowing EV owners to have a public charging experience similar to what they’re used to with traditional fueling is certainly beneficial to increasing EV acceptance,” says AutoPacific President and Chief Analyst Ed Kim.
Electrify America Opens Indoor Flagship EV Charging Station
While not exactly a gas station-like experience, Electrify America recently opened its flagship hyper-fast indoor charging station in San Francisco on February 9, 2024.
Focused on the customer experience, EA says it offers EV drivers 24/7 access, round-the-clock monitoring and security, along with a lounge area providing customers with comfort and convenience amenities that include:
- 20 Hyper-fast chargers – balanced to provide up to 350 kW
- Two temperature-controlled lounge areas with food and beverage vending options
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- Open 24/7 with round-the-clock monitoring and security
- Two restrooms with baby changing stations
“We're committed to making EVs accessible to all, particularly in dense urban areas like San Francisco,” said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO of Electrify America. “Our expertise in building over 250 stations in California and more than 900 in North America uniquely positions us to bring high-quality charging infrastructure directly into communities where people live and work and support EV adoption across the state.”
Electrify America also has outdoor flagship charging stations in Baker and Santa Clara, California.
To read more about the AutoPacific Study click here.
Photo Credit: Electrify America.