Better (not) Charge in Your Garage! Perceived Benefits and Optimal Positioning of Public Fast Charging Infrastructure for Electrical Vehicles from User’s Perspective

Abstract

In order to increase the number of electrical vehicles (EV) in Germany, a nationwide distribution of public charging stations is intended to improve the perception of EV usage potential. These can be equipped with novel fast charging technology. To examine the users’ needs and deduce potential locations for charging stations, users of EV are interviewed with focus on acceptance of detours, the necessary back-up battery SOC (state of charge), and, as conclusion of both, the user’s preference for home or public charging. Finalizing, factors of perceived effort and perceived benefit in public charging are evaluated. It can be shown that the positioning of public charging is not yet sufficient, but has to be improved. This can be deducted from the backed-up battery SOC which is left to manage long detours to public charging infrastructure.