Changes in consumer satisfaction with electric vehicle charging infrastructure: Evidence from two cross-sectional surveys in 2019 and 2023

Abstract

Consumer attitude toward electric vehicles is very important for clean development. Chen and Lin (2022) explored the impact of consumer behavioral characteristics on satisfaction with electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The research team builds on this study for further research from a dynamic perspective. This study utilized 3778 valid samples from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2019 and 2023 to explore the differences in behavioral characteristics and satisfaction across periods and cities. Mechanisms of influence were also discussed. The main findings include: (1) Consumer satisfaction has increased in 2023 compared to 2019, while charging habits have changed in favor of nighttime charging. Additionally, consumers have lower requirements for charging time and price, and higher requirements for charging infrastructure distribution. (2) Consumers in non-first-tier cities are more receptive to charging infrastructure farther from homes than consumers in first-tier cities. (3) In current first-tier cities, preference for daytime or nighttime charging no longer affects consumer satisfaction, while the price increase sensitivity has a less significant effect on consumer satisfaction in non-first-tier cities. (4) Consumer perceived control and expectation disconfirmation are found to be important mechanisms through which behavioral characteristics affect satisfaction. Finally, this study proposes targeted policy implications based on the findings.