The development of consumer preferences for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in China: Evidence from a questionnaire survey with a four-year interval

Abstract

Consumer preferences are important in guiding the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Chen and Lin (2022) examined the factors influencing consumer preference for charging infrastructure (CPCI) with data from 2019. Four years later, the research team conducted a new questionnaire survey for comparative analysis. Using a total of 3,778 questionnaires, the authors explored the differences in consumer traits and CPCI at various periods and regions. The potential role of CPCI in promoting electric vehicles was also further analyzed. The main findings include (1) Consumers’ charging habits have changed in the last four years, favoring the use of private charging infrastructure and nighttime charging. (2) Consumers in first-tier cities prefer to use public charging infrastructure than those in non-first-tier cities. (3) Owning private charging infrastructures contributes to consumer satisfaction, which in turn promotes the re-purchase and recommendation of electric vehicles. Preferences for private charging infrastructure strengthen this effect. Finally, the authors provide targeted policy recommendations.