Preferences For Electric Vehicle Charging: A Latent Class Approach

摘要

Electric vehicle charging behavior is a pivotal point between the sustainable energy and sustainable mobility transitions. The energy transition is characterized by a reduction in fossil fuel usage as well as of related CO2 emissions in the energy sector, while the mobility transition aims at achieving these goals in the transportation sector. Specifically, the mobility transition includes changes in the individual mobility behavior towards more sustainable solutions. The increased market penetration of electric vehicles (EV) should contribute to both the energy transition and the mobility transition. From a user perspective, standard charging of the EV battery takes considerably longer than filling the gasoline tank. Thus, EV charging options will have to be adjusted to better fit user expectations, needs, habits, and planned behavior. From a business perspective, clearly defined use cases are still missing. In Germany, up until now, necessary EV infrastructure investments are substantial, whereas revenue streams are too low even at a relatively high electricity price in the residential sector (0.29 €/kWh). Also, it is not clear which actor/s are the preferred ones for installing and running EV infrastructure; this role could be filled by car manufacturers, government, municipalities, and/or energy companies. EV infrastructure poses a case of the ‘chicken and egg’ problem in that few actors are wiling to invest in infrastructure given the low market penetration, but at the same time, few potential customers are willing to switch to EV given the lack of infrastructure.