As electric rates rise across the country, electric vehicle owners’ satisfaction with home charging is declining, according to a new report by J.D. Power.
While 68% of EV owners utilize a Level 2 permanently attached station, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Home Charging Survey, their overall happiness dropped 12 points year-over-year to 740 on a 1,000-point scale.
But that’s not the only thing casting a pall over EV ownership. While 83% of all users have portable- or permanently-mounted Level 2 charging stations, their happiness with recharging has declined more 30 points due to cost.
Its further exacerbated by the speed of topping off their EV’s battery packs, especially among new EV buyers. Compared to owners of EVs from the 2021 and 2020 model years, those in the 2022 and 2023 model years are less satisfied with their home charging speed.
Lack of awareness spurs dissatisfaction
“Improving the EV owner experience with respect to home charging should be a common goal shared by all,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power. “There are also programs designed to save EV owners money with the ongoing costs of charging their vehicle, like scheduling to charge during the most affordable time of the day. However, J.D. Power sees that there is little awareness and utilization of these benefits.”
Only 51% of EV owners, up slightly from 49% a year ago, claim to be aware of utility company programs for charging their vehicle at home.
Adrian Chung, head of utilities intelligence at J.D. Power, noted customers are looking to utility firms to help manage rising prices.
“EV owners will gain by spreading the word about the discounts and incentives that are offered,” Chung said. “This can have a domino effect on EV adoption by reducing home charging anxiety and assisting prospective EV owners in making a more educated purchase decision.”
What drives EV satisfaction
It comes as no surprise that EV owners who are aware they may plan when their car charges to take advantage of cheaper electric prices are happier with their EV.
Yet, only 35% of owners regularly plan a time to charge their car at home, while 49% never do. Among those who want to plan home charging using an app, the vehicle mobile app rather than the charger mobile app receives the best satisfaction.
But where you live can affect your EV happiness as well. While dissatisfaction grew across all regions, New England experienced the biggest decrease in home charging happiness. Those in the East South Central region were happiest, while those in New England were the least happy.
And home-charging happiness grows when EV owners switch to a Level 2 charger from a Level 1.
But awareness on how to save on costs remains an issue.
“As the EV marketplace continues to grow, brands that help owners take advantage of these offerings will be in a much better position down the road,” said Gruber.