EPRI Reports measure consumers' electric vehicle preferences.
Press Release Summary:
According to EPRI surveys, more than 50% of people surveyed in service territories of Tennessee Valley Authority and Southern Company would prefer to charge an electric vehicle at home. Surveys also characterized consumers' perceptions of EV ownership and their expectations of electric utilities and associated services. Almost two-thirds of respondents expect their local utility to develop public charging stations, while more than half expect utility to offer installation of at-home charging.
Original Press Release:
Charging and Buying: EPRI Reports Measure Southeast Consumers' Preferences and Expectations of Electric Vehicles
Surveys Conducted in Service Territories of TVA and Southern Company
PALO ALTO, Calif. - - More than 50 percent of people surveyed in the service territories of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Southern Company would prefer to charge an electric vehicle at home, according to surveys conducted by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
The EPRI surveys also characterized consumers' perceptions of electric vehicle ownership and their expectations of electric utilities and associated services.
"These surveys help in developing preliminary forecasts for electric vehicle adoption and identify the corresponding infrastructure and charging needs," said Mark McGranaghan, vice president of Power Delivery and Utilization at EPRI. "As we survey people in different regions of the country, we see different perceptions about electric vehicle technology. This will help utilities in developing their specific plans to meet the needs of their customers."
Almost two-thirds of respondents (59 percent for TVA and 61 percent for Southern) expect their local utility to develop public charging stations, while more than half (52 percent for TVA and 57 percent for Southern) expect their utility to offer installation of at-home charging. A substantial portion of power customers also will look to their electricity provider to offer potential electric vehicle buyers "buyer's guide" information about various types and makes of electric vehicles.
What factors influence a car buyer's likelihood to go electric? Survey results point to the availability of multiple locations to charge, and the availability of fast charging technology. Results also show that consumers may be hesitant to pay for faster charging, with more than 50 percent in both surveys unwilling to pay $500 to install an optional 220V upgrade system in their home for fast charging electric vehicles.
The surveys provide insight into a number of areas of consumer sentiment:
o What and when residents drive, and how far;
o Impact of knowledge on electric vehicle purchase interest;
o Understanding vehicle charging and willingness to pay;
o Vehicle purchase intentions.
When asked if they would purchase an electric vehicle if it were available in the make and model of their preference, approximately 15 percent of survey respondents indicated they would.
In 2010 EPRI published results of a similar survey conducted in conjunction with Southern California Edison that characterized Southern California consumers' perceptions of electric vehicle ownership. That survey found that 95 percent of respondents prefer at-home charging.
Download a copy of the TVA report at:
http://my.epri.com/portal/server.pt?Abstract_id=000000000001022729
Download a copy of the Southern Company report at:
http://my.epri.com/portal/server.pt?Abstract_id=000000000001022728
Download a copy of the Southern California Edison report at:
http://my.epri.com/portal/server.pt?Abstract_id=000000000001021285
EPRI has also published a basic consumer guide that addresses questions about electric vehicle technology and performance. The guide can be downloaded from the EPRI web site at this link: http://my.epri.com/portal/server.pt?Abstract_id=000000000001023161
About EPRI
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, health, safety and the environment. EPRI's members represent more than 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to 40 countries. EPRI's principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.
