Charging for Charging: The Paradox of Free Charging and Its Detrimental Effect on the Use of Electric Vehicles

A survey of plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) owners was conducted focusing on workplace charging suggesting that pricing and a mix of high and low power level 2 chargers could efficiently meet the needs of workplace charging and increase electric vehicle miles traveled (eVMT). Respondents reported that in California, 38% of drivers who have chargers at work are unable to charge at least once per week due to congestion at chargers. When asked about price, answers indicated that four chargers would be needed for every 10 vehicles if free, versus one charger for every 10 PEVs if the price were double (assuming one charger serves two cars/day). Since a price of double that of home electricity is still likely to save money, the implication is that people are using free workplace infrastructure four times more than they need to. This usage pattern suggests that that simply charging a small fee could encourage more efficient use of infrastructure. If charging is given away for free to spur the market, low power level 2 (similar in power to level 1) could be used to install the maximum number of chargers on an existing electricity panel. Level 2 at work could be priced higher to discourage those who don’t need it. More dependability for PEVs could encourage their sale and use. In the case of PHEVs, they would only use level 2 when needed or default to a lower power alternative.

• Record URL:
  http://www.its.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/themes/ucdavis/pubs/download_pdf.php?id=1919
• 
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://library.its.berkeley.edu
• Corporate Authors:

  University of California, Davis

  Plug-in Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Research Center, Institute of Transportation Studies
  Davis, CA  United States  95616

  California Department of Transportation

  Division of Research and Innovation
  1227 O Street, MS-83
  Sacramento, CA  United States  94273-0001
• Authors:
  • Nicholas, Michael A
  • Tal, Gil
• Publication Date: 2013-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 19p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electric vehicle charging; Electric vehicles; Plug-in hybrid vehicles; Pricing
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Highways; I10: Economics and Administration; I70: Traffic and Transport;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01497428
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Report/Paper Numbers: UCD-ITS-WP-13-02
• Files: CALTRANS, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Nov 1 2013 2:40PM