UScale Charging Study 2023: Where Charging Still Has Issues

For the fourth consecutive time, the market research company UScale conducted its Public Charging Study 2023 to determine where users charge their electric cars and the relevance of the various charging locations.

Unsurprisingly, charging at home and at the workplace has significant importance: 79% charge at home, 33% at the employer's (Slide 3 of the press handout enclosed). Additionally, various (semi-)public charging locations are equally important. For example, 33% charge at retail stores; 38% use public charging points at the roadside.

Charging at the employer's, yes - charging by the employer, rather no

Charging at the employer's, often purported as the second most important pillar in the German charging mix, hasn't materialized as expected. Nonetheless, the relevance of employer-based charging is high: 79% use their electric car occasionally for commuting to work (Slide 4). Thus, employers have a significant influence on charging behavior and the overall acceptance of electromobility through their charging offerings. Additionally, companies can strengthen employee retention through electricity pricing and tax measures while securing their environmental goals.

For many employers, charging electricity can be an additional income source

The reasons for the still reserved usage become apparent upon closer inspection: Employers mainly focus on expanding their charging offers for company car drivers, who currently represent 13% of electric car users (Slide 5). While 55% of company car drivers can charge at work, only 29% of private vehicle users can do so. Employers cover the charging costs for 82% of company car drivers, but only for 48% of private car-driving employees (Slide 6).

All others pay for the charging electricity. 36% receive conditions that are better than home tariffs, 33% pay the same as at home, and 21% pay even more than at home (Slide 7). Considering the high utilization of on-site charging infrastructure necessary for amortization and the favorable purchasing conditions at large companies, it can be assumed that employers profit from selling charging electricity.

More charging points and fixed cables desired

The attractiveness of charging at the workplace is unimpaired by this: 98% find charging at work (very) attractive (Slide 8). At the same time, the list of potential improvements is long: When asked about improvement potentials, 52% rank the desire for more charging points highest, followed by the wish for fixed cables (28%) (Slide 9).

The high need for action is shared by employers with the operators of all other (semi-)public charging locations. The reason is simple: Many charging locations are perceived by users to be occupied more often than available (Slide 10), which is not conducive to the perception of reliably available charging stations.