ABOUT THE ELECTRIC TRANSITION

Report: Consumers Enthusiastic About EVs, But Reluctant To Change Habits
19 May 2011 (Renew Grid)

"…[Plug-in electric vehicles; Changing perceptions, hedging bets from Accenture…a study of over 7,000 people in 13 countries…found that 60% of consumers would consider buying a PEV for their next car purchase, and 68% would probably or certainly do so within the next three years. Respondents in China are by far the most enthusiastic, with 96% probably or certainly considering a purchase in the next three years.

"Consumers' preferences for charging PEVs, however, could challenge utilities and charging-service providers by increasing [the cost and complexity of managing the electricity grid and charging infrastructure and increase] grid congestion and peak-time electricity demand."

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"Two thirds (67%) of consumers are not willing to let charge-point operators limit when consumers can charge their PEVs, and 20% would only accept limits if they fell within time periods they had chosen. This would reduce the scope to manage electricity demand and avoid grid congestion…In addition, 62% of the respondents said they would reject battery swapping, where empty batteries are quickly replaced at service stations for fully charged ones. Instead, they would prefer to plug in their car to recharge the battery. This could limit the opportunity for charging during off-peak hours, when battery swapping companies would most likely refuel batteries.

"Finally, 55% of respondents would only plug in their PEV when they need to charge it, rather than whenever they park. This behavior could result in less-predictable charging patterns and could reduce the demand for public charging infrastructure…Consumers would also need more supportive charging infrastructure in order to adopt fully electric PEVs. Only 29% of car drivers would buy fully electric PEVs, and 71% would prefer plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs), which run on gasoline or diesel once the battery runs low…"

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"…85% said fully electric PEVs have insufficient battery range to cover their daily driving needs, while 83% cited the insufficient availability of charging points and 70% said charging times for fully electric plug-in EVs are too long…[T]he vast majority of car drivers would want to pay as they charge, as they do for fuel today, requiring utilities to consider changes to their revenue and billing systems...

"…[S]uggested for utilities…[1]Reach consumers through commercial alliances with automotive distributors…[2] Optimize infrastructure through collaboration with distribution network operators (DNOs)…[and invest] in smart charging…[3] Engage consumers through market segmentation. Target customer groups…"