Tailored info about battery charge increases EV drivers‘ uptake of smart charging; easing grid stress & promoting green energy use.
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is seen as pivotal in reducing carbon emissions, with governments implementing strategies to promote their adoption. However, the increasing prevalence of EVs poses challenges to existing power grids, particularly in managing the additional electricity demand during peak times.
Conventional charging systems exacerbate grid stress by initiating charging at maximum power, regardless of grid conditions. Smart charging systems offer a solution by optimising charging to maintain grid stability and meet individual preferences– such as charging during off-peak hours. Despite the potential benefits, the success of smart charging depends on drivers‘ acceptance and usage.
Understanding the factors influencing drivers‘ decisions regarding smart charging and addressing the associated range of anxiety this might cause, is essential for maximising this technology’s potential in the energy transition.
To explore this, researchers conducted an online randomised controlled experiment with 222 UK participants. The study, conducted in two phases (baseline and experimental), aimed to assess drivers‘ inclinations toward smart charging and evaluate a behavioural intervention designed to encourage its adoption.
In the experimental phase (Wave 2), researchers examined the impact of two translations of the battery’s state of charge (SoC) information,”Miles” and “Tailored” on charging decisions; both of which focused on the drivers‘ preference for smart charging. The control condition used the traditional SoC percentage.
In the Miles condition, participants saw the remaining driving range in miles alongside the SoC percentage–which is based on an average EV range of 165 miles. In the Tailored condition, personalised information indicated the number of working days participants could drive within the remaining range–which was calculated from their daily driving distances.
The result: Wave 2 showed an increase in smart charging choices from 67.28% in Wave 1 to 71.05%. Participants were 1.34 times more likely to choose smart charging in the Miles condition and 1.49 times more likely in the Tailored condition, compared to the baseline phase. Providing SoC information in miles, especially tailored to individual driving habits, reduced range anxiety and increased smart charging choices; particularly for those with shorter daily distances. However, it did not significantly affect those with long-distance driving needs.
This result suggests that the intervention helped drivers to have a more informed choice, as only those who drive long distances more often need to ensure a quick full recharge.
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From Maria Lagomarsino, a behavioural science expert from Geneva, Switzerland. She represents a team of researchers from the University of Basel and the Iberian Centre for Research in Energy Storage. The team investigates human judgement and decision-making, focusing on the psychological mechanisms underlying global climate change and the energy transition.
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