Research: More and more electric drivers charge smartly

Charging when the sun shines 

EV drivers charge their cars for 61% of all electric kilometers at home. Almost all home chargers have solar panels. They often charge when the sun is shining. 

Cheaper and more sustainable

Thus, more and more EV drivers are charging smartly. With smart charging, the car adjusts charging to times when electricity is cheaper or more sustainable. This can be done automatically via an app or a smart charging station.

Many home chargers have dynamic energy contracts

More and more drivers are also opting for a dynamic energy contract. With this type of contract, the electricity price changes every hour. This way, they charge at times when the electricity price is lower. 

Smart charging works well in combination with a dynamic contract. Charging requires a lot of electricity and can usually be done flexibly. Currently, 41% of home chargers have such a dynamic contract. In all households combined, that is only 6%.

Also benefit without a driveway

Drivers without their own driveway are also finding solutions. One third runs a cable from home to the car. This way, they still benefit from solar energy or a dynamic contract.

Smart charging at public charging stations

EV drivers also see opportunities to charge affordably on the street and at work. At public charging stations, the charging rate can change depending on the time of day. During off-peak hours, the rate is low, and during peak hours, it is higher. The charging speed can also vary. During peak hours, less electricity goes to the car. 

Most drivers positive about street charging

Many EV drivers therefore choose smart charging rates at public charging stations. This is an important reason for them to charge smartly. In some places, this is already possible. Efforts are being made to make this possible throughout the country. 

Most EV drivers are positive about smart charging on the street. They find it especially important that the car is sufficiently charged for the next trip.

Drivers want insight in advance

There is more insight into charging rates than before. However, 28% of EV drivers often do not know what a station nearby costs. Further away from home, there is even more uncertainty. Nearly 80% of EV drivers want to know in advance what a charging session costs. The majority pay the costs themselves.

The National Charging Survey

The National Charging Survey is an annual survey among EV drivers. More than 4,500 people participated in this survey. RVO, ElaadNL, and the Association of Electric Drivers are the initiators. The National Agenda Charging Infrastructure is involved. The University of Groningen verifies the survey.

• Read the full study