published journal article

Americans’ opinions and interests in plug-in electric vehicle smart charging programs

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment

Publication Date

April 1, 2024

Author(s)

Matthew Dean, Kara Kockelman

Abstract

Power companies are developing plug-in electric vehicle (EV) smart charging programs to shift charging to off-peak hours, when demand is lower, and to align charging with renewable energy. An internet-based survey of over 1,000 Americans ascertains opinions on supplier-managed charging (SMC) programs and the expected benefits of program participation. About 25.6% of Americans say they would never accept SMC, but 8.8% would be willing to use an app or timer to stagger charging themselves. Up to 36.9% would cede some control to their supplier (17.6% at night only, 10.3% on grid-strained days only, and 8.9% every day to optimize the local grid). Multinomial logit models indicate that Americans with household EVs and wholesale-indexed energy rates are more willing to accept an SMC program. Tobit model results indicate the minimum required bill credits of $126 (one-time only) and $17 (per year) for SMC program participation.

Suggested Citation
Matthew D. Dean and Kara M. Kockelman (2024) “Americans’ opinions and interests in plug-in electric vehicle smart charging programs”, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 129, p. 104129. Available at: 10.1016/j.trd.2024.104129.