The popularity of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and electric passenger cars has grown rapidly over the past decade, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. The most significant difference between internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles is that when you drive an EV, you can charge it anywhere.
Regardless of how you measure it—EV sales, the number of EVs on the road, government incentives for EVs, the percentage of EVs in total vehicle sales, or the commitments made by automakers to electric mobility—it's undeniable that the future belongs to electric vehicles.
We conducted interviews with thousands of EV drivers across Europe, and based on our statistical data, here are the five most popular EV charging locations:
Charging at Home
Charging at home is the most popular method among EV owners compared to other charging locations. This is not surprising, as charging at home means waking up to a fully charged vehicle every day, and electricity costs are consistent with household rates, making it the most cost-effective charging option.
Charging at Work
Many EV owners currently charge their vehicles regularly at their workplace, and more express their desire to do so. Commuting to the office, charging during working hours, and returning home with a full battery is extremely convenient. As a result, more and more workplaces are equipping themselves with EV charging stations to meet their employees' charging needs.
Charging at Public Charging Stations
With city and local governments heavily investing in charging infrastructure, public charging stations are becoming more prevalent by the day. Public charging stations typically offer multiple charging points and higher output power, significantly reducing charging times. Many EV owners find them convenient and are willing to use them. Some public charging stations even offer a variety of power levels for EV owners to choose from. However, as EV sales continue to rise, the number of public charging stations in our cities is also increasing.
Charging at Gas Stations
While charging at home or work sounds great, what if you need to charge quickly while on the road? Many gas stations and service stations now offer fast charging (also known as Level 3 or DC fast charging) services. A considerable portion of EV owners already charges their vehicles there regularly. Additionally, while charging at home or at work is convenient, it may take several hours to fully charge a battery. However, with fast charging stations, you can charge your battery much more quickly (in just minutes rather than hours) and get back on the road immediately.
Charging at Retail Locations with Charging Stations
Some EV owners prefer to charge their vehicles at supermarkets, shopping centers, and large malls that have Charging Stations. Imagine watching a movie, having dinner, meeting friends for coffee, or even grocery shopping, all while returning to your vehicle with more charge than when you arrived. More and more retailers are recognizing the growing demand for this service and are installing Charging Stations to meet the demand and attract new customers.