Driver engagement with EVs and passion for their environmental benefits are really starting to outweigh the challenges, but much work needs to be done by the charging industry as a whole to address existing obstacles.

Shell Recharge Solutions says drivers should feel they have access to sufficient charge points with a convenient, seamless and reliable charging experience

That’s according to the latest Shell Recharge Solutions EV Driver Survey, the largest study among EV drivers in Europe, which reveals that issues with charging, including having to use too many apps, are causing frustrations.

This year, the EV Driver Survey was completed by 14,991 current EV drivers in five markets: UK (2,853), France (1,587), Germany (6,272), Netherlands (4,145), and Belgium (134).

The study – carried out for the first time under the Shell Recharge Solutions banner, following the NewMotion and Greenlots rebrands – reveals that three-quarters (75%) of current EV drivers are now planning on buying a BEV as their next vehicle, while the proportion thinking of going back to fossil fuels has halved from 4% to 2%.

The survey also found that 70% of drivers would choose a BEV over a hybrid due to the environmental benefits, and 55% for the cost benefits.

Yet, not all are happy. The majority of EV drivers (72%) agree mass adoption of EVs is essential to protect the environment, but over half (55%) are concerned about lack of charging infrastructure accessibility.

This includes interoperability – the number of drivers with multiple charge cards has increased, with 36% of drivers owning 4+ charge cards, up from 15% in 2021. That problem is particularly acute in the UK, where over half (55%) of drivers now carry four or more cards in order to access the charging they need. In Belgium and the Netherlands, by contrast, that number is closer to one-in-eight.

Out of the 55% of EV drivers that have 4+ charge cards in the UK, almost 40% want a single charge card, even if it requires paying an additional amount.

The study also reveals that charging speeds at public locations continue to underperform in drivers’ estimations. Asked whether speeds at different locations are fast enough for their needs, only a third of respondents said that highway chargers meet their requirements, and that figure dropped to one-in-five for retail and hospitality locations.

However, drivers would be flexible on charging speeds to support renewables. Over half (57%) of drivers confirm they are willing to accept slower charging if this would support usage of renewable energy, with 40% willing to drive further for a public charge point if it charges with renewable energy. Additionally, the survey revealed that almost one-third of drivers urgently want integration of EV charging with at-home renewables, demonstrating that sustainable energy use for charging is a key demand for EV drivers.

Meanwhile, almost 60% of EV drivers believe that smart charging would be a good way to encourage more people to drive EVs.

Melanie Lane, CEO of Shell Recharge Solutions Europe, said: “The industry needs to understand the challenges of EV drivers in order to facilitate mass adoption and that’s why the findings of our survey are critical. It’s clear that there is a growing passion for EVs, where drivers are motivated by technology, cost, and sustainability, but it’s also evident that the lack of a good user experience remains a key barrier to mass adoption. To continue momentum and encourage further EV adoption, these issues must be addressed. Drivers should feel they have access to sufficient charge points with a convenient, seamless and reliable charging experience. By focusing on improving the user experience, we are choosing to listen to drivers, and we are encouraging the industry to join us.”