Shell Recharge EV-Driver-Report
E-mobility has finally arrived in the middle of society
The Shell Recharge EV Driver Report 2023 provides up-to-date insights into the assessments of almost 25,000 respondents. One interesting result: the range confidence of e-car drivers is increasing.
The Shell Recharge EV Driver Report 2023 is one of the largest surveys looking at the attitudes and behaviours of e-car drivers in Europe. For the fourth consecutive year, the latest analysis has surveyed nearly 25,000 e-vehicle drivers from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK.
The most important findings of the study
According to the report, 42% of respondents have purchased an e-vehicle within the last year and 67% within the last two years. This significant growth is dominated by the market for new e-vehicles. In fact, 87% of e-car drivers surveyed bought their vehicle as a new car (the average figure for all new cars in Europe is only 27%).
The experience of e-vehicle drivers has been positively influenced by both technological advances and the expansion of charging infrastructure:
- Only 14 % still said that they refrain from longer journeys.
- The number of respondents who travelled to other European countries with an e-vehicle and had a good charging experience increased by 5 %.
- E-car drivers are becoming more relaxed about their charging times: 47 % of respondents said they no longer need to charge every day.
EV drivers' demands are becoming clearer
One demand is for a less complex mix of apps and maps. Almost a quarter (23%) of respondents have four apps installed to manage and make the most of their electric car, and the same number access the public charging infrastructure with four or even more charging cards.
There is a strong desire for a more streamlined and simplified solution. Almost half of the respondents (47%) say they would prefer uniform access to all public charging stations, even if it meant paying a little more per charge.
The study also shows a clear link between e-vehicle ownership and a broader commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. The e-drivers surveyed are willing to make appropriate adjustments to maximise the benefits of their vehicle. Almost half (47%) have also already invested in a solar system and 36% have smart thermostats.
Two thirds of respondents (66%) would like their charging station operator to offer them a special electricity tariff and 48% would like their contract to include smart charging services. A third (33 %) of e-vehicle drivers also want devices such as solar panels and home batteries to be included.
Opportunities for companies as partners in charging infrastructure
The report highlights several opportunities for businesses to get involved in the charging system through destination charging. Almost half (44%) of the drivers surveyed said they did not have a charging station at home. This is an opportunity for companies to make a positive contribution by offering charging facilities when shopping or during leisure time. New customers can be won and their length of stay increased. Almost half (49%) of electric car drivers make their shopping and travel dependent on the availability of charging stations and 57% said they would visit destinations where charging stations are available more often.
Shell Recharge aims to set new standards in public charging by making it faster and easier for customers to use. Through the Shell Recharge app and map offering in Europe, customers have access to over 500,000 charging points in 25 countries.
Shell is also working with some of the world's best-known retail brands, such as REWE, to offer charging solutions that make the switch to electric cars as easy and convenient as possible for customers.
About the study
The study, commissioned by Shell and conducted by LCP-Delta, shows that electric vehicle adoption continues to grow in several key European markets. The findings of the latest report are in line with the increasing sales of e-vehicles worldwide.
