New research suggests electric vehicle improvements are having a positive impact on driver perceptions, including range anxiety. However, driver say they are frustrated by the need for so many apps and cards to charge and would pay more if there was a single payment method.

The Shell Recharge EV Driver Survey 2023 asked the view of nearly 25,000 drivers across Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK.  Two fifths (42%) of the respondents had purchased an EV within the last year and over two thirds (67%) within the last two years. This growth is dominated by new EV purchases, with 87% of the drivers buying their vehicle new. 

The data shows that real-world EV experience, technology advances and growth in charging infrastructure are having a positive impact on driver attitudes: 

·       Only 14% of EV drivers say they refrain from taking longer journeys 

·       Drivers are becoming more relaxed about when EVs are charged, with 47% of respondents saying that they do not need to charge daily  

However, the owners are frustrated by the need to download extra apps and cards to manage their charging. Nearly a quarter (23%) of drivers have installed four applications make the most of their EV, and the same figure was quoted for drivers who access public charging infrastructure with four or more charge cards.    

However, appetite for a more streamlined and seamless experience is high. Nearly half (47%) of respondents say they would prefer to have a single method of accessing all public charge points even if that means they were to pay slightly more per charge. 

Florian Glattes, Vice President, E-Mobility Solutions at Shell, said:"The EV adoption growth curve is clear from the data, and it is encouraging to see that many of these drivers are feeling positive about the experience. However, if we are to continue accelerating at pace then industry must listen to the needs of drivers and work together to effectively continue removing barriers into entry and further enhance the customer experience.”  

Drivers would pay extra to have just one card or app, says the survey