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A new survey reveals that electric vehicle (EV) drivers prioritize convenient access and reliability nearly as much as charging speed, indicating a significant shift in consumer expectations. The research, commissioned by Konect, Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s EV Charging brand operated by Vontier (NYSE: VNT), surveyed 1,000 U.S. EV owners and found they expect the charging experience to be as seamless and user-friendly as a traditional gas station visit.
Key Highlights
- Location is paramount, with almost a third (32%) of drivers stating they would choose the chargers closest to them.
- Reliability is a major factor, as 36% of drivers avoid locations known for unreliable chargers, and 29% prefer sites with multiple charging units.
- A vast majority (93%) of EV owners would accept higher charging costs to avoid a 20-minute detour.
- On average, drivers are willing to pay a 63% price premium to save time and avoid detours.
- Desirable on-site amenities include free WiFi (36%) and clean restroom access (30.6%).
The Price of Convenience
The survey data makes it clear that for EV drivers, time is a valuable commodity. Detours are a significant point of frustration, with 21% of drivers considering a 10 to 20-minute detour a dealbreaker. That figure nearly doubles for longer trips, as 37% will not travel more than 20 minutes off their route to find a charging station.
This willingness to pay for convenience highlights a critical gap in the current charging infrastructure. Drivers are signaling that proximity and predictability are worth a premium.
“This survey makes one thing clear: people don’t just want fast charging, they want fast access to charging,” said Merrick Glass, Managing Director at Konect. “It’s not solely about charging speed anymore, it’s about where the chargers are, how easy they are to reach, and what the experience feels like when you get there.”
Valuing the On-Site Experience
Beyond location and reliability, the overall experience at a charging site heavily influences driver choice. The survey identified several key amenities that make a location more appealing. Topping the list was free WiFi, cited by 36% of respondents, closely followed by access to clean restrooms (30.6%). Other important factors include loyalty perks and reward programs (27.5%) and the availability of on-site food and drink options like a café or restaurant (27.4%).
However, even a site with every preferred amenity has its limits. The data shows that drivers are only willing to make an average detour of 12 minutes to access an ideal charging location. Fewer than 1% would travel more than 20 minutes, reinforcing that convenience remains the top priority.
“People are treating EV charging more like stopping at a convenience store and less like filling a tank,” Glass added. “They’re calculating time, comfort, and experience, not just price per kilowatt-hour.”
The Future of EV Charging
These findings underscore a growing movement toward what some industry insiders call ‘Charging 2.0,’ an era defined by reliability, integration with everyday destinations, and a consistent driver experience. While charging speed is still important, location and predictability are emerging as powerful differentiators for charging providers.
Convenience retailers are uniquely positioned to meet these evolving demands. Konect, which builds and manages EV charging infrastructure for this sector, notes that with more than 148,000 stores located within 10 minutes of 90% of U.S. households, the convenience store network is poised to become a cornerstone of the next-generation EV charging ecosystem.
About Konect
Konect offers a turnkey electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure ecosystem, enabling seamless integration with existing fueling, payment, and service offerings. It guides charge point operators (CPOs) through the e-mobility adoption process by offering tailored solutions for site planning, funding, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
About Gilbarco Veeder-Root
Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a Vontier company, is a global technology leader for retail and commercial fueling operations. For over 150 years, it has provided integrated solutions from the forecourt to the head office, including fuel dispensers, tank gauges, and fleet management systems.
For more information, please visit: www.gilbarco.com.
About Vontier
Vontier (NYSE: VNT) is a global industrial technology company focused on the mobility ecosystem. It delivers smart, safe, and sustainable solutions by leveraging leading market positions in productivity, automation, and multi-energy technologies.
Additional information about Vontier is available at www.vontier.com.
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