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Home charging remains a cornerstone of satisfaction for electric vehicle (EV) owners, though recent data suggests that some advantages are beginning to wane. According to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Home Charging Study, overall satisfaction with home charging has seen a slight decline, particularly among users of Level 2 charging stations. Despite these challenges, home charging continues to be a critical factor in the EV ownership experience, with Tesla leading the industry for the fifth consecutive year in the Level 2 permanently mounted charging station segment. Issues such as charging speed, cord length, and rising costs are impacting owner experiences, highlighting areas for improvement in this vital aspect of EV ownership.
Key Highlights:
- Satisfaction Decline: Owner satisfaction with Level 2 portable chargers dropped by 21 points to 714 (on a 1,000-point scale), while Level 2 permanently mounted chargers saw an 11-point decrease to 733. Level 1 portable chargers remained steady at 581.
- Charging Speed Impact: Slower-than-expected charging speeds significantly affect satisfaction, causing a 141-point drop compared to owners who do not experience this issue.
- Rising Costs: The average monthly cost for home charging rose to $58, up $2 from last year, contributing to an 8-point decline in satisfaction with charging costs.
- Regional Disparities: Owners in the Northeast and West Coast face higher charging costs, leading to lower satisfaction scores (580 and 651, respectively) compared to other regions (728).
While home charging remains the most convenient option for EV owners, the study identifies several pain points. Charging speed, cord length, and the increasing cost of electricity are key concerns across all charger types. Notably, Level 2 permanently mounted chargers, despite having the highest satisfaction scores, face connectivity issues, with 39.0 problems per 100 chargers (PP100). Nearly one-third of these issues relate to internet/Wi-Fi and app problems, indicating a need for enhanced reliability in smart charging features.
The rising cost of electricity is a growing concern, with owners spending an average of $58 monthly, a $2 increase from the previous year. This small uptick reflects broader economic pressures and has led to a decline in satisfaction with charging costs. Regional differences are significant, with owners in the Northeast and West Coast experiencing higher energy prices and lower satisfaction.
Charging speed is the most influential factor in owner satisfaction. When speeds fall below expectations, satisfaction drops by 141 points. In contrast, connectivity issues have a lesser impact (74-point decline), explaining why Level 2 permanently mounted chargers maintain high satisfaction despite frequent problems.
The study also suggests a potential shift in charger adoption. While Level 2 usage peaks among owners of 2022 model-year vehicles, Level 1 usage is rising among owners of newer models (2023 and beyond). This trend may reflect a preference for simpler, more affordable charging options amid cost concerns.
Tesla continues to lead the Level 2 permanently mounted charging station segment with a score of 776, followed by Emporia (763) and Wallbox (756). Conducted with PlugShare, the study surveyed 10,472 EV owners and evaluated eight key factors, including cost, speed, and reliability. As the EV market grows, addressing these challenges will be essential to sustaining owner satisfaction, especially with public charging infrastructure uncertainties persisting.
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