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A recent survey conducted by charge point manufacturer GARO reveals that the majority of EV owners in the UK are willing to pay extra to reduce charging times. The survey found that 90% of respondents would be happy to pay more per kWh if it meant cutting waiting times by up to 15 minutes. Busy EV owners are prioritizing convenience as they navigate the challenges of electric vehicle ownership.
Key Highlights:
- 90% of UK EV owners are willing to pay extra per kWh for faster charging times.
- Cardiff leads the demand for faster charging, with 55% of EV owners supporting the idea.
- The lowest demand for paying more to reduce charging times is in the southwest of England at 17%.
- 82% of EV owners prefer using renewable energy, with this figure rising to 92% for 25-34-year-olds.
- GARO emphasizes the importance of installing ultra-fast chargers to reduce waiting times and meet consumer expectations.
The survey identified regional differences in attitudes towards paying extra for faster charging. Cardiff emerged as the area with the highest demand for quicker charging solutions, with 55% of respondents agreeing to pay more. Northern Ireland followed closely behind at 49%. Conversely, the southwest of England showed the least interest, with only 17% expressing a willingness to spend more to save time.
To address these demands, GARO pointed out that installing ultra-fast charging equipment could significantly improve the efficiency of charging stations, reducing waiting times and increasing the number of vehicles charged per day. While expanding the network of charging stations is crucial, ultra-fast units enable more drivers to benefit from reduced charging times and greater convenience.
The UK has made considerable strides in building EV infrastructure, with 60,000 charge points recorded at the beginning of April 2024. However, 59% of these chargers fall under the slow-charging category, with power ratings of 3kW to 8kW, meaning there is still much progress to be made in providing faster, more efficient solutions for EV owners. The Government aims to have at least 300,000 public charge points by 2030, but some industry bodies, like the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), believe that 2.3 million charge points will be necessary by that year to adequately support the growing EV market.
Conor Charnley, UK e-Mobility Manager at GARO, stated: “The UK is making great headway in building the necessary electric vehicle infrastructure, but EV owners are clearly becoming frustrated with the lack of rapid charging solutions available and extended waiting times. If we are to truly overcome range anxiety in the mass transition towards EV, we need to ensure that we are not just expanding infrastructure but doing so with solutions that enable rapid and convenient charging.”
The survey also highlighted a preference among EV owners for renewable energy sources. 82% of respondents expressed a preference for using renewable energy to power their vehicles. This figure rose to 89% among 17-24-year-olds and further increased to 92% among 25-34-year-olds, indicating strong support for sustainable charging options among younger demographics.
About GARO
GARO Electric Limited develops and manufactures innovative electrical installation products, specializing in electric vehicle charging solutions for businesses and fleets across Ireland and the UK. GARO provides comprehensive charging infrastructure that includes smart management systems, dynamic load balancing, and integration with renewable energy sources. With a commitment to the green revolution, GARO’s solutions combine scalability, flexibility, and high-performance capabilities, helping businesses transition to sustainable transportation while offering robust support services.
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