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California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results May 2013 9325 Sky Park Court, Suite 100 | San Diego, CA 92123 | (858) 244-1177 | energycenter.org

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Page 1: California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results ... · The results of the statewide survey confirm high levels of satisfaction with plug-in vehicles, but also identify significant

California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results

May 2013

9325 Sky Park Court, Suite 100 | San Diego, CA 92123 | (858) 244-1177 | energycenter.org

Page 2: California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results ... · The results of the statewide survey confirm high levels of satisfaction with plug-in vehicles, but also identify significant

Report Chronology

Round 1 — Issued July 2012 Round 2 — Issued May 2013

Copyright

California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013, Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, California Center for Sustainable Energy © May 2013 California Center for Sustainable Energy

This report was prepared by the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) as a result of work sponsored by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP). It is available online at www.energycenter.org/cvrp.

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1California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................................3 Who are California’s Plug-in Electric Vehicle Owners? .............................................................4 What Drives California’s Plug-in Electric Vehicle Owners? ......................................................6

SURVEY ANALYSIS .....................................................................................................................................9 Vehicle Satisfaction and Use .............................................................................................................9 Ownership Motivation ..................................................................................................................... 12 Vehicle Charging................................................................................................................................. 13 Residential Charging ......................................................................................................................... 15 Time-of-Use Rates and Vehicle Charging Behavior ........................................................ 16 Environmental Benefits of Off-peak Charging ................................................................. 16 Residential Charging Stations ................................................................................................ 17 Public Charging ................................................................................................................................... 19

ABOUT THE CLEAN VEHICLE REBATE PROJECT ......................................................................... 20 Vehicle Rebate Statistics .................................................................................................................. 21 Further Information ........................................................................................................................... 21

Page 4: California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results ... · The results of the statewide survey confirm high levels of satisfaction with plug-in vehicles, but also identify significant
Page 5: California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results ... · The results of the statewide survey confirm high levels of satisfaction with plug-in vehicles, but also identify significant

3California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013

OVERVIEW

The U.S. plug-in electric vehicle market experienced remarkable growth in 2012, with sales tripling that of 2011. This rapid expansion was driven in large part by California, which had more than 22,000 plug-in vehicles (roughly 35% of the U.S. market) on its roads by the end of 2012. This strong market growth was highlighted by the fact that roughly one of every 40 new cars bought or leased in California during the last three months of 2012 was a plug-in electric vehicle. As a result, Californians are now driving more than 15 million electric-fueled miles every month.

The growth in consumer adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in California is supported by the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (www.energycenter.org/cvrp), a consumer incentive program that offers up to $2,500 for the purchase of eligible vehicles. Funded by the California Air Resources Board (ARB), the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project is administered by the nonprofit California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE). Since its launch in March 2010, the program has issued over 22,000 rebates and educated more than 100,000 Californians on the availability and benefits of plug-in electric and other clean vehicle technologies.

In an effort to better understand the dynamics of California’s growing plug-in electric vehicle market, CCSE, in coordination with ARB, is conducting a longitudinal study of vehicle owners that explores vehicle satisfaction, driving behavior, use of charging infrastructure, motivations for vehicle purchase and household demographics. Since early 2012, CCSE has collected information from 2,039 individual California plug-in vehicle owners and drivers. Overall, these surveys represent the largest and most detailed surveys of plug-in electric vehicle drivers in the nation.

The results of the statewide survey confirm high levels of satisfaction with plug-in vehicles, but also identify significant challenges to broader consumer adoption of the technology. Highlights from the latest survey include:

The CVRP was identified by 95% of survey respondents as an important motivating factor in their purchase decision.

92% of survey respondents reported overall satisfaction with their vehicle purchase and drive their plug-in vehicles an average of 910 miles per month.

Driver satisfaction with public charging infrastructure remains low, but is improving. Between February and October 2012, satisfaction increased from 17% to 23%.

37% of survey respondents reported having access to workplace charging; however, 66% reported using it less than once per week when usage fees were charged.

Two-thirds of respondents reported a willingness to pay up to $1.00 per hour for occasional public charging, but less than one-third were willing to pay $1.50 per hour.

Only 16% of respondents reported a willingness to pay up to $1.25 per hour for daily vehicle charging outside the home, but 43% were willing to pay $1.00.

Although an overwhelming majority of respondents expressed overall satisfaction with their vehicles, 40% were dissatisfied with their electric range and 57% indicated that a range of 150 miles or more would be needed for extreme satisfaction.

Roughly 1 of every 40 new cars bought or leased in California during the last three months of 2012 was a plug-in electric vehicle.

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4 California Center for Sustainable Energy

Who Are California’s Plug-in Electric Vehicle Owners?Clean Vehicle Rebate Project

gas

39%

29%

19%

of primary PEV drivers are male

71%

Distribution of survey respondents

0%

1%

2% – 5%

6% – 30%

31% – 40%

97%

electricity

Percentage of survey respondentswho are Nissan Leaf owners

Educational level of respondents

2% 7% 4% 35%

High Schoolor less

Some college,

no degree

Associatedegree

Bachelor’sdegree

Post-graduatedegree

52%

<1%

18 to 24

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

3%

21%

28%

14%

65 orolder55 to 6445 to 5435 to 4425 to 34

32% of respondentsare age 45 to 54

California’s Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs)As of March 2013, Californians owned or leased more than 30,000 PEVs, or approximately one out of every three PEVs in the nation. The CVRP issued rebate checks to more than 20,000 of these California vehicle drivers, including 10,750 rebates for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 10,250 rebates for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Second round survey respondents were exclusively BEV drivers; subsequent survey rounds will include BEV and PHEV drivers.

of respondents also own a conventional fuel vehicle

94%

Survey population (PEV owners for 6 months or longer as of March 1, 2012)

Survey unique respondents

2,039

4,329

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5California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013

Source: Survey conducted October 2012 by the California Center for Sustainable Energywww.energycenter.org

of respondentsown their home

96%

3% reside in an apartment/condominium

1% reside in other dwellings

90% of respondents reside in households of two people or more

94%

6% 21%40%

32%

6% reside in a single-family attached home (townhome, duplex, triplex, etc.)

have photovoltaic systems installed on their home

39%

Importance of subsidy for decision to purchase a Level 2 charger

0 20 40 60 80 100

Not at all Very little Somewhat A lot Deciding factor

reside in a single-family detached home

have installed aresidential charger

90%

71%of respondents park their vehicle in a garage

received a free or subsidized Level 2 charger

56%

Household income of PEV drivers

PEV drivers1

Conventionalvehicle buyers2

Unknown

Under $49,999

$50,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 and over

20% 20%20%

47%

30%

14% 15%

17%

2%

13%

1 Reported household income for PEV survey respondents CY 2012.2 Household income based on California new personal car registrations

Jan–Nov 2012 (Source: Polk Inc.)

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6 California Center for Sustainable Energy

Motivation for purchasing a PEV

Not at all important

Not very important

Somewhatimportant

Extremely important

100%

Environmentalbene�ts

Energyindependence

Tax credit

Fuel savings

State rebate

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

Economicfactors

Nonfinancialmotivators

What Drives California’s Plug-in Electric Vehicle Owners?Clean Vehicle Rebate Project

Frequency of charging at work

Never<1 x/week

1–2 x/week

2–3 x/week

4+ x/week

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Free

Paid

For those who pay to charge at work, charge less than once a week or not at all66%

Distribution of survey respondents

0%

1%

2% – 5%

6% – 30%

31% – 40%

California’s Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs)As of March 2013, Californians owned or leased more than 30,000 PEVs, or approximately one out of every three PEVs in the nation. The CVRP issued rebate checks to more than 20,000 of these California vehicle drivers, including 10,750 rebates for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 10,250 rebates for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Second round survey respondents were exclusively BEV drivers; subsequent survey rounds will include BEV and PHEV drivers.

PEV vs. conventional vehicle use by activity

Workcommute

100%90%80%70%60%50%40%30%20%10%

0%

Personalerrands

ShoppingLeisure

Businesstravel

Vacationtravel

Conventional vehicle

PEV

of survey respondents had access to workplace charging

electricity

electricity had access to it for free

Of those who reported having workplace charging

82% 37%

59% stated having HOV lane access was an important consideration in their decision to purchase a PEV

74% of survey respondents display an HOV sticker on their PEV

39%

29%

19%

Survey population (PEV owners for 6 months or longer as of March 1, 2012)

Round 2 respondents

1,202

4,329

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7California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013

expressed varying levels of dissatisfaction with public charging infrastructure

77%

Extremely satis�ed

Satis�ed

Dissatis�ed

Extremely disatis�edFactors determining when to charge

Not at all important

Not very important

Somewhatimportant

Extremely important

Cost of charging

Convenience

Range anxiety

Environmental impacts

Grid impacts

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Satisfactionwith PEV

Performance

Passenger space

Cargo space

Electric range

Veryunsatis�ed

Unsatis�edSatis�edExtremely satis�ed

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Average miles driven per day

14%50%

28%

8%

Source: Survey conducted October 2012 by the California Center for Sustainable Energy www.energycenter.org

of respondents desired an electric range between 101–150 miles

32%

0–50 miles

51–100 miles

101–150 miles

151–200 miles

201–250 miles

251–300 miles

301 and up

9%

27%

10%

16%

4%

1%

of respondents would pay $1/hr for occasionalcharging

Willingness to pay for Level 2 charging

63% Occasional

Daily

Free$ .50/hr$1.00/hr$1.50/hr$2.00/hr$2.50/hr

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

would pay $1/hr for daily charging

43% expressed overallsatisfaction with their PEV

92%

Up to 15 miles

15 to 30 miles

30 to 45 miles

45 or more miles

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8 California Center for Sustainable Energy

Nissan Leaf drivers dominate the Round 1 and Round 2 survey populations, with fully 97% of survey respondents being Leaf owners or lessees. Although more than 2,000 Chevrolet Volts were sold or leased in California prior to March 2012, these drivers were not represented in the Round 1 and 2 survey populations because the Volt was ineligible for the CVRP prior to this date. Between March and September 2012, more than 1,200 Volt owners applied for and received a rebate from the CVRP. These drivers will be part of the Round 3 survey population.

The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has always been eligible for the CVRP, but was not available to consumers in significant numbers until March 2012. Approximately 1,800 Prius Plug-in owners applied for and received a rebate from the CVRP prior to September 2012 and will subsequently be part of the Round 3 survey population.

97%electricity

Percentage of survey respondentswho are Nissan Leaf owners

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9California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013

The California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey is administered semiannually to CVRP recipients. Detailed information on purchasing motivations, charging behavior, vehicle use, access to public and residential charging infrastructure, fueling costs and other data are collected from California plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) drivers who have owned or leased a PEV for a minimum of six months.1 To date, CVRP surveys have included only plug-in electric vehicles. Fuel cell vehicles will be included in future CVRP survey efforts when those vehicles become commonly available.

As of October 2012, two rounds of the CVRP survey had been administered (see Table 1), with the survey population divided into cohorts based on CVRP application receipt date. Cohort 1 is defined as CVRP applicants who applied for a CVRP rebate from March 2010 through August 2011. Cohort 2 is defined as CVRP applicants who applied for a rebate from September 2011 through February 2012. Cohort sizes and survey respondents by cohort are given in Table 1. A total of 2,611 respondents (2,039 unique) participated in the first two rounds of the survey, with 572 respondents participating in both rounds.

Vehicle Satisfaction and Use

PEV drivers expressed high levels of satisfaction with their vehicles, both overall and across a variety of specific characteristics, with the highest ratings for performance and passenger space (Figure 1). In contrast to these favorable ratings, nearly 40% of PEV drivers expressed some level of dissatisfaction with their vehicle’s all-electric range. When asked what all-electric range would result in extreme satisfaction, 57% of respondents expressed a desired range of 150 miles or greater (Figure 2). This is nearly double the Nissan Leaf’s EPA rated range of 78 miles and exceeds the rated range of nearly all battery electric vehicles currently on the market (Table 2).

1 In order to determine eligibility to participate in the survey, CVRP application receipt date is used as a proxy for the vehicle purchase date. Therefore, the length of ownership may vary due to a lag between the actual vehicle purchase date and CVRP application date.

SURVEY ANALYSIS

2,611 responses (2,039 unique respondents) have been collected thus far.

Table 1. Survey Populations, Cohorts and Total Respondents

Survey Populations Survey Respondents

Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Total Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Total

Round 1 Survey: February 2012

2,526 — 2,526 1,409* — 1,409

Round 2 Survey: October 2012

2,526 1,803 4,329 819 383 1,202

* 1,419 complete responses were received for Round 1 of the survey; however, due to a change in the use of application receipt dates in the survey design, 10 respondents were removed from Cohort 1.

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10 California Center for Sustainable Energy

Despite the large discrepancy in desired versus rated all-electric range, the actual average vehicle use of survey respondents was 28.9 miles per day, which coincides with the daily driving habits of non-PEV drivers with similar demographics.2 Only 8% of PEV drivers log more than an average of 45 miles per day (Figure 3), which corresponds to 16,400 miles per year or greater.

2 Federal Highway Administration: Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group, http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/onh00/bar8.htm. Using the weighted average of daily driving based on the gender and age distribution observed in the survey population respondents, the expected average daily miles driven is 31 miles/day.

Figure 1. Overall Satisfaction with PEV & Vehicle Characteristics

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Electricrange

Cargospace

Passengerspace

Performance

Overall

7%

49%

69%

80%

54% 38%

14%

25%

42%

53% 30%

Extremely satis�ed Satis�ed Unsatis�ed Very unsatis�ed

The actual average vehicle use of survey respondents was 28.9 miles per day.

Figure 2. All Electric Range Desired for Extreme Satisfaction

0–50

1%

51–100

9%

32%

27%

10%

16%

101–150 151–200 201-250 251-300 301and up

4%

Range Desired (miles)

% o

f Tot

al R

espo

nden

ts

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

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11California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013

Only 8% of PEV drivers log more than an average of 45 miles per day, which corresponds to 16,400 miles per year or greater.

*EPA estimates, actual range may vary

Table 2. Partial List of CVRP Eligible Vehicles

Vehicle Electric Range*

Ford Focus Electric 76 miles

Honda Fit EV 82 miles

Mitsubishi i-MiEV 62 miles

Nissan Leaf 78 miles

Smart ED 68 miles

Tesla Model S (85 kWh battery) 265 miles

Toyota RAV4 EV 103 miles

14%

50%

Mile

s

Percent of Total Respondents

Up to 15

15 to 30

30 to 45

45 or more

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

8%

28%

Figure 3. Average Miles Driven Daily

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12 California Center for Sustainable Energy

Ownership Motivation

In order to better understand the motivations for plug-in electric vehicle adoption, respondents were asked to rate the importance of various factors in their decision to purchase a PEV (Figure 4). Of these factors, environmental benefits were rated as the most important motivation for purchasing a PEV, with 72% of respondents describing it as “extremely important.” This was followed closely by energy independence with 67% of respondents rating it as “extremely important.” Interestingly, HOV lane access was rated as an important motivation factor by only 59% of respondents; however, 74% reported displaying an HOV sticker on their vehicle.

Environmental benefits were rated as the most important motivation for purchasing a PEV

Figure 4. Importance of Motivations on Vehicle Purchasing Decision

Environmentalbene�ts

Energyindependence

Taxcredit

Fuelsavings

Staterebate

HOV lane access

Extremely important

Somewhatimportant

Not veryimportant

Not at allimportant

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

72%

67%

52%

50%

47%

32% 27% 25% 13%

46% 6%

41% 8%

41% 5%

24% 6%

22% 4%

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13California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013

Vehicle Charging

The three most important factors in determining when respondents charge are cost, convenience and range anxiety, rated as “extremely important” by 53%, 46% and 45% respectively (Figure 5). Among the lowest ranked determinants of when owners charge their vehicles are environmental and grid impacts, ranked as “extremely important” by 30% and 19% of owners respectively. The relatively low rating of environmental impacts is surprising given how highly drivers rated environmental benefits as a motivating factor in their vehicle purchase (Figure 4). This discrepancy may suggest a lack of awareness among PEV owners regarding the environmental impacts of when and how vehicles are charged. Consequently, though messaging designed to influence charging behavior should continue to focus on cost as a prime motivator, given PEV owners’ expressed interest in environmental benefits, communication strategies could be developed to influence charging behavior based on nonmonetary concerns, including environmental impacts and effects of PEV charging to the electricity grid.

The three most important factors in determining when respondents charge are cost, convenience and range anxiety.

Figure 5. Importance of Factors Determining When PEV Drivers Charge

Cost ofcharging

Convenience

Rangeanxiety

Gridimpacts

Environmentalimpacts

Extremely important

Somewhatimportant

Not veryimportant

Not at allimportant

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

53%

46%

45%

30%

19% 42% 24% 15%

41% 16% 12%

38% 13%

44% 8%

28% 7% 12%

4%

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15California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013

Residential Charging

For PEV owners in California using standard residential electricity rates, the average cost of electricity used to fuel their PEVs can be as high as $0.24–$0.34 per kilowatt-hour (kWh),3 equivalent to $2.70–$4.70 per gallon of gasoline.4 However, lower costs are available because utilities across the state are providing customers with rates exclusively for PEVs that utilize time-of-use (TOU) pricing.

TOU pricing offers cheaper rates during off-peak hours when electricity demand is low and more expensive rates during on-peak hours when there is a greater demand for electricity.

As shown in Figure 6, the majority of early PEV adopters in California are using TOU electricity rates to charge their vehicles.

3 Range of prices sourced from Tier 3 and Tier 4 tariff schedules for PG&E and SCE.4 Range of assumptions for equivalent pricing calculation: PEV efficiency of 3.25 mi/kWh AC, Tier 3 and higher electricity rates of 0.24-0.34$/kWh, conventional vehicle efficiency of 36-45 mpg. [(1/(m/kWh)) x ($/kWh) x (mpg)].

PG&E SCE SDG&E0

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

84% 84%67%

Figure 6. Survey Respondents (nonsolar owners) Using TOU Rates for Vehicle Charging

The majority of early PEV adopters in California are using TOU electricity rates to charge their vehicles.

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16 California Center for Sustainable Energy

Time-of-Use Rates and Vehicle Charging Behavior

Figure 7 summarizes the self-reported charging behavior of survey respondents for charging their PEV at home. As can be seen, PEV owners utilizing TOU rates report fewer charging events in the 4 p.m. to midnight period. This data indicates that PEV owners are reacting to the price signals associated with TOU rates by programming their vehicles to begin charging when electricity is least expensive.

Environmental Benefits of Off-peak Charging

Electricity is generated from a mix of sources — hydroelectric, natural gas, nuclear, renewables and coal. In California, the number one source of electricity generation is from power plants that burn natural gas. Moreover, these natural gas power plants account for nearly 100% of the marginal, or additional, electricity consumed in the state as new electrical loads are added, such as from PEV charging. However, natural gas power plants vary widely in levels of efficiency, from as low as 31.5% to as high as 51.8% efficient,5 with the less efficient power plants used during peak periods of electricity consumption. Compared to PEVs charged during daytime peak periods, PEVs charged in California in off-peak periods reduce greenhouse gas emissions 15%–50%.6

5 California Air Resources Board, Detailed California-Modified GREET Pathway for California Average and Marginal Electricity, pg. 10 (http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/022709lcfs_elec.pdf).6 McCarthy, Ryan W. and Christopher Yang (2009), Determining Marginal Electricity for Near-term Plug-in and Fuel Cell Vehicle Demands in California: Impacts on Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Journal of Power Sources 195 (7), 2099–2109.

Owners using a TOU rate to charge their PEV are much more likely to plug in during off-peak periods.

Figure 7. Charging Behavior of Owners on a TOU Rate vs. Non-TOU Rate

Using TOU rate

% o

f hom

e ch

argi

ng re

port

ed d

urin

g a

7 da

y w

eek

Not using TOU rate

0:00 to 2:00

2:00 to 4:00

4:00 to 6:00

6:00 to 8:00

8:00 to 10:00

10:00 to 12:00

12:00 to 14:00

14:00 to 16:00

16:00 to 18:00

18:00 to 20:00

20:00 to 22:00

22:00 to 24:000

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

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17California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013

Residential Charging Stations

Approximately 90% of respondents reported having a dedicated Level 2 (240 V) residential vehicle charger. Of those that own a charger, 56% indicated the purchase and/or installation of the charging equipment was subsidized. Respondents who purchased their vehicles prior to September 2011 (Cohort 1) were statistically more likely to have a Level 2 charger than those who purchased their vehicles between September 2011 and February 2012 (Cohort 2).

This difference is notable given that major residential Level 2 charger incentive programs, such as the EV Project, remained active throughout this period. However, additional analysis revealed no significant difference between cohorts in the proportion of residential Level 2 adopters that received a monetary incentive.

p-value = 0.000

Table 3. Adoption of Level 2 Residential Chargers Based on Vehicle Purchase Date

Level 2 Charger Installed Cohort 1 Cohort 2

Yes 1,500 320

No 136 63

Percentage with L2 charger 91.7% 83.6%

p-value = 0.534

Table 4. Distribution of Free/Subsidized Level 2 Residential Chargers by Vehicle Purchase Date

Received free or subsidized Level 2 charger Cohort 1 Cohort 2

Yes 938 206

No 562 114

Percentage of L2 chargers that received subsidy 62.5% 64.4%

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18 California Center for Sustainable Energy

No TOU TOU

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

No PV PV

Figure 8. Adoption of EV Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates by PV and Non-PV System Owners

PEV Adoption and Residential Solar Power

The pairing of renewable energy technologies remained an important element in the early PEV population (vehicles purchased prior to March 2012), with nearly 39% of PEV drivers owning residential solar PV systems and 53% of those stating that their systems were sized to meet the additional load from their PEV. Furthermore, of those respondents who did not have solar PV installed, more than 17% expressed a strong interest in adopting the technology in the near future. It also remains true that those with PV are less likely to adopt EV time-of-use rates (Figure 8).

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19California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013

Satisfaction with public charging infrastructure, although still low, noticeably improved since the first round of the PEV survey

Public Charging

Satisfaction with public charging infrastructure, although still low, noticeably improved since the first round of the PEV survey and is significant across multiple levels of analysis. Satisfaction among those who purchased their vehicle prior to September 2011 (Cohort 1) showed a significantly greater level of satisfaction from the first to the second round of the survey (p-value=0.000). In addition, satisfaction with public infrastructure is higher for Cohort 2 respondents than that expressed by Cohort 1 respondents during their first six months of ownership (p-value=0.0001). This data indicates that vehicle owner attitudes have not only improved over time, but that the attitudes of recent car buyers are less negative than those expressed by the first adopters of PEVs.

When viewed in the context of public charging infrastructure deployment, these results are not surprising. Between the first and second survey rounds, California added 880 Level 2 charging points at 355 new public charging locations, increasing from 1,178 points at 598 public locations to 2,058 points at 953 locations. The level of dissatisfaction may continue to decrease in subsequent rounds of the survey as the number of public chargers increases.

Figure 9. Satisfaction with Public Infrastructure Over Time for Cohort 1

1.91 2.04 2.08

Round 1 Cohort 1

Round 2 Cohort 1

Round 2 Cohort 2

Respondent Cohort & Round

Very unsatis�ed 1

Unsatis�ed 2

Satis�ed 3

Very Satis�ed 4

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20 California Center for Sustainable Energy

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) provides cash incentives to individuals, businesses and others throughout California for the purchase or lease of battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. CVRP rebates range from $1,500 to $2,500 for highway-capable passenger vehicles.

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) provides funding for CVRP via revenue from vehicle and vessel registration and smog abatement fees, with project funding legislated through 2015. Each year, ARB conducts a competitive solicitation process to select a CVRP administrator. The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) has managed the project since its launch in March 2010.

The CVRP distributed approximately $46 million to more than 20,000 Californians from March 2010 to March 2013.

ABOUT THE CLEAN VEHICLE REBATE PROJECT

2500

2250

2000

1750

1500

1250

1000

750

500

250

0

Jun - 1

0

Aug - 10

Oct - 1

0

Dec - 10

Feb - 11

Apr- 11

Jun - 1

1

Aug - 11

Oct - 1

1

Dec - 11

Feb - 12

Apr - 12

Jun - 1

2

Aug - 12

Oct - 1

2

Dec - 12

Feb - 13

BEV = Battery electric vehicle

PHEV = Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

CZEV = Commercial zero-emission vehicle

NEV = Neighborhood electric vehicle

ZEM = Zero-emission motorcycle

CVRP Rebates by Vehicle Type through March 2013

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21California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Driver Survey Results – May 2013

Vehicle Rebate Statistics

CCSE provides several online tools that leverage the CVRP database. These tools provide a wide spectrum of information about the adoption and use of clean vehicles in California, including detailed vehicle purchasing trends such as geographic distribution of rebated vehicles.

The CVRP Statistics online tool allows users to view rebate awards on a time series by type of vehicle and provides the option to filter the data by regional air district, local utility, county, ZIP code and owner type. Although the data only documents rebated vehicles, it provides valuable information regarding general adoption in California. The data is of particular interest to city planners, vehicle manufacturers, utility managers and others involved with transportation issues, plug-in electric vehicle readiness planning and air quality control. This information is on the CCSE website, and the data is available for download. www.energycenter.org/projectstatistics

Further Information

This brief summarizes selected results of an ongoing study of PEV drivers in California. For more information on additional findings, visit www.energycenter.org/cvrp or contact [email protected].

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The California Center for Sustainable Energy® (CCSE) operates where energy and climate policies and the marketplace converge — providing integrated consumer education and incentive programs as well as facilitating research and program guidance for regional and state sustainable energy planning and policymaking.