Public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles may not be up to par with consumer expectations, but home charging seems to be providing a satisfying experience. That is according to J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Home Charging Study, which was released on March 26.
The study found that overall satisfaction for drivers in all three home charging segments was up year-over-year. Level 1 portable chargers took the lead with +20 points on a 1,000-point scale, while Level 2 permanently mounted home chargers were up only +4 points in comparison and Level 2 portable charging stations +2.
“In contrast to public charging, home charging is the ultimate convenience for owners to charge their EV,” said Brent Gruber, Executive Director of EV Practice at J.D. Power, in a statement. “Home charging is the most satisfying aspect of owning an EV, which is why all parties in the EV ecosystem need to take the necessary steps to ensure that residential charging is available for current and potential EV owners alike.”
Gruber added that incentives and programs also help offset the cost of charger installations, upgrades, and the management of ongoing charging costs. However, he also noted that too few consumers looking to buy an EV are taking advantage of these offerings.
“The industry needs to do a much better job with consumer education and awareness, and dealers are certainly in the best position to fill that role at a local level,” said Gruber.
The study ranked Tesla as the highest among Level 2 permanently mounted charging stations for a fourth consecutive year, thanks to a score of 790. Emporia scored 764 points and ranks second, and GRIZZL-E has 761 points and ranks third.
