A recent study has shed light on the significant roadblock hindering the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in urban environments: the lack of public infrastructure. Researchers have discovered that the absence of adequate charging facilities is severely limiting the adoption of EVs in urban areas, particularly for flat and apartment owners who cannot easily have home chargers installed.
According to Juniper Research, the shortage of public infrastructure poses a major challenge to EV adoption in cities. The study predicts an increase in the number of EV charging points from 14.2 million in 2023 to 45 million in 2027. However, it also reveals a considerable gap between the adoption of public chargers and home chargers, with more than twice as many home chargers expected to be in service compared to public chargers by 2027.
Research co-author Nick Maynard emphasized that relying solely on regulator initiatives, such as mandating charging points in new buildings, will not be sufficient to roll out charging infrastructure on a scale large enough to drive environmental benefits. He stressed the importance of collaboration between EV charging networks, city authorities, and other stakeholders to identify and address the gaps in charging infrastructure. Without such cooperation, the adoption of EVs will remain limited.
Furthermore, the study highlights that current government initiatives are inadequate in accelerating EV adoption, necessitating new innovations and business models within the EV charging industry. Despite initiatives like the opening up of Tesla’s Supercharger network in North America, the research points out that the fragmentation in charging networks worldwide is still hindering widespread EV adoption. The multitude of different charging rates, payment systems, and access requirements has dampened consumer enthusiasm, thereby impeding the overall growth of the EV space.
To encourage EV adoption, the study emphasizes the need for EV charging networks to simplify their systems and develop interoperability. By streamlining the ownership experience, consumers will find it easier and more convenient to adopt electric vehicles. Regulator action is also deemed essential to harmonize charging systems, creating a seamless charging experience for EV owners across different networks and locations.
