Free Electric Miles Win Customers
In the summer of 2019, Volta partnered with CleanTechnica to conduct an international survey about electric vehicle drivers (and non-EV drivers). The survey gathered almost 10,000 responses across the US and Europe/UK.
The substantial amount of data we were able to gather (thanks to you, CleanTechnica readers!) is invaluable and gives us a glimpse into the frontline of the electric vehicle revolution. To read more about the survey data and what our research found, you can see the preview and full report here.
In the article below, the Volta team summarized some of the data that was most interesting to their company.
Devoted Drivers
Of the nearly 5,000 surveyed in North America alone, 84% currently own an electric vehicle and 4.4% are looking to purchase one soon. Environmental benefits (76%), low maintenance (64%) and financial savings (56%) are the three primary reasons for purchasing. Fifty-six percent bought their electric vehicle as a replacement to an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle and 86% drive their electric vehicle “almost every day.” Drivers surveyed aren’t looking back. 82% reported they are loyal and will choose an electric vehicle again.
Confidence to Drive Farther
Electric vehicle drivers are tech-savvy and proactive about charging their vehicles to avoid range anxiety — 68% report using an app to find charging stations and 61% say stations are easy to find. Discovering convenient charging locations is also habit-forming, with 43% visiting the same places again and again. Accessibility and reliability don’t seem to be a major concern when it comes to finding charging on the road. In fact, a surprising 15% of respondents have no charging at home, so they are free-range electric vehicle drivers thanks to an ever-growing charging infrastructure. Almost 80% reported that the stations they use are usually or always open and 88% said they are functioning properly most of the time.
Free Miles Fuel Customer Loyalty
The majority of respondents believe electric vehicle charging should be a free amenity. To access free charging, 81% are willing to check in using a mobile app, and 68% are willing to provide basic personal info, including name, demographic info, and general location. Brick-and-mortar sites offering electric vehicle charging as a free amenity will find it impactful to their bottom line:
- 77% stated they are willing to try out a new shopping center that provides free charging, while 38% state they would visit more often and buy more.
- 66% said they would visit more often and 48% would likely shop longer if free electric vehicle charging was available.
- Less than 2% stated they would sit in their car while charging.
Win-Win Revolution
Survey results confirm that most early adopters are confident in their decision to go electric and find it fits seamlessly into their lives. Free charging is an amenity that is valued by electric vehicle owners, driving traffic to retailers and lifting sales. The data is overwhelmingly clear that the electric vehicle movement benefits forward-thinking drivers and businesses alike.
Thanks to Volta for supporting our 2019 EV Drivers Report
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