Electric Vehicle Driver Activities, Non-Charging Expenditures, and Experiences Using Fast Chargers in California

Scott PhD Hardman, Sonali Senthil, Jiewei Grant Li and Alan PhD Jenn

Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series from Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis

Abstract: Public direct current fast charging (DCFC) infrastructure is in an early stage of development, depends on public funding,may not be profitable, and its locations may not provide the amenities that consumers want to use while charging. This report explores topics related to these issues: what activities battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivers participate in, BEV drivers’ spending on charging and other items while at a DCFC, drivers’ self-reported preferences for amenities at DCFC, and drivers’ reported experiences using DCFC. The results reveal most drivers do something other than using DCFC while charging their BEV; close to half of respondents purchase something other than electricity for their BEV, and this expenditure is higher than the average cost of a charging session. The results highlight the potential for charging providers to explore new ways of generating revenue directly by developing stations with revenue-generating amenities attached, or through symbiotic relationships between charging providers and businesses such as stores, restaurants, and coffee shops.

Keywords: Engineering; Electric vehicle charging; Electric vehicles; Service stations; Consumer behavior; Surveys (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-02-01
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