New research commissioned by Shell and conducted by LCP Delta suggests electric vehicle adoption is accelerating in several key European markets and it is having a positive impact on driver perceptions, including range anxiety. The latest findings reflect the rapid growth in global EV sales witnessed over the last 12 months.

The Shell Recharge EV Driver Survey 2023 is one of the largest research projects into the attitudes and behaviors of European EV drivers. In its sixth consecutive year, the latest report looks at the view of nearly 25,000 drivers across Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK.

According to the report, two fifths (42%) of the respondents have purchased an EV within the last year and more than two-thirds (67%) within the last two years. This growth is dominated by the new EV vehicle market, with 87% of current EV drivers buying their vehicle in new condition (the equivalent figure for all vehicles in Europe is just 27%).

The data shows that real-world EV experience, technology advances and growth in charging infrastructure are having a positive impact on driver attitudes:

• Only 14% of EV drivers say they refrain from taking longer journeys;

• The number of respondents that are travelling to other European countries by EV, and having a good charging experience, has increased by 5 percentage points, while reluctance to drive abroad because of charging or range concerns is down 7 percentage points and 5 percentage points respectively;

• Drivers are becoming more relaxed about when EVs are charged, with 47% of respondents saying that they do not need to charge daily.

Florian Glattes, Vice President, E-Mobility Solutions at Shell, said: "The EV adoption growth curve is clear from the data, and it is encouraging to see that many of these drivers are feeling positive about the experience. However, if we are to continue accelerating at pace then industry must listen to the needs of drivers and work together to effectively continue removing barriers into entry and further enhance the customer experience.”

One of the demands from EV drivers is a less complex mix of apps and cards in order to access the most value from these services. Nearly a quarter (23%) of drivers have installed four applications to manage and make the most of their EV, and the same figure was quoted for drivers who access public charging infrastructure with four or more charge cards.

However, appetite for a more streamlined and seamless experience is high. Nearly half 47% of respondents say they would prefer to have a single method of accessing all public charge points even if that means they were to pay slightly more per charge.

The research also found a clear link between EV ownership and broader low-carbon lifestyle commitment, which is extending to a willingness to make adaptations to maximize the benefits of their vehicles. Nearly half (47%) of EV drivers have invested in at-home solar power, while 36% have smart home thermostats.

As a result, two-thirds of respondents (66%) say they would like their charge point provider to offer them an EV-specific energy tariff; while 48% say they want smart charging services to be offered as part of their charge point deal, and a third (33%) want devices like solar panels and home batteries included.

The report outlines several opportunities for businesses to get involved in the charging ecosystem through destination charging. With nearly half (44%) of EV drivers saying they do not have a charge point installed at home, these partners can play an important role in supporting increasing demand and enhance the customer experience.

From the retailer’s perspective this can potentially unlock new revenue streams by attracting new customers and longer dwell times. In fact, nearly half (49%) of EV drivers already say they choose where to shop and travel based on the availability of charge points, and 57% said they would visit destinations more frequently if they had charge points.