Real-Time Charger Info Could Boost EV Adoption by 8%

Better real-time charging information might be the key to convincing more drivers to go electric. A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research suggests that simply knowing which chargers are available and working could increase EV sales by 8% by 2030. This bump would come solely from improved information access, not from any actual improvements to charging infrastructure.

The research monitored PlugShare data for six months along major U.S. highways, tracking DC fast chargers located within two miles of highway exits (or half a mile in urban areas). What they discovered was concerning: only 33.2% of charging stations reported real-time status data.

When excluding Tesla and Electrify America (which don't integrate well with PlugShare), that number jumps to 70.9%. While both companies offer their own apps with real-time information, juggling multiple apps while driving creates an unnecessary hassle for EV owners.

Researchers surveyed nearly 2,000 EV and non-EV owners about charging stations and their confidence in successfully finding a working charger. The results clearly showed that prospective buyers would be more likely to purchase an electric vehicle if they had better information about charger availability.

For current and potential EV owners, range anxiety remains a significant concern. But this study suggests that "information anxiety" might be just as important to address. A consolidated, reliable source for real-time charging data could make a meaningful difference in electric vehicle adoption without requiring a single new charger to be installed.