Electric Vehicle Owners Dislike Elevated Electricity Costs for Vehicle Recharging
In a recent study, the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Home Charging Study, it was revealed that electric vehicle (EV) owners are experiencing decreased satisfaction with home charging, primarily due to rising electricity costs and limitations in charging speeds.
The study, conducted in collaboration with PlugShare, evaluated the home charging experience across eight critical factors: fairness of retail price, cord length, charger size, ease of winding/storing the cable, cost of charging, charging speed, ease of use, and reliability.
The study found that Level 2 permanently mounted chargers, while achieving the highest satisfaction scores, are also the most problematic, with 39.0 problems per 100 chargers. Nearly one-third (31%) of these issues stem from internet/Wi-Fi connectivity problems and charger app malfunctions.
Among the top concerns for EV owners are charging speeds, cord length, and the rising cost of electricity. Charging an EV at home naturally adds significant electricity consumption—typically 7 to 40 kWh per session depending on battery size and charger power—which raises household energy bills. Although EVs are cheaper per mile to operate than petrol vehicles, the overall rise in electricity costs, especially if charging during peak hours, makes home charging less satisfying financially.
Moreover, many EV owners charge at home in the late afternoon or evening, coinciding with peak household electricity demand. This can lead to higher tariffs during those times and grid strain. Although smart chargers with scheduling features can shift charging to off-peak hours and reduce costs, not all users leverage these or have access to favorable tariffs. This dynamic pricing and grid load management complexity adds inconvenience and uncertainty for EV owners.
The industry should reinforce the benefits of Level 2 chargers and address barriers slowing adoption to maintain momentum. Among the top-ranking providers, Emporia followed closely in second place with a score of 763, while Wallbox secured third place with 756. Tesla ranked highest among Level 2 permanently mounted charging stations, with a score of 776. Usage rates for Level 2 chargers are highest among owners of 2022 model-year vehicles.
However, adoption of Level 2 chargers may be slowing, with an increase in Level 1 charger usage among owners of 2023 and newer models. The study does not award Level 2 portable chargers, only Level 2 permanently mounted chargers are eligible for awards.
The average amount spent on home charging in the past 30 days increased to $58, and satisfaction with the cost of charging dropped 8 points to 698. Charging speed remains critical to the customer experience for EV owners.
Consumers are showing signs of fatigue with rising electricity prices, and satisfaction levels vary significantly by region, with owners on the West Coast and in the Northeast reporting lower satisfaction scores compared to other regions. The study evaluates home charging experiences only for Level 2 portable and permanently mounted chargers, not Level 1 portable chargers.
In summary, the greater electricity consumption costs combined with temporal price variability and moderate home charger speeds are the main factors lowering EV owners’ satisfaction with home charging. Smart charging technologies and preferential off-peak tariffs can mitigate this issue but are not universally adopted or available, leading to widespread challenges tied to rising electricity prices and charging convenience. Home charging providers should prioritize ensuring charging speeds meet user expectations to improve overall satisfaction.
The study underscores the need for home charging providers to focus on improving charging speeds and addressing financing concerns to boost satisfaction among electric vehicle (EV) owners. With rising electricity costs impacting personal-finance and EV owners showing signs of fatigue as a result, it's crucial to embrace technology and finance solutions in the energy industry, possibly including the implementation of smart chargers, dynamic pricing, and preferential off-peak tariffs.
