Here’s how to drive up EV ownership

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Electric vehicles will grow from 7 per cent of sales in 2021 to 19 per cent in 2027 thanks to better battery range, more fast chargers and better charging power.

However, warned a recent report from ABI Research, there is still more work needed to be done to bring EVs to the mainstream. Notably, improvements to in-vehicle user experience and charging needs.

“While OEMs have made significant improvements in EV technology, there are still important obstacles that OEMs and the EV ecosystem must overcome to drive mass adoption,” observed Maite Bezerra, smart mobility and automotive research analyst at ABI Research.

Typical automotive buyers are concerned about inaccurate range and charging information, she added. Bezerra also noted “a below-par public charging experience” as another hurdle.

With an inability at the moment to reduce production costs and charge higher prices for EVs, ownership is concentrated around wealthier and tech-savvy early adopters.

Right now, there are 1.6 million charging points globally. By 2025, however, that number will jump to 7.1 million. With more charging stations, the focus should shift to improving the ownership experience. This will drive loyalty in existing drivers and build trust in electrification to prospective EV buyers, the report said.

Part of that experience is delivering accurate real-time information about battery range and charging information to the driver through the in-vehicle infotainment system and companion app interfaces — tools that are not widely available today.

The report called on carmakers and navigation software developers to partner with charge point operators and e-mobility service providers to bring EV routing, charge point information —even recommended in-vehicle payment options — via a connected strategy.

“Besides vehicle-specific measures, wider EV adoption will require utility companies to radically change last-mile energy distribution to accommodate the increased demand and consumption without expensive network investments,” Bezerra noted as a strategy when looking at reducing production costs and lowering entry point prices to make EVs more price competitive.