EV drivers expect variable tariffs to result in noticeable price differences
Stuttgart, 12.03.2024
The legislator has decided: From 2025, all energy providers must have dynamic tariffs in their programme. Now it’s all about convincing customers of the idea. EV drivers are a particularly interesting target group for variable tariffs, as they can reduce their electricity costs by adapting their charging behaviour. But what do EV drivers think about dynamic electricity tariffs?
For the switch to variable tariffs to be worthwhile for electric car drivers, the prices within the tariff must differ noticeably. This is one of the findings of the Smart Charging Study 2024, which was conducted by market research company USCALE at the end of last year. As the current evaluation of the results now shows, the majority of respondents (39%) expect at least 10 to 14 cents discount per kWh. For only 27% of respondents, less is enough. All others expect an even higher price spread in order to agree to the conditions of a variable electricity contract.
Reasons for use and barriers to use
When EV drivers are asked about possible motives for switching to variable tariffs at home, 78% cite the opportunity to save money. In addition to the monetary aspects, however, other motives also play an important role: for 80% of respondents, the easing of the burden on the electricity grid and for 58% the increase in the proportion of green electricity in consumption is an important motive for switching. Awareness of the energy-related connections between electromobility and renewable energy is therefore high among current EV drivers. Only 2% of those surveyed stated that they did not see any advantages in the new tariffs.
But where there is light, there is also shadow. When asked about the disadvantages of variable tariffs at home, just under half expressed concern that they would end up paying more than with a static tariff. In addition, respondents fear that charging will become more complicated overall with fluctuating tariffs. Others are worried that prices will become more confusing.
EV drivers cite similar advantages for variable tariffs for charging in public spaces. However, significantly more disadvantages are mentioned for public charging. For example, 64% fear that charging prices will become more confusing. 58% are concerned that they will end up paying more than with static tariffs. 53% fear that variable tariffs will make charging even more complicated overall.
Factors influencing interest in variable tariffs
In addition to the noticeable price differences within the tariff, the question of what criteria the price fluctuates according to is important for customers. In the case of variable electricity prices at home, today’s EV drivers are most interested in tariffs that vary depending on the time of day or the availability of green electricity, e.g. wind and sun. In contrast, interest in dynamic tariffs depending on the stock market price is significantly lower.
Charging in public spaces offers numerous other options for controlling variable electricity prices. These include variable prices depending on the operator, capacity utilization or location. They are all only rated as very attractive by around one in four people.
Conclusion
Whether variable tariffs are an option for a customer depends on their personal perception of the advantages and disadvantages. The study shows that, in the end, just under one in three people are in favor of variable tariffs at home. The situation is much more critical for variable tariffs for public charging: In view of the many disadvantages, only one in six is successfully approachable. Variable tariffs will therefore not be a sure-fire success.
In November 2023, USCALE surveyed a total of 2,001 electric car drivers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland online about their attitudes towards smart charging. In addition to variable tariffs, the acceptance of bi-directional charging in the network and vehicle-to-home solutions was also determined. The study was conducted for the second time since 2021 and helps providers to develop variable tariff models and offers.
Quote from Dr. Axel Sprenger, Founder and Managing Director of USCALE GmbH:
“Variable tariffs are an important building block for the energy transition. However, despite generally high electricity prices in Germany, customer enthusiasm is lower than we had expected. The main reason is the charging jungle, which many EV drivers still complain about. After the world of tariffs became simpler over the years with the disappearance of time-based tariffs, it is now becoming more complicated again with variable tariffs.”
“The high level of reticence can be overcome. If the price differences are large enough and the providers ensure transparency and simple handling, variable tariffs can be successful. Other European countries are already one step ahead. One example is Spain: since 2021, the price of electricity has fluctuated significantly depending on the time of day. That’s why 40% of Spanish eMobilists base their charging behavior on the time of day.”
The GERMAN press handout with graphics can be found HERE.
You can find an overview of all course contents HERE.
You can find a picture of Axel Sprenger HERE.
Company Abstract
USCALE is a consulting and market research company for electromobility based in Stuttgart. USCALE’s work is based on customer insights studies on all touchpoints of the e-mobility customer journey. USCALE is the only provider to have a panel specialising in e-mobility with over 10,000 panellists in German-speaking countries. Through its surveys, USCALE makes the customer perspective tangible for managers, developers and service providers in the operational business.
Contact
USCALE GmbH, Silberburgstraße 112, 70176 Stuttgart, kontakt@uscale.digital