A lack of public infrastructure is “severely limiting” electric vehicle (EV) adoption, according to a study from Juniper Research.
While EV charging points in service will grow from 14.2 million this year to 45 million in 2027 worldwide, the research identified a gap between public and home charger roll-out, with over twice as many private chargers as public ones.
For example, flat and apartment owners usually cannot have home chargers fitted due to size restrictions, and the lack of public infrastructure is a roadblock to EV adoption in urban areas.
The report recommends improving shared data on charging point distribution, and partnerships to accelerate roll-outs in key areas are vital to addressing the gap.
Research co-author Nick Maynard explained that government initiatives – such as requiring charging points for new buildings – are not enough to roll out charging infrastructure on a wide enough scale to boost environmental benefits.
“EV charging networks must work together with both city authorities and each other to identify how best to plug gaps in charging infrastructure, or EV adoption will continue to be limited,” he added.
Despite projects like Tesla’s Supercharger network in North America, the study has found that different charging rates, payment systems, and access requirements harm consumer enthusiasm, limiting the growth of the overall space.
“EV charging networks must simplify networks and develop interoperability to simplify the ownership experience, with regulator action needed to harmonise the system,” Maynard concluded.
Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and commentary.
