Abstract:

Mobility patterns and charging needs were substantially affected during COVID-19-related lockdowns (2020–2022). Mobility Policies such as work-from-home, lockdowns, and curfews reduced traffic and commuting significantly. This paper analyzes changes in electric charging in the Netherlands for different user groups during different phases of the COVID-19 lockdown to assess the effects on EV charging needs. Charging needs dropped significantly during this period, which also changed the distribution of the load on the electricity grid throughout the day. Curfews affected the start times of charging sessions during peak hours of grid consumption. During lockdowns, commuter-related infrastructure was used less frequently, and professional taxi drivers' pricing requirements were significantly decreased.. These trends were partially observed during a post–lockdown measuring period of roughly 8 months, indicating a longer shift in mobility and charging patterns.