Abstract:

Fast charging systems for electric vehicles are becoming increasingly important to facilitate the transition to zero emission mobility. This paper explores the concept of fast charging and sees how it is applied by electrified passenger vehicles in the Netherlands by exploring a dataset with charging records from nearly 20,000 EV drivers in the Netherlands. This paper explores current and potential future use of fast charging stations for electric passenger vehicles. The aim of the paper is to analyse current charging patterns at fast charging stations and the role of fast charging among different charging options. These patterns are explored along the lines of the technical capabilities of the vehicles and it is found that with increasing battery capacity the need for fast charging decreases. However, for those vehicles with large charging capacities there are indications that fast charging is perceived as more convenient as these are used more often. Such results indicate a larger share for fast charging if charging capacities increase in the future. According to the results of a spatial analysis, the majority of rapid charging takes place at a significant distance from home, implying that most charging takes place ‘on the road.' Some fast charging sessions are pretty close to home, which is especially convenient for individuals who do not have access to private home charging. This indicates that fast charging has some future promise in cities with a lot of on-street parking.