Convenience and reliability are now nearly as important to EV owners as charging speed.
According to a recent survey commissioned by Konect, 32 percent of EV drivers prioritize chargers that are closest to their travel routes. Detours of just 10 to 20 minutes are too long for 21 percent of respondents, and 37 percent said they wouldn’t go more than 20 minutes off-track to charge their vehicles. Drivers are also willing to pay more for this convenience. According to the survey, 93 percent of respondents said they would accept higher charging costs to avoid a 20-minute detour, with the average price premium cited as 63 percent higher.
“This survey makes one thing clear: people don’t just want fast charging, they want fast access to charging,” said Merrick Glass, managing Director at Konect. “It’s not solely about charging speed anymore; it’s about where the chargers are, how easy they are to reach, and what the experience feels like when you get there.”
The survey’s insights, based on responses from 1,000 U.S. electric vehicle owners, show that drivers increasingly expect charging stations to provide seamless and accessible experiences, akin to traditional fuel stops.
Reliability Plays a Key Role
Reliability also emerged as a pivotal concern in the study. Over one-third (36 percent) of EV drivers actively avoid charging sites with historically unreliable chargers, while 29 percent indicated a preference for locations equipped with multiple chargers to minimize waiting times. Minimal wait times and dependable infrastructure are critical to winning driver loyalty.
It’s also not just about the chargers themselves. Drivers increasingly evaluate the entire experience of stopping to charge. Amenities such as free WiFi, clean restrooms, and food or drink options were highlighted as important by survey respondents. Specifically, 36 percent of drivers cited free WiFi as the most desirable feature, followed closely by clean restroom access at 30.6 percent, loyalty programs at 27.5 percent, and on-site food and drink options at 27.4 percent.
“People are treating EV charging more like stopping at a convenience store and less like filling a tank,” said Glass. “They’re calculating time, comfort, and experience, not just price per kilowatt-hour.”
EV Charging Industry Faces Pressure to Evolve
The findings reflect a shift toward what industry experts are calling “Charging 2.0.” This evolution emphasizes not only fast charging speeds but also location integration, reliability, and on-site offerings that meet drivers’ everyday needs. Industry leaders are increasingly focused on strategies that enhance accessibility and provide a seamless charging experience.
Konect, a subsidiary of Gilbarco Veeder-Root, believes it is well-positioned to address these emerging demands. Already managing EV charging infrastructure for convenience retailers, the company sees an opportunity within a network of over 148,000 convenience stores across the U.S., most of which are located within 10 minutes of 90 percent of American households.
As EV adoption continues to steadily rise, fulfilling drivers’ demand for integrated, user-friendly charging solutions will be pivotal in shaping the future of e-mobility. The industry appears poised to shift from focusing solely on charging speed to a more holistic approach centered on convenience, reliability, and customer experience. By focusing on reliable infrastructure and strategically placed chargers, charging companies can align themselves with new driver expectations.
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