The fleet trial delivered some important findings in respect to the vehicle batteries’ charging/discharging profiles and practical use of the charging infrastructure.
While prior to the start of the trial the vehicles’ range was a mystery to most participants. Subsequently, 85 % described it as »modest but adequate« or even »convenient and thus fully adequate«. A change can be seen here in the perception of their own motoring requirements: the range that the participants thought they would need prior to the trial was on average 100 km more than the weekly distance that they actually travelled. Most of them were thus overestimating how far they drove.
In terms of examining the charging pattern, the trial showed that 95 % of charging procedures occurred at the place or work or at home. Nevertheless, the public charging infrastructure is a key instrument in relation to improving the participants’ confidence in respect to the range issue and is thus essential to any significant roll-out of electromobility. Charging points at car parks where cars tend to be parked for a long time, such as at leisure facilities or shopping centres, would seem sensible in light of the charging times.
Finally, it can be concluded that in the course of the trials the participants developed a considerably more positive attitude to electromobility. It is only the high purchase price, limited variety of models and a high need of public education that is currently holding back greater market penetration of electric vehicles.
Funding Code
03KP5437