A recent survey by YouGov, commissioned by Easee and Osprey Charging, found that almost a third of electric vehicle drivers rarely use public rapid chargers, with 30.6% saying they don’t often use them when traveling longer distances.
The survey’s findings highlight the need for greater awareness of the UK’s growing charging network and its potential for longer electric journeys.
Rapid Charging Habits
Nearly three-quarters of EV drivers with a home charger use the public rapid network only occasionally, with 74.6% saying they use it once every few months or less.
Osprey and Easee say the data shows the importance of helping drivers make the most of their EV by combining home charging with public rapid charging.
By starting a journey with a charged vehicle at home and recharging at destinations or en route, drivers can keep their EVs topped up when traveling longer distances.
Industry Response
Sam Levy, regional sales director for the UK and Ireland at Easee, said: “Home charging is at the heart of the EV ownership experience for many drivers, but public rapid charging has an equally important role to play, especially with the network growing more and more.”
Levy noted that it’s striking that a quarter of EV drivers are not yet regularly using rapid chargers when doing longer journeys, while those with home chargers tend to use the public network only occasionally.
Easee and Osprey are working together to help drivers see how easily the two can work together, making every part of the journey feel straightforward, reliable, and ready for whatever the summer brings.
In the middle of this effort, it’s worth considering the broader context: as the UK’s charging network expands, drivers are becoming more confident in their ability to take longer trips in their EVs, and collaborations like the one between Easee and Osprey are helping to drive this trend forward.
Separate analysis from Rightcharge found that more than half of EV fleet charging spend happens on the public network, while 43% happens at home.
Charging Network Expansion
The public ultra-rapid network has expanded 40% year-on-year, with most motorway and A-road services offering the opportunity to charge quickly.
Many retail parks, supermarkets, and even countryside pubs now host charging points ready to deliver a top-up rapid charge.
Easee and Osprey are introducing two summer offers designed to make charging simpler and more affordable, both at home and on the road.
Until September 1, Osprey customers will be able to access a 10% discount on the installation of an Easee home charger, while Easee customers will be able to claim £10 of free charging credit for use across the Osprey network.
Dora Clarke, head of marketing and communications at Osprey Charging, said: “The summer holidays are often the first time new EV drivers will use the public charging network, topping up during longer journeys or at their holiday destinations away from their home charger.”
They are also providing support for drivers looking to switch to electric vehicles, such as information on plug-in hybrid prices and the benefits of zero-emission vehicles.
