Characterizing Residential Recharge Potential for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

Home recharge availability is widely assumed to be essential to plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) demand and use. This paper reports two studies that characterize access to Level 1 (110/120V) and Level 2 (220/240V) charging opportunities at new vehicle buyers’ homes. Study 1 illustrates a broader methodology focusing on Level 1 availability implemented in a representative nationwide U.S. sample (n = 2,373). Half of respondents reported parking within 25 feet of a Level 1 outlet at their home, with higher proportions among those with detached homes or private garage parking—though these conditions are neither necessary nor sufficient. There is variation in access to home recharging across interstate regions pertinent to grid operations. Study 2 illustrates an even finer scale regional analysis of Level 1 and Level 2 access for new-vehicle buyers in San Diego County, California (n = 548). About two-thirds of respondents report present access to Level 1 electrical infrastructure and just under one-third report access to Level 2. For this sample, the authors estimate the feasibility and price of Level 2 installation based on current infrastructure—ranging from $1000 to $7000. Twenty percent of the households are both able and willing to install Level 2—if they can buy the PEV they design. They conclude that consumer-based estimates of home recharge potential can improve understanding of PEV demand, use, energy impacts, and prioritizations for developing recharge infrastructure—while highlighting the importance of regional differences.