Complimentary Charging Stations in Germany: Usage Costs Normally Avoided

In a comprehensive study, distinct usage patterns for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Germany have been revealed. These patterns, influenced by factors such as tourist activity and holidays, paint a vivid picture of the nation's transition towards sustainable mobility.

One region that stands out is Ostholstein, where the utilization of charging points is heavily influenced by tourist activity and holidays. The Easter weekend in 2024, for instance, saw particularly noticeable increases in charging point utilization in Ostholstein.

The findings show that Tesla's Model Y was the most used EV at public charging stations in Germany between July 2023 and June 2024. This is surprising, given that Volkswagen is the top-selling EV brand overall during that period.

The study also reveals that normal charging points with up to 22 kilowatts have the highest utilization. Fast-charging stations with particularly high power (HPC) have higher utilization compared to charging points in the medium range between 22 and 149 kilowatts. As a result, chargers in the medium range are being replaced by more attractive, faster chargers.

Regional differences exist in charging point utilization. Touristically influenced regions like Ostholstein show significant increases on weekends and holidays, particularly noticeable during the Easter weekend 2024. In contrast, the utilization patterns in metropolises differ, with an evening peak utilization in the metropolises. The evening hours around 19 and 20 o'clock see an increase in charging point utilization in metropolises.

The daily courses in rural and urban areas are largely similar, but there are differences in peak utilization times. The utilization of charging points increases significantly in the morning and reaches its peak at midday. However, the occupancy decreases again in the evening. In metropolises, the utilization of charging points increases again in the evening hours around 19 and 20 o'clock.

On average, public charging points in Germany are utilized for approximately 2.3 hours per day, translating to a time utilization of around 9.6 percent. The peak utilization during the observation period was recorded on a Friday during the Advent season (8 December 2023), when almost every fifth charging point was occupied simultaneously. Interestingly, the utilization of charging points is lowest at night between midnight and 5 am.

These findings offer valuable insights into the usage patterns of electric vehicle charging stations across Germany. As the country continues to invest in its EV infrastructure, understanding these patterns will be crucial in ensuring that charging stations are strategically placed and optimally utilized.