12:34 27-04-2026

J.D. Power: Most EV Owners Skip Smart Charging, Miss Out on Savings

Research firm J. D. Power surveyed electric vehicle owners and found a surprising trend: most drivers ignore tools that could significantly cut their charging costs.

According to the study, only 12 percent of respondents regularly use smart charging systems that automatically activate during low electricity rates, such as at night. While nearly every EV owner is aware of such features, the majority chooses not to use them.

About a third of participants sometimes charge during off-peak hours when rates are lower, a strategy that can save up to $73 annually. However, a large group of owners never plans their charging sessions, missing out on potential savings.

In addition to asking about charging costs, J. D. Power also measured satisfaction with current charging equipment. Satisfaction levels varied by charger type and region, with owners in areas where charging is more expensive reporting higher dissatisfaction.

The study found that owners of more powerful Level 2 chargers are more satisfied with performance than those using Level 1 units, even though Level 2 chargers are more prone to failure—a fact the researchers attribute to their greater complexity.

Charger brand also influenced satisfaction: Tesla chargers scored highest, followed by Emporia and ClipperCreek.