Investigation of Charging Solutions for Users of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Sammanfattning: Electrification of vehicles is a global concern in the pursuit of cleaner transportation (Ståhletal, 2013). Hybridization of electric vehicles has become an important trend, as they can uphold the conventional vehicle range, which has been the main barrier to adoption of pure electric propelled vehicles (Bergman, 2013). Vattenfall is involved in several projects related to charging of the sevehicles. The purpose of this study is to understand the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) users’ electric charging, driving habits and needs. The aim is to develop a solution and charging offer corresponding to their preferences and future needs. This implies to indicate strategic directives for Vattenfall and their involvement in the development of an infrastructure for charging of Electric Vehicles (EVs). In order to frame the scope of the project, primary data was collected from sources, such as electric vehicle enthusiasts and professionals within electric mobility. This resulted in identification of three essential aspects of consideration within electric mobility: the Market, Infrastructure and the Vehicles (Ståhletal, 2013). In order to understand the users’ habits and needs an interview study was conducted. The empirical study was delimited to private owned PHEVs in Sweden. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected through telephone interviews with users of PHEVs. The interviews treated questions regarding the users’ car choice and purchase criteria, driving and charging habits, and thoughts about future charging solutions. The results of the empirical investigation and the technical specifications were analyzed in order to draw conclusions about the potential market, the needs and preferences and conditions for future potential solution in the shapeout of a charge offering. The outcome of the analysis was transferred into requirements on product characteristics for a future charging solution and are commendation to Vattenfall as an energy supplier. Vattenfall should take the step towards a differentiated product, in order to and become competitive. Whereby, they justify value for their customers by providing them with installationservices, favorable energy contracts, electric billingspecifications, communications and intelligence integrated into the charging solution.