One in two cannot charge the electric car at home

More and more people want to buy an electric car, but few have the opportunity to charge their car at home. According to a Sifo survey, every second person does not have the opportunity to charge their car at home.

The number of rechargeable cars on Swedish roads is relatively small, around 90,000 cars, although the number is constantly increasing. One factor that makes the transition to more rechargeable cars more difficult is the charging option. The infrastructure with charging stations is still inadequate.

Few charging points in the north

Unsurprisingly, the availability of charging stations is better in big cities compared to rural areas. If you look at the northern half, there are only about 200 charging points north of Sundsvall, and not all poles are compatible with all makes and models of cars.

Another factor that is slowing the transition to a greener car fleet is that in some places it can be quite expensive to fill up your electric car. And few people have the opportunity to charge their car at home. In our survey, 51% of those surveyed stated that they do not charge their car in or near their home.

The charging problem can make many people hesitate to buy an electric car. So far, the best wallet argument for electric cars has been the low cost per mile, but at some sought-after charging points, the total price for charging and parking can even exceed the cost of fossil fuels. Refueling at a charging station is therefore not a sustainable alternative to refueling at home.

Home charging subsidies are being reintroduced

Do you find it difficult to know what applies when filling up your car at home? You're not alone. 17% of respondents simply don't know if they can even charge their car at home. Notably, uncertainty was higher among women (24%) compared to men (11%).

The figures speak volumes about the uncertainty surrounding electric and plug-in hybrid cars. There is a lot to consider for charging to work smoothly and, above all, be safe. The right equipment is a must, and for those who do not live in a private home, a discussion with the landlord or association is required, and this is where you can get the nod. Not least, you need to ask yourself whether the electrical system can handle the extra load.

According to a Sifo survey we conducted at the beginning of 2018, many of those who lack charging facilities at home stated that they refrain from buying an electric car because it would be too expensive.

The spring amendment budget reintroduced the so-called charging at home subsidy for private individuals within the framework of Klimatklivet, an investment subsidy that is intended to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that affect the climate. Applicants can now once again be granted a subsidy for half of the costs of the charging station itself, materials and the labor costs for installation. The maximum subsidy per property is SEK 10,000.

For anyone thinking about buying an electric car, it is of course welcome that the home charging support is now getting a second chance. Above all, it creates the conditions for more people to have charging options at home.

About the survey The survey was conducted in Kantar Sifo's web panel during the period 7-11 May 2019. A total of 1362 people aged 18-79 were interviewed, of whom 1003 own a car. The web panel is nationally representative and recruited based on random selection. There is no self-recruitment in Sifo's web panel.