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Utilities work with Chartwell to identify best strategies for growing EV market

SAN DIEGO – Nov. 16, 2011 – It remains to be seen just how many North American consumers will be getting around town in an electric vehicle (EV) in the coming years, but what is clear is that those who do adopt EVs will likely expect their electric utility to play a hands-on roll and provide the necessary infrastructure to EV drivers.

With automotive manufacturers banking on vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt, utilities nationwide are working to develop a strategy and determine just how the anticipated market expansion for EVs will impact their operations. A group of those utilities met with Chartwell this week in California for Chartwell’s inaugural EV Customer Strategy Research Council and subsequent Summit on Electric Vehicle Programs.  

During the Council meeting on Monday, Chartwell analysts shared exclusive EV consumer insights with charter Council members based on Chartwell’s recent survey of more than 1,500 North American utility customers. The survey revealed many interesting findings, including the fact that a sizeable percentage of potential EV drivers will look to their utilities for programs and services.  

Chartwell found, for example, that 38% of survey respondents indicated they would be willing to pay for separate meter wiring in their garage or parking area to receive a special electric vehicle charging rate that would be lower than typical electricity rates. Forty percent of those willing to pay for this equipment expect their utility to install it. The survey revealed numerous other interesting findings.  

Charter members of the Council include CenterPoint Energy, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, FPL and PacifiCorp.

“As more electric vehicles hit the road in FPL's service territory it is essential that we understand as much as possible about buyer needs to best serve our customers,” said Brian Hanrahan, Director, In-Home Technologies and Electric Vehicles for FPL. “The Chartwell Electric Vehicle Research Council enables us to expand our learnings and experience by engaging with other utilities in an open and collaborative fashion while also drawing upon Chartwell’s experience and resources to acquire meaningful consumer market research. Although our council is new, we have already begun to see value in being a member.”

Chartwell’s membership-based, utility-only EV Customer Strategy Council allows members to hear about other utilities’ EV-related programs and experiences. For information about becoming a member of Chartwell's EV Customer Strategy Research Council, contact Doris Yon at dyon@chartwellinc.com or (404) 237-9099, ext. 29.

PRESS CONTACT
Dennis Smith
(404) 237-9099, ext. 31