Dutch EV drivers embrace smart charging, but flexibility remains crucial

Growing familiarity with smart charging

One of the key findings from the survey is that Dutch EV drivers are becoming more aware of smart charging. The data shows that 78% of respondents know about smart charging linked to renewable energy, such as charging when solar or wind power is available. In addition, 64% of drivers are familiar with dynamic power tariffs, which offer lower electricity prices during off-peak hours or when renewable energy production is high.

This growing awareness suggests that smart charging is no longer just for early adopters. It’s becoming part of mainstream EV ownership in the Netherlands. The survey also reveals that 81% of respondents have solar panels installed at home, and of those, 58% use them to directly charge their EVs. This highlights how important it is for many drivers to align their energy use with renewable sources.

Home: The heart of smart charging

The survey shows that home remains the preferred place for EV charging, and this is where most smart charging happens. A significant 83% of respondents said they use smart charging at home. This makes sense—home charging is convenient, and with solar panels or dynamic tariffs, it’s often cheaper and more sustainable.

Interestingly, the survey found that 23% of home chargers already use dynamic power contracts, and another 31% would like to switch to one in the future. However, flexibility remains a priority for EV drivers. Seventy percent said they want the option to turn off smart charging when necessary, particularly if they need to charge quickly or if renewable energy isn’t readily available.

This balance between optimizing for sustainability and maintaining control over charging times reflects a broader trend: while drivers are eager to embrace new technologies, they still value flexibility in their charging habits.

Public and workplace charging: Slowly catching up

While home charging leads the way, public and workplace charging are beginning to play a larger role in smart charging adoption. According to the survey, 23% of EV drivers now use smart charging at public stations—up from 14% in 2023. Similarly, smart charging at workplaces has increased from 10% last year to 17% in 2024.

Even though these numbers are growing, there are still concerns about charging in public spaces. For instance, 70% of respondents expressed a desire for the ability to opt out of smart charging at public stations, possibly due to concerns about availability or slower charging speeds. It’s clear that for smart charging to be widely accepted outside of the home, public infrastructure needs to offer both convenience and flexibility.

Bi-Directional charging: The next frontier

Bi-directional charging, which allows EVs to not only take energy from the grid but also return electricity back to it, is another area gaining interest. Nearly half (49%) of home chargers are keen on bi-directional charging, mainly to store excess solar energy and power their homes. Additionally, 57% of respondents said they would be open to letting their EVs act as temporary storage for the grid if they were compensated financially.

Despite the potential of bi-directional charging, many drivers have concerns. The biggest worry, shared by 80% of respondents, is how this type of charging might affect battery life and warranties. Manufacturers and policymakers will need to address these concerns if bi-directional charging is to become more widely accepted.

Control and cost transparency are key

Another major theme in the survey is that Dutch EV drivers want transparency and control when it comes to smart charging. While many are willing to make adjustments to help the grid or take advantage of lower prices, they still want to be in charge. Sixty-five percent of respondents said they want full control over whether or not they charge smartly, with only 5% willing to let a third party, like a grid operator, make those decisions for them.

The desire for control also extends to pricing. More than half of the drivers surveyed (53%) said they would be willing to pay more to charge during high-demand times, and 61% would accept slower charging during these periods to reduce grid stress. However, 43% are uncomfortable with public smart charging unless they can guarantee their car will reach a certain level of charge.

Conclusion: A promising path for smart charging

The findings from the National Charging Survey 2024 suggest that smart charging has a promising future in the Netherlands. Awareness is growing, especially at home, where EV owners are already taking advantage of solar panels and dynamic tariffs. Public and workplace smart charging, though still behind, is gaining ground as drivers become more accustomed to the idea of optimizing their charging patterns.

However, as the survey shows, flexibility and control will be key to expanding smart charging. While many drivers are eager to take advantage of new technology, they also want the ability to opt out or adjust their charging habits when necessary. The potential for bi-directional charging is exciting, but concerns about battery life and costs must be addressed.

As the Netherlands continues to lead in EV adoption, smart charging will play an increasingly important role. With the right infrastructure and policies in place, it has the potential to make a significant contribution to both the energy transition and the convenience of everyday EV use.

Source: The Netherlands Enterprise Agency