New data reveals EV drivers prioritize convenience and reliability alongside cost
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers value convenience almost as highly as charging speed, according to a new survey of 1,000 U.S. EV owners commissioned by Konect, Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s EV Charging offering, which is operated by Vontier. The research highlights critical gaps in today’s charging networks, showing drivers expect that experience to be as user-friendly as filling with fuel.
When asked which features make sites more appealing than others, almost a third (32%) of drivers said they would favor the chargers nearest to them. They also don’t expect to wait when they arrive – 36% said they avoid locations with unreliable chargers, while 29% prefer to have more than one charger on site.
Detours of between 10 and 20 minutes are a dealbreaker for 21% of drivers, while almost twice as many (37%) won’t go more than 20 minutes off track to plug in, and they’re willing to pay for that convenience. Most (93%) respondents would accept higher charging costs to avoid a 20-minute detour, with an average price premium of 63%.
“This survey makes one thing clear: people don’t just want fast charging, they want fast access to charging,” said Merrick Glass, managing Director at Konect. “It’s not solely about charging speed anymore; it’s about where the chargers are, how easy they are to reach, and what the experience feels like when you get there.”
What makes a charging site worth stopping for?
The survey also highlights the importance of the wider on-site experience drivers are demanding while they are plugging in.
Free WiFi ranked as the most desirable feature, at 36% of respondents, while 30.6% said clean restroom access was a key factor. Loyalty perks and reward schemes (27.5%), as well as on-site food and drink options like a café or restaurant (27.4%), also play a role in charging site preference.
However, the location is still critical – with drivers willing to make an average 12-minute detour to get everything they wanted. Fewer than 1% would travel more than 20 minutes, even for a site with all their preferred amenities.
“People are treating EV charging more like stopping at a convenience store and less like filling a tank,” added Glass. “They’re calculating time, comfort, and experience, not just price per kilowatt-hour.”
The results underline growing pressure on charging providers to focus on what some in the industry are calling ‘Charging 2.0’: reliability, integration with everyday destinations, and consistent driver experience. While fast-charging speed still matters, location and predictability are emerging as additional differentiators.
Konect builds and manages EV charging infrastructure for convenience retailers, a sector already positioned to meet these expectations. With more than 148,000 stores located within 10 minutes of 90% of U.S. households (NACS), the convenience store network is set to become a cornerstone of the next-generation EV charging ecosystem.
