Patterns of electric vehicle charging on transportation network companies in the US

Electrifying miles driven on transportation network companies is the goal of California's Clean Miles Standard. There is limited information on TNC drivers' charging behavior and how it correlates to driving on TNCs. This study analyzes data from a survey of EV drivers on TNCs in the United States in Spring of 2019. Charging is characterized in seven clusters based on charging location type, power level, and time of day. Drivers ascribed to each cluster are described in terms of their socio-economic and demographic descriptors, EVs they drive, and charging behaviors not used to create clusters. Multivariate modeling on hours per week driving on TNCs indicates charging behavior is correlated to hours driving. Also, drivers' commitment to being a TNC driver has a larger effect than does commitment to driving an EV. The value of more public fast charging, increasing electric range, and facilitating home charging each benefits different clusters of drivers.

Automated summary

The Clean Miles Standard in California aims to increase electric driving on transportation network companies. This study examines the charging behavior of electric vehicle drivers on TNCs in the United States. The analysis identifies seven clusters of charging behavior based on location, power level, and time. The study finds that drivers' charging behavior is correlated to hours spent driving on TNCs, and commitment to being a TNC driver has a greater impact than commitment to driving an EV. The results suggest that increasing public fast charging, improving electric range, and facilitating home charging will benefit different clusters of drivers.