#Japan #Tokyo #Charging Stations #Electric Vehicle #Times Club

The Shift Towards Electric Vehicles: A New Survey from Park24

Park24 Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has recently released the findings from its latest survey concerning electric vehicles (EVs). The survey, aimed at members of the membership service 'Times Club', explores the motivations and barriers surrounding EV ownership among drivers. Here are the key highlights from the results.

Survey Highlights

1. Lack of Interest in Purchasing EVs: More than 80% of respondents have never considered buying an electric vehicle. Among those who have purchased and currently own an EV, a notable 46% cited the low maintenance costs as a primary reason for their decision.

2. The Influence of Charging Infrastructure: For those who sold their EV or never bought one, the predominant reason was the perceived lack of charging stations, indicating a significant gap in charging infrastructure availability.

3. Price Sensitivity: Nearly half of those without EV ownership experience stated that a reduction in vehicle prices and improved infrastructure would increase their willingness to consider purchasing an electric vehicle in the future.

In-Depth Survey Results

1. Most Have Not Considered EVs

According to the survey, only 2% of participants reported purchasing an EV, with an overwhelming 81% indicating they had never considered buying one at all. Among current EV owners, the factors driving their decision included:

• - Low Maintenance Costs (46%)
• - Quiet Engine Noise (40%)
• - Environmentally Friendly (37%)

Interestingly, about 25% of current EV owners have home charging stations set up, which further enhances their ownership experience.

2. Charging Infrastructure as a Major Barrier

For those who decided to sell their EVs, the top reason given was a lack of charging stations, with 33% citing this as their primary concern. Other reasons included:

• - High Maintenance Costs (27%)
• - Long Charging Times (16%)

Despite a reported increase in the total number of charging stations across the country, many still perceive shortcomings in the infrastructure necessary for owning an EV.

Those who explored the option of purchasing an EV but ultimately chose not to do so cited similar obstacles, particularly the lack of charging stations and high vehicle prices as their biggest deterrents. A considerable 38% mentioned difficulties with home charging as a deciding factor in their decision not to buy.

3. Growing Willingness to Purchase EVs

Almost half of the individuals without any prior EV ownership indicated they would consider buying an EV if certain conditions were met, particularly:

• - Affordable Pricing (49%)
• - Increased Charging Stations (45%)
• - Elimination of Range Anxiety (31%)

Notably, around 25% of respondents stated they did not intend to purchase an EV at all. This suggests a division in priorities between current EV owners—which is chiefly based on low maintenance costs—and potential buyers, who are more concerned about vehicle price and infrastructure development.

Government Policies and Future Trends

The government has initiated various policies to support EV purchases, including subsidies. Additionally, starting in April 2025, a regulation in Tokyo will mandate that newly constructed buildings include EV charging stations. These efforts aim to facilitate a smoother transition toward electrification in daily transportation.

As charging infrastructure expands and consumer education improves, we might see an increase in interest and confidence in purchasing EVs among potential buyers. For those curious about the experience of driving an EV, the car-sharing service 'Times Car' offers a selection of three different electric vehicle models available for test driving. This could provide an excellent opportunity for consumers to evaluate the practicality of EV ownership firsthand.

In conclusion, the survey from Park24 not only underscores the current challenges but also points toward the potential for a significant shift in consumer attitudes towards electric vehicles as infrastructure improves and pricing becomes more favorable.