Smart Charging in Germany: Acceptance and Tariff Design

Electrification is one of the key means to decarbonize the transportation sector, but the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) in the market contributes to the risk of bringing existing electricity grids to their limits. Smart and bidirectional charging offer a solution to alleviate grid load and increase the use of renewable electricity. We conducted 12 expert interviews with smart charging stakeholders in Germany and a consumer study with 689 German EV users to identify opportunities, risks, barriers, and feasibility, as well as user preferences related to smart charging tariff designs. We found a generally positive view among the stakeholders, and identified barriers that need to be overcome before a large-scale deployment of smart charging. Consumers are generally willing to accept smart charging, with financial compensation for offering flexibility being the most important design attribute. We discuss implications in light of the reformulation of pertinent regulations in Germany.