An investigation into usage patterns of electric vehicles in Ireland

This paper examines the charge and trip making behaviour of a fleet of electric vehicle (EV) users in Ireland. Through the analysis of real data from data loggers located within the EVs, valuable information is obtained on trip event characteristics, consumer preferences, timing and consumption patterns of charge events. The findings from this trial can be used to inform infrastructure providers in other small and medium size cities and in suburban or rural settings. An understanding of the likely usage patterns of EV users is critical for the rollout of charging infrastructure. Vehicles were separated into private use and business use vehicles, and the timings of EV usage events were divided into weekday and weekend events. Along with a descriptive analysis of the results, interquartile range (IQR) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses were employed to quantify and characterise EV user behaviour. An early morning peak in charging behaviour was identified, and state of charge (SOC), charge consumption, and time and distance since last charge analyses indicate EV users charge more frequently than required. Trip event patterns identify the fact that EVs are generally available to be charged overnight, reducing demand on the electrical grid during peak hours. Trip distance analyses show that EVs are typically driven short distances, confirming their suitability to urban driving environments. The results can not only account for the effects of EV integration into the Irish vehicle fleet, but it can also provide information on the likely impacts of mass integration into European energy systems.