The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory announced today that it is partnering with J.D. Power to inform the development of more accessible and reliable charging networks and drive the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) throughout America. A global leader in consumer insights, advisory services, and data and analytics, J.D. Power will share its EV Index^SM to provide Argonne researchers with new data sets offering valuable insights into the rapidly growing EV market, as well as a deeper understanding of the EV charging consumer experience.

“Universally accessible, equitable, and reliable EV charging infrastructure is a cornerstone to widespread consumer adoption of EVs,” said Michael Berube, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Transportation and Fuels in DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. ​“It is critical that we consistently evaluate detailed trends in the availability of public chargers, specific obstacles consumers face with the existing charging network, and regional variations in consumer demand to ensure resilient grid infrastructure, provide adequate EV charging capacity and coverage, and support access to EVs by all Americans.”

As the demand for EVs continues to rise, researchers and policymakers face the critical task of understanding consumer preferences, barriers to adoption, and charging experiences. This knowledge will help inform the development of a convenient and reliable national charging network, ultimately driving the widespread adoption of EVs. Funded by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and the Vehicle Technologies Office, the new data sets will include detailed information on EV driver quantities; patterns of EV adoption; and the preferences, usage patterns; and the challenges of EV charging infrastructure users.

“Combined with Argonne’s technical data and analysis, J.D. Power’s data on EV-related consumer behavior will help Argonne and DOE advance the understanding of the current EV user and charging landscape,” said Claus Daniel, Associate Laboratory Director for Advanced Energy Technologies. ​“This understanding will support decision-making that moves the nation closer to its clean transportation and climate goals.”

Argonne is a leader in tracking and assessing trends and barriers to vehicle electrification in the U.S. and supply chains that support electrification. Argonne provides key EV data and analysis on a broad range of topics — from EV manufacturing to reductions in gasoline consumption and carbon emissions — to the DOE.

Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation’s first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America’s scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The Sustainable Transportation and Fuels pillar within DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy aims to increase access to domestic, clean transportation fuels and improve the energy efficiency, convenience, and affordability of transporting people and goods.

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation was established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to align the world-class resources and expertise of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Vehicle Technologies Office supports new, efficient, and clean mobility options that are affordable for all Americans through the RDD&D of advanced batteries, vehicle electrification, lightweight materials, mobility systems, and the decarbonization of all modes of transportation.