Geotab released new research which indicates that charging station safety is a consideration among women, and could be hindering electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Canada and the United States (U.S.).

The research, which surveyed more than 1000 men and women in Canada and the U.S. respectively, indicates safety concerns, such as well-lit, less remote charging stations, may be key considerations in EV adoption in both Canada and the U.S. 

Of the survey respondents, 46% of Canadian women and 33% of U.S. women are considering an EV as their next vehicle, while actual EV ownership statistics reveal a stark disparity. In Canada, men account for 74% of EV owners, and in the U.S., 72% of EV owners are men, indicating there are barriers for women in embracing EVs.

Safety Concerns Explored

Geotab’s research established a compelling correlation between safety concerns surrounding charging location and EV ownership, revealing notable gaps between intent to purchase and actual adoption.

Canadian Women’s Concerns:

• 30% of women surveyed expressed concerns about the overall safety of EV charging locations.
• Nearly half of the women surveyed noted easily accessible, well-lit charging stations in less remote areas would help convince them to purchase an EV.
• 20% of women surveyed are also more likely to consider increased security around charging stations as a convincing factor for their next vehicle purchase.

U.S. Women’s Concerns:

• 43% of women surveyed have safety concerns regarding EV charging stations.
• Approximately 40% of women surveyed noted the importance of accessible, well-lit charging stations in less remote areas would influence their EV purchase decision.
• 21% of women surveyed consider increased security around charging stations as a factor that could influence their next vehicle purchase.

“The lack of consistency in charging infrastructure along with concerns for personal safety may help explain in part, why women make up a minority of electric vehicle owners,” said Sherry Calkins, Vice President, Connected Car & Platform Solutions at Geotab. “Safety is also one of the most cited concerns of women working in the commercial vehicle industry, including trucking, especially when it comes to truck stops and rest areas. As we strive to attract more women to the industry, at a time when commercial fleets are moving towards EV adoption, it is important to consider these issues in order to avoid creating new barriers in the industry.”

Youthful Enthusiasm for EVs

The research also indicates that younger age groups (18-34) exhibit the most interest in EV ownership, with 53% of U.S. and 55% of Canadian respondents in this age group expressing a strong desire to own an EV. However, factors such as the cost of EVs may be limiting actual adoption, since Canadian EV drivers tend to be older with at least 50% of Canadian EV drivers aged 55 years or older and the average age of a Canadian EV driver being 51.3 years. The same is true in the U.S., where people aged 55 and older make up 53.6% of EV owners.