The rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market has brought significant opportunities and challenges to the automotive industry. According to JATO Volumes data, battery electric vehicle (BEV) global market share surged from 2.1% in Q1 2020 to 12.5% in 2024. Including hybrid powertrains, electric vehicles accounted for 18% of all vehicle sales in Q1 2024, reflecting a shift towards more sustainable transportation. However, as manufacturers race to meet this demand, the lack of standardized EV charging data has become a barrier to clear consumer understanding and competitive analysis.
Challenges in EV Charging Data
Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, where fuel gauges are standardized, electric vehicles come with a range of methods for reporting state of charge (SoC) and charging times. Automakers provide varying figures, such as maximum battery capacity in kilowatt-hours (kWh), usable kWh, or omit battery details altogether. This variation complicates direct comparisons of charging times across EV models.
Moreover, different charging modes and infrastructure add to the inconsistency. Charging rates depend heavily on factors like onboard charger capacity, environmental conditions, and the type of charging mode (AC or DC). For instance, Mode 3 charging (AC) often ranges from 0% to 100% SoC, while Mode 4 (DC fast charging) typically covers from 10% to 80% SoC, but deviations exist among automakers.
Impact on Automakers and Consumers
The absence of a uniform approach to charging data creates confusion among consumers and inefficiencies for automakers. It makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about EVs based on charging times and durations. This lack of clarity can hinder automakers’ ability to position their products effectively in a highly competitive market, potentially slowing innovation and market adoption.
JATO’s Solution: Standardized Charging Information
To combat these challenges, JATO has developed a series of calculations to standardize charging data across various EV models. Using data from automotive brands, JATO calculates theoretical charging durations for Mode 3 and Mode 4 scenarios, taking into account factors like battery density, cable specifications, and temperature. This allows JATO to provide comparable charging durations that give both automakers and consumers a clearer picture of charging performance.
By categorizing different types of electrification, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), JATO enables like-for-like comparisons in both operational analysis and customer-facing tools. Regular reviews by JATO’s data scientists ensure that this information remains up-to-date and relevant.
