Users’ Perspectives of Bi-Directional Charging in Public Environments

Technological advances such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) have the potential to support renewable energy integration and grid stability, but their large-scale deployment depends on user participation, particularly in public charging environments. While prior research has examined V2G from technical and system-level perspectives, limited attention has been given to users’ perspectives on participating in V2G services outside the home. This study investigates electric vehicle (EV) users’ willingness to engage in V2G services in public spaces, with a focus on incentives, expectations, and everyday routines. A mixed-method approach was applied, combining a survey of 544 car users with two waves of user-centered interviews. The survey data were analyzed using factor analysis and linear regression models, while the interview data were thematically analyzed. The results show that users’ evaluations of V2G are shaped by sustainability expectations, perceived efficiency, and uncertainties, and that preferences for public V2G participation are strongly influenced by convenience, clarity of the offer, and existing parking and charging conditions. Economic incentives, such as reduced charging or parking costs, were generally preferred over more complex reward models, while concerns related to control over trips, battery degradation, and trust in service providers remain important barriers. The findings highlight the need for user-centered design of public V2G services that align with users’ routines, preferences, and expectations to improve user acceptance.