Data-driven Insights into South Korea's National Utilization of the EV Charging Infrastructure

Abstract

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is rapidly progressing globally, fueled by climate change concerns, efforts to reduce emissions, and technological innovations. Critical to this still-nascent transition is the continued development of reliable charging infrastructure. However, recent large-scale studies utilizing real-world data on EV charging patterns have been scarce. This study bridges this gap by analyzing comprehensive 2023 EV charging data from South Korea, focusing on charger types (slow vs. fast), facility types (residential vs. non-residential), and hourly usage patterns. We find that slow chargers are significantly more utilized than fast chargers in both residential and non-residential settings. Residential slow chargers are heavily used overnight, reflecting the prevalence of overnight home charging. In contrast, non-residential chargers of both types peak during the day, aligning with typical work schedules and daily routines. Fast chargers, despite their comparatively lower utilization, remain essential for providing quick charging solutions, whereas installations in residential zones may be less effective due to limited access and lower demand. These findings are consistent with research from other EV-active nations, suggesting universal aspects of EV charging behavior. The study emphasizes the need for strategic, data-driven infrastructure development to optimize resource allocation, enhance charging network efficiency, and support the broader adoption of EVs both in South Korea and globally.