The Effectiveness and Limits of Time-of-Use Pricing in Public EV Charging Networks

TL;DR

This study evaluates how time-of-use pricing influences electric vehicle charging behavior in Shenzhen and Amsterdam, revealing city-specific responses and the impact of weather and infrastructure upgrades.

Contribution

It provides a detailed empirical analysis of intraday EV charging responses to pricing, highlighting differences between cities and the effects of weather and infrastructure changes.

Findings

Shenzhen mainly adjusts charging intensity in response to pricing.

Amsterdam mainly adjusts participation in charging sessions.

Weather influences responsiveness differently in Shenzhen and Amsterdam.

Abstract

Time-of-use pricing is promoted to manage demand at public EV charging stations, yet its effectiveness depends on short run flexibility and local constraints. Using station by day by hour data from Shenzhen and Amsterdam, we estimate intraday price responsiveness on two margins, whether charging occurs in a station hour and, conditional on charging, delivered energy and occupancy time. High dimensional fixed effects absorb station by day demand shocks and hour of week patterns, so identification relies on within station, within day price variation under scheduled tariffs. Responses differ across cities. Shenzhen adjusts mainly through conditional intensity, whereas Amsterdam adjusts mainly through participation. Weather shifts responsiveness in opposite directions, with heat weakening responses in Shenzhen and rainfall strengthening participation responses in Amsterdam. Power upgrades typically outperform network densification except in transit-oriented areas.