Toyota wants to change drivers' EV charging behavior

• EVs and plug-in hybrids can't deliver their full climate benefit unless they are charged regularly and at the optimum times to avoid stressing the grid.

Between the lines: A 2022 Stanford University study found that while most EV owners charge their cars overnight, it's better to charge during the day when cleaner energy sources are available, such as solar power.

What they did: Scientists at Toyota Research Institute's Human-Centered AI (HCAI) division developed a prototype app, ChargeMinder, which incorporates insights from behavioral science to improve EV charging behavior.

• It delivers just-in-time reminders about when to charge, while providing reinforcement with streaks, summaries and encouraging messages.
• It also employs quizzes that leverage memory science to enhance learning.

What they found: In separate studies in the U.S. and Japan, behavioral interventions significantly improved drivers' charging behavior.

Zoom in: In the U.S., plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivers increased charging frequency by 10%, and reported higher satisfaction with their vehicles.

• In Japan, Toyota saw a 59% increase in drivers charging during the day to take advantage of peak renewable energy.

The bottom line: Nagging doesn't work, but people set reminders for themselves all the time, Gill Pratt, Toyota's top scientist, tells Axios.

• The trick is to nudge when they charge to help them get the most out of their EV.