User Experience of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Shanghai: A Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

The electrification of transport is vital to achieving global climate targets, with electric vehicles (EVs) positioned as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel–based mobility. However, the scalability of EV adoption hinges on the accessibility, reliability, and user experience of public charging infrastructure. As China leads the world in EV adoption, Shanghai represents a critical case for evaluating user satisfaction in a megacity context where infrastructure density, urban planning, and consumer behavior intersect. Despite significant investments in expanding charging facilities, limited empirical research has examined how users perceive and interact with Shanghai’s public EV charging network. This study addresses that gap through a quantitative, user-centered analysis of responses from 197 EV users using the QUESS-PAC framework (Quantitative User Experience Survey Strategy for Public EV Charging Analysis in Cities). A structured questionnaire assessed satisfaction across multiple dimensions: infrastructure layout, convenience, pricing, ease of use, safety, and lighting. Using SPSS (v28), descriptive analysis and multiple regression were conducted to identify key determinants of satisfaction. The findings indicate low overall user satisfaction, with critical weaknesses in location planning, cost transparency, and interface usability. Regression analysis highlights four significant predictors of satisfaction—layout, ease of use, pricing, and lighting—with charging price emerging as the most influential factor. This study’s unique contribution lies in the development and application of the QUESS-PAC framework, which integrates quantitative UX metrics with behavioral and spatial dimensions to provide a more systematic assessment than prior descriptive studies. It emphasizes the need for integrated planning that combines spatial equity, service design, and behavioral insights. Based on the analysis, policy recommendations are proposed to enhance satisfaction and encourage adoption. These findings offer transferable insights for global cities navigating the electrification of transport.