Behavioral interventions boost charging habits in U.S. and Japan, TRI reports

The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) released research showing that behavioral science interventions can change electric vehicle (EV) charging behavior and lower carbon emissions.

The research was conducted in the United States and Japan and evaluated ChargeMinder, a prototype app developed by TRI’s Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence division.

U.S. and Japan trial results

In the U.S., plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivers increased charging by 10 percent when prompted by behavioral interventions.

In Japan, PHEV and battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivers shifted charging to periods when renewable energy was more available. On average, drivers added nearly 30 minutes of daytime charging per vehicle each day.

TRI also reported that U.S. PHEV drivers’ satisfaction with their vehicles increased by 16 percentage points, reaching 100 percent after the interventions.

ChargeMinder app details

ChargeMinder uses behavioral science strategies designed to improve charging behavior. Features include just-in-time reminders, positive reinforcement through streaks and summaries, and educational quizzes to improve learning about charging practices.

The app integrates data from vehicle telematics and charging locations while preserving user privacy. According to TRI, the interventions are inexpensive and can be deployed faster than infrastructure initiatives or financial incentives.

Next steps

Both studies were randomized controlled trials involving EV drivers from 12 brands.

TRI and Toyota’s Carbon Neutral Center plan to expand ChargeMinder research to focus on personalized, data-driven interventions. The research aligns with Toyota’s global carbon neutrality strategy and emphasizes the role of human behavior in decarbonization.