Challenges and benefits in peer-to-peer EV charger sharing: an explorative study to actual hosts

Peer-to-peer sharing of private home electric vehicle chargers is promoted as a way to widen access. While a growing literature examines perceived benefits/risks and stated willingness to host or rent, less is known about how verified hosts experience hosting in practice and what sustains participation over time, particularly in the UK. We conducted semi-structured interviews in June 2025 with 16 verified hosts across the United Kingdom. Our participants reported three experienced benefits: small cost-offsets from an otherwise idle asset, helping nearby drivers with affordable and convenient charging, and a sense of environmental stewardship. Demand was thin and inconsistent, and viable participation often depended on repeat, hyper-local ties rather than a broad marketplace. Key barriers were trust and liability uncertainty, privacy and safety at the household boundary, and coordination frictions in booking. This study conclude that peer-to-peer home charging is a targeted complement to the public network, industrial and policy implications are provided.