Bidirectional Charging Acceptance: Effects of Information Detail, User Characteristics, and Interaction Experience

User acceptance plays a key role in the transition to intelligent charging infrastructures. A core concept that is part of sustainable energy mobility is bidirectional charging (BC). This technology enables electric vehicles (EVs) not only to draw energy from the grid, but also to feed energy back into it. However, public acceptance of such technologies remains limited. Hence, this study investigates how varying levels of information detail, user characteristics, and interaction with an EV charging prototype app with BC capabilities influence user acceptance. We employed a 3×2 mixed-design experiment (N = 33) measuring the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) determinants perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), and behavioral intention (BI) before and after an interaction with an app prototype for smart charging. These preliminary findings are part of a wider ongoing study that is also investigating users' understanding and mental models of BC. The results suggest that the interaction with the prototype significantly increased BI, PU, and PEU, with the most substantial changes observed in the group with the highest level of information detail. Affinity for Technology Interaction (ATI) emerged as a significant predictor of BI. However, due to an interaction effect between gender and group assignment, the results of this study must be treated with caution. Therefore, we present these findings as preliminary insights into the variables shaping users’ acceptance of BC apps and highlight the need for further research to validate these effects.