Battery Electric Vehicle adoption in regions without strong policies
Gracia Brückmann, V. M. Blanco, Fabian Willibald
Abstract
HighlightsoRevealed preferences from battery electric vehicle and conventional car holdersoSurvey data combined with home location data such as charger densityoMixed-effects model shows technology affinity is strongest predictoroSimilarly green party preferences and home ownership increase adoption probabilityoNo significant effects from home locations’ population or charging station density AbstractIndividual motorized transport is a major source of emissions and needs to be reduced to meet international agreements. Although alternatives to internal combustion engine vehicles are already on the market, without extensive political support, adoption remains low. Understanding the drivers of adoption of alternative technologies is key to develop effective measures to accelerate their diffusion. This paper presents personal consumer characteristics and home-location based spatial characteristics of current battery electric vehicle (BEV) and internal combustion engine vehicle holders, in a region free from strong EV policies. Using a generalized linear mixed-effects logistic model on this revealed preference data, we find that BEV ownership is predicted by technology affinity, high income, green party preferences, and living in one’s own house. Altogether, the study offers insights on the characteristics of early adopters of BEVs that can be valuable to policymakers, energy grid and charging infrastructure operators, as well as the automotive industry.