Early adopters of electric vehicles in Germany unveiled

Abstract

The socioeconomic characteristics of early adopters of electric vehicles (EVs) differ from those of buyers of conventional vehicles, as do their attitudes towards new technologies, their mobility, and their awareness of ecological issues. They are found to have a higher average income, a higher level of education and more cars at their disposal per household. However, most of the existing studies are based on small samples, or used stated preference surveys which attempted to describe potential purchasers of EVs. Furthermore, when it comes to the kind of EV, most of the studies analyse the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) only, with just a few looking at the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). An analysis of representative data collected from more than 3,000 owners of BEVs and PHEVs in Germany partially confirms the findings mentioned, but finds that aspects such as socioeconomic characteristics and their attitudes vary greatly among EV users.First the paper gives an overview of the socioeconomics of EV drivers in Germany, and key facts about their driving and charging behaviour. Subsequently, the main factors motivating people to buy an EV are identified and analysed for owners of BEVs and PHEVs. This is complemented by an analysis of general attitudes of EV owners towards factors such as the image of EVs, environmental awareness and mode choice. To conclude, the willingness to pay for technologies such as fast-charging, inductive charging and battery size selection is analysed.

Potential Early Adopters of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in Spain—Towards a Customer Profile

“…In this particular study, the higher levels of concern about climate change among female customers in Spain may go some way to explain this [98]. Regarding the higher levels of income enjoyed by early adopters of EVs in Spain, the results of this study are in line with those of earlier research [40][41][42][43], so this study confirms the importance of this variable in market segmentation strategies. Additionally, regarding consumers' age, there was a higher proportion of young people among respondents less likely to purchase EVs.…”

“…This is often as a result of their generally higher level of education and income as well as product knowledge [11]. In the context of EVs, existing research shows that income and social status tend to influence positively the product's adoption [40][41][42][43], even if a handful of studies have questioned this assertion as wealthier individuals may in some cases favour luxury combustion engine vehicles as a status symbol over EVs [33]. All in all, income is a key variable influencing the adoption of EVs.…”

Beyond Adoption: Examining Electric Vehicle Miles Traveled in Households with Zero-Emission Vehicles

“…Many studies have examined consumer adoption preferences for ZEVs. Compared with ICEV buyers, ZEV early adopters tend to be male, middle or older aged, with high income and high educational attainment, and from multi-car households ( 14 – 21 ). The stated preferences of mainstream consumers in relation to the potential purchase of ZEVs are also extensively studied ( 4 , 6 , 22–26 ).…”

Profiling Spanish Prospective Buyers of Electric Vehicles Based on Demographics

“…The higher educational level of these people enables them to learn about smart mobility more quickly [31]. Previous research shows that income and social status tend to influence the product's adoption positively [32][33][34][35]. Moreover, [13] (p. 18) argues "high-income consumers are likely to be more environmentally conscious because consumers with higher income can bear more".…”