Title: Electric vehicle attitudes and purchase intention: a Flemish case study

Authors: S. Heyvaert; T. Coosemans; J. Van Mierlo; C. Macharis

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Mobility and Automotive Technology Research Group (MOBI), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ' Faculty of Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Mobility and Automotive Technology Research Group (MOBI), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ' Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department ETEC, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium ' Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department MOSI-Transport & Logistics, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium

Abstract: Why are electric vehicles not yet visible in our streets? Several studies focus on the consumer and his perception. It is only recently researchers are taking into account whether the consumer actually drove an EV. A living lab forms the ideal environment to question test users about their perception after a 10 weeks EV testing trial. Overall, the respondents had a moderate positive attitude towards electric mobility. They confirm that the low cost per kilometre, environmental friendliness and home charging are important advantages. Consumers with a more positive attitude experience the environmental character as a bigger advantage. The limited electric range still remains the main disadvantage, followed by the high purchase price. Surprisingly, consumers with a more positive attitude attached more importance to the higher purchase price. The willingness to purchase an EV is in some way related to someone's attitude: the more positive, the sooner one is willing to purchase an EV.

Keywords: electric vehicles; living lab; consumer attitudes; consumer perceptions; purchase intention; vehicle purchasing; electric mobility; willingness to buy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEHV.2015.068946

International Journal of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, 2015 Vol.7 No.1, pp.83 - 100

Received: 11 Oct 2014
Accepted: 23 Nov 2014

Published online: 21 Apr 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article