Why Chinese car owners may not repurchase electric vehicles?

Abstract

Repurchasing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is critical to achieving BEV sales targets and decarbonizing China’s transport sector. This study investigates why current BEV owners in China might not repurchase a BEV and who they are. We conducted a stated preference experiment where respondents chose between an improved BEV and an internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) in the next purchase. We analyzed the effect of vehicle-specific attributes and attitudes on BEV repurchase likelihood using an integrated choice and latent variable (ICLV) approach. Results show that current BEV owners dissatisfied with the “driving range and charging infrastructure” and “driving performance and available BEV options” are less likely to repurchase a BEV, with the negative effect of the latter being higher. These findings provide valuable insights to devise policies promoting the repurchase of BEVs.