The association between automobility engagement and electric vehicle preferences among car buyers

IF 7.3 1区工程技术 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Transportation Research Part D-transport and Environment Pub Date : 2025-01-24 DOI:10.1016/j.trd.2025.104596

Viviane H. Gauer , Jonn Axsen , Zoe Long , Elisabeth Dütschke

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Today’s societies are characterized by a reliance on privately-owned vehicles, or “automobility”. In this context, electric vehicles (EVs) are essential to achieve global climate targets, but few studies investigate the relationship between EVs and incumbent automobility. This study examines if automobility shapes consumer preferences for EVs by analyzing a survey and stated choice experiment applied with 2,555 Canadian new car buyers. We implement a scale exploring consumer engagement with automobility and identify seven constructs through factor analysis. Using regression analysis and a latent class model, we find significant associations between automobility engagement and EV preferences. For example, “Driving Enjoyment” and “Environmental Concern about Car Use” are associated with a preference for EVs, while “Car Empowerment” is associated with a preference for conventional vehicles. We conclude that EVs have a reformist relationship with automobility, potentially continuing certain aspects of automobility at a consumer level while being perceived to lower automobility impacts.

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来源期刊

Transportation Research Part D-transport and Environment 工程技术-运输科技

CiteScore

14.40

自引率

9.20%

发文量

314

审稿时长

39 days

期刊介绍： Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment focuses on original research exploring the environmental impacts of transportation, policy responses to these impacts, and their implications for transportation system design, planning, and management. The journal comprehensively covers the interaction between transportation and the environment, ranging from local effects on specific geographical areas to global implications such as natural resource depletion and atmospheric pollution. We welcome research papers across all transportation modes, including maritime, air, and land transportation, assessing their environmental impacts broadly. Papers addressing both mobile aspects and transportation infrastructure are considered. The journal prioritizes empirical findings and policy responses of regulatory, planning, technical, or fiscal nature. Articles are policy-driven, accessible, and applicable to readers from diverse disciplines, emphasizing relevance and practicality. We encourage interdisciplinary submissions and welcome contributions from economically developing and advanced countries alike, reflecting our international orientation.