Smart thermostats, washing machines, and electric vehicle charging: Determinants of preferences among German and Spanish consumers

Abstract

Data from three stated choice experiments conducted in Germany and Spain with over 2500 participants provide new evidence on the determinants of consumer preferences for smart thermostats, smart electric vehicle charging, and smart scheduling of washing machine operation. Our findings reveal that across the three technologies, financial savings, the opportunity to consume energy generated from renewables, and technological benefits, such as vehicle-to-home capabilities, can increase consumer adoption of smart energy technologies. Participants were generally hesitant to fully cede control to automation. In the case of smart charging, they were resistant to deviations from their preferred battery charge (e.g., the battery not being fully charged). On the other hand, when it came to smart thermostats, respondents showed willingness to accept small deviations from their preferred room temperature. Using a hybrid choice model that combines attitudinal responses and stated preference data to capture underlying behavioral drivers, we also show how environmental concern, personal norms, social norms, and pro-environmental habits influence consumer choices. Our findings provide new insights into the interplay of behavioral and technological factors and guidance for more targeted strategies to enhance adoption.