Electrifying Household Car Fleets: Dynamics of Electric Vehicle Adoption and Travel Behavior in the Transition to Electric Mobility

Abstract

The transportation sector contributes around one quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, making the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to electric vehicles (EVs), particularly battery electric vehicles (BEVs), essential for achieving climate goals. This thesis examines the electrification of household car fleets, focusing on the dynamics of EV ownership and travel behavior during the transition to electric mobility, and generates societal, environmental, and policy insights. It advances existing research on EV adoption by exploring three key dimensions: the linkage between EV adoption and household fleet composition, the timing of adoption, and the integration of EVs within household fleets. It also investigates how EVs are used compared with conventional vehicles. Using data from the Dutch National Travel Survey, an original survey, and a literature review, the thesis applies behavioral, spatial, and statistical modeling to identify the determinants of EV adoption, adoption timing, fleet integration strategies, and usage patterns. The findings reveal distinct patterns across household types and ownership structures, showing how social influence, policy awareness, and perceptions of EV benefits shape both the decision and the timing to adopt. Analysis of vehicle usage further uncovers differences in travel behavior between EV and conventional vehicle users, emphasizing the roles of ownership status and charging accessibility. Overall, this thesis deepens understanding of household-level transitions toward electrified mobility. It contributes to innovation and adoption theory and provides practical policy insights for promoting BEV ownership and accelerating private fleet electrification, supporting a more sustainable and inclusive transport future.