Electric vehicle usage and vehicle kilometers travelled: a literature review

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are viewed as a key pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, their environmental benefits depend on whether their vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT) substitute for travel by internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) rather than generating additional travel demand. This review synthesizes evidence from 34 empirical studies examining VKT by battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), comparing them with ICEVs and identifying the factors that shape EV usage. Across studies, BEVs and PHEVs generally travel fewer kilometers per day than ICEVs, with BEVs showing the lowest VKT levels. Regional differences are evident: BEVs in Europe typically record higher VKTs than those in the US. VKT patterns are influenced by a combination of socio-demographic, spatial, and vehicle-related factors, as well as EV-specific elements such as charging access and ownership type. Leased and company EVs typically travel more kilometers than privately owned vehicles, and greater access to charging is generally associated with higher electric VKT. Most studies included in this review draw on data from the early phases of EV adoption and focus on a limited set of regions. As a result, current findings may not fully capture emerging VKT patterns as EV markets scale and diversify. Future research should incorporate more recent and geographically varied datasets to track evolving travel behaviors and better assess how EVs are reshaping mobility and sustainability outcomes.