Electric vehicle adoption intentions among UK residents parking in shared and public spaces

Abstract

A lack of charging opportunities is cited as one of the main barriers to the adoption of plug-in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Charging opportunities are even more limited for the millions of households across Europe without the space to charge a vehicle at home, but research has not previously targeted these households. This study aims to fill this gap by assessing whether and how such residential parking constraints shape norms, attitudes and perceived behavioural control over charging, and thus intentions to adopt a BEV. Data from a nationally representative survey of car drivers in the UK without a private driveway or garage captures the perspective of these individuals who have different characteristics from early adopters of BEVs. The results show that personal norms around the environmental benefits of BEVs and positive attitudes towards BEV technology have the greatest influence on intentions to adopt, whilst social norms and perceived behavioural control over charging are less influential. The results also show that high income men are most likely to hold positive social norms that boost their intentions to adopt BEVs, whilst geographical context affects both social norms and perceived behavioural control over charging. In summary, the psychological approach applied shows that a more inclusive transition to BEVs is best supported by policies that first focus on emphasising their environmental benefits and that they are fun and economical to drive, and then look to increase social expectations and awareness of BEVs and charging infrastructure.