Relating to purchasing and using electric vehicles (EVs), housing- and income-related aspects significantly shape perceptions and preferences amongst potential buyers, finds a brand new study in Energy and Climate Change. This research, a collaboration between the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is among the many first to look at each EV adoption and charging infrastructure through an equity lens coupled with state-of-the-art original survey data.
Understanding the barriers to widespread EV adoption is crucial for ensuring equitable access to fossil-fuel-free transportation. Through a joint research appointment with NREL, IGS Director Benjamin K. Sovacool co-authored the study led by NREL to advance a just transition to wash energy.
“To date, high-income homeowners comprise a disproportionate share of the electrical vehicle market. Nevertheless, we have now a responsibility to be certain that all communities can enjoy the various advantages of auto electrification, comparable to cleaner air,” said Sovacool. “As we rapidly develop latest technologies to mitigate the climate crisis, we must devote ample attention to understanding the needs and constraints of the individuals who put those innovations to make use of of their every day lives. In doing so, we position ourselves for broader and more lasting change when it comes to decarbonizing passenger transport.”
An original nationwide survey
To know how socioeconomic and demographic aspects influence EV adoption, Sovacool and his co-authors conducted an in depth online survey of greater than 7,000 adults across the USA. Survey questions gathered comprehensive data on vehicle purchase history and preferences, desired charging locations, perceived advantages of and barriers to EV use, homeownership, income level, basic demographic information, and more.
“The electrification of our transportation systems is a crucial component of the energy transition,” said Adam Warren, director of the Accelerated Deployment and Decision Support Center at NREL and a senior fellow at IGS. “As this work shows, to-date the policies and incentives supporting EV adoption haven’t been equitably shared by all communities. We hope this evaluation and the sharing of the entire survey instrument will help those planning for the transition with a concentrate on energy justice.”
Expanding purchasing and charging options
EV adoption and charging are deeply intertwined with housing and other features of every day life. By examining these variables in a single study, the authors were in a position to discover relevant patterns and offer recommendations for increasing access.
- Greater variety: The necessity for more variety in EV sales is one potential area of improvement. Survey respondents with lower incomes were more prone to prefer a pre-owned sedan, van, or pick-up truck. The authors recommend that manufacturers introduce more diverse EV types and classes, and that policymakers enact measures to strengthen the used EV market.
- Reliable and convenient charging: Survey respondents with lower incomes were more prone to rent their property and live in multi-family homes, where they might be unable to put in charging equipment. Study findings highlight key equity concerns in the present model for EV charging, which centers on the house and workplace. To make sure equitable charging, the authors suggest targeted policies comparable to rebates and modified constructing codes. In addition they recommend placing charging stations at grocery stores, industrial districts, and gas stations, where people can charge while completing errands.
Finally, many individuals and households in the USA don’t own a private automotive. The authors emphasize the importance of e-bikes, electric buses, and EV car-sharing programs for allowing more people to directly enjoy the advantages of auto electrification.
Rapid and effective electrification
Vehicle electrification is critical to slowing greenhouse gas emissions. In keeping with the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for about 28% of emissions in the USA. Greater than half of transportation sector emissions stem from cars and other light-duty vehicles.
Expanding access to EVs and charging infrastructure will help increase demand, market size, and support for relevant investments and policies. All these aspects are key to rapidly scaling up a thriving electrified transportation system.
“With the intention to implement effective strategies and policies to fulfill the various needs of various households, we must first understand those needs,” Sovacool said. “After we center justice and equity, we’re higher in a position to take care of people and the planet.”
