Electric vehicle adoption dynamics: exploring market potentials

This project proposes innovative methods to identify the determinants of acceptance of alternative vehicles and their impact on everyday mobility.

The greatest challenge faced by the promoters of the transition towards this low carbon engine technology lies in understanding how consumers accept the financial and lifestyle investments associated with the leap from traditional to electric powertrains. This project proposes innovative methods to identify the determinants of acceptance of alternative vehicles and their impact on everyday mobility. A deeper understanding of adoption dynamics is critical to predict who will opt for EVs when and under which conditions.

This project will focus on innovative data-collection and modelling methodologies to uncover the acceptance of EVs at different stages of market-penetration (considering inexperienced/experienced users, early pioneers/late-adopters). A thorough analysis of the consumer decision-making process will lead to uncovering the barriers and success factors related to EV uptake and to forecast buying and usage behaviours related to new vehicle classes.

This research project will last three years and is conducted by the Transport and Mobility Laboratory, directed by Prof. Michel Bierlaire. It will be conducted by a postdoctoral researcher, who will also act as the project manager, and a PhD student. It is sponsored by Nissan Europe.

Principal investigator Prof. Michel Bierlaire
Project manager Mathieu de Lapparent
Sponsor Nissan Europe
Period 2014-2017
Laboratory TRANSP-OR
Collaboration TRACE