Norwegian authorities have introduced a number of incentives for EV diffusion, in order to support a transition to environmentally friendly transport. As a result, Norway has become the country with the highest number of electric cars in the world per capita. But who are they, these EV-owners? And why have they purchased an EV?
Many EV owners are active people with high incomes living in large households in or around cities, and thus similar to other multicar owners. Photo: TØI
A survey among 1721 EV owners shows that EVs are mostly used for daily travel, especially to work, and the number of km driven annually by EVs is similar to that of the average car. The majority does not change their travel pattern when buying EVs and most EVs replace an ICE car. When an EV is acquired as an additional vehicle, some respondents increase their driving. Many EV owners are active people with high incomes living in large households in or around cities, and thus similar to other multicar owners.
They value the economy of electric motoring, the environmental benefits, and most importantly; that EVs meet their transport needs. Almost all EV owners plan to continue buying EVs. EV owners experience few disadvantages and the number of EV-only households is growing.
Media and social networks (family and friends) seem to be the most important channels for the spread of knowledge of EVs.
A parallel survey of 2241 owners of ICE cars finds a growing interest in electric motoring, with one third of the respondents considering buying an EV next time they buy a car.
With the continuation of current incentives the market share of EVs, which was 5.5% in 2013 and 13% in first half year of 2014, will probably continue to increase.
The report is part of the COMPETT project that is jointly financed by Electromobility+, Transnova and The Research Council of Norway, FFG of Austria and The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education (Higher Education Ministry) in Denmark.
Report:
Electric Vehicles – environmental, economic and practical aspects. As seen by current and potential users. TØI Report 1329/2014
Authors: Erik Figenbaum, Marika Kolbenstvedt, Beate Elvebakk
Link to the full report in English
Link to summary in English
 Contact:Erik Figenbaum efi@toi.no TØI, Norway |
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