An Analysis of Consumer Incentives in Support of Electric Vehicle Uptake: An Australian Case Study

Gail Broadbent,Graciela Metternicht,Danielle Drozdzewski

doi:10.3390/wevj10010011

Gail Broadbent, Graciela Metternicht + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj10010011

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Abstract

Transitioning from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to innovative technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs), can be a crucial pathway to reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and other negative externalities arising from fossil-fueled cars used for personal transport. Government action to correct insufficient market incentives has been essential in countries working to enhance EV acceptance; however, to date in Australia, there has been little government support to enact EV uptake. This paper identifies barriers and incentives to EV adoption in Australia through a survey of pro-environmental motorists, including an experimental component to test information provision influences on attitude change. Results evidence that wide ranging factors influence vehicle choice including EVs. Purchase barriers are focused on lack of a comprehensive recharge network and high EV purchase price. Factors encouraging fully EV uptake showed affordable price (56%) increased vehicle range (26%) and an adequate recharge network (28%) were mentioned most often; only 13% specifically indicated environmental regard as influential. Information provided about EVs increased the likelihood of positive attitudes towards EV purchase and decreased uncertainty about the technology. Recommendations arising from this research could be considered by laggard countries that, like Australia, have yet to take significant action to encourage transition to EVs.

Highlights

Burning fossil fuels for energy has a pivotal role in global warming, which left unchecked could lead to catastrophic climate change [1]
Does oil consumed for transport via internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) result in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, a wide range of other negative externalities impact the environment, economy, and society [2]
A total of 330 useable responses from Australian motorists were collected from the first online questionnaire, few of whom were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) (1.8%) or buy fully electric vehicles (BEV) (0.3%) owners

Summary

Introduction

Burning fossil fuels for energy has a pivotal role in global warming, which left unchecked could lead to catastrophic climate change [1]. Transitioning to alternative transport energy sources is critical for Australia to reach its GHG emissions target and reduce its reliance on imported oil; with existing technologies presenting some of the lowest cost options [3]. Analyses of strategies employed in various industrialized markets demonstrate that government action is essential to encourage individuals to buy EVs, the need for governments to support the roll-out of fast recharge infrastructure, among other initiatives. Such actions can be a crucial path to rapidly reduce transport-related oil consumption; to date, Australian government action to facilitate the transition to EVs has been very limited [2]. Compared to other mature car markets (for example, Norway, the Netherlands, California), Australia has a

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