Driver’s Perception on Electric Vehicles and its Commercial Marketability in Malaysia

Abstract

Today, majority of the world population are getting more concern on products impact towards the environment. In many parts of the world, electric vehicles (EV) are gaining popularity with vehicle owners due to higher fuel price and lower carbon monoxide emitted to the environment. In Malaysia EV technology is still in infancy stage and many Malaysian drivers are not familiar with this technology. The two main objectives of this study are to investigate the Malaysian driver’s perceptions and awareness on EV technology (i.e. price, driving range, charging point infrastructure and cost of ownership) and to identify EV potential and marketability. A set of questionnaire was developed, pilot tested for its reliability and validity; and distributed to 300 respondents. However, only 112 respondents returned the completed survey questionnaire giving a response rate of 37.3%. The survey finding shows the respondents’ perceptions and knowledge were varied with respect to gender, age, educational level and monthly household income. In depth analysis of the survey results revealed that respondents with higher educational level, age and household income are more likely willing to invest in EV compared to those with lower educational level and household income. Their main positive perceptions on EV are less maintenance, zero carbon monoxide emission to the atmosphere and lower energy cost (i.e. charging cost) compared to fuel cost.