Electric vehicle (EV) type choice model: Latent class modelling (LCM) approach

Abstract

This study develops a flexible Latent Class Model (LCM) to investigate the electric vehicle (EV) type choice decisions of Halifax residents. It utilizes cross-sectional data from the 2022 Halifax Travel Activity (HaliTRAC) survey, which includes questions related to EV adoption. This study also analyzes eight attitude and lifestyle preference related statements using principal component analysis (PCA) technique and finally extracts three components labeled as “EV enthusiasts”, “Sustainable travellers”, and “Remote work arrangement admirers”. This paper explores the heterogeneity between two classes for different alternative vehicle type choice, such as, battery electric vehicle (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and regular internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Based on class membership attributes, class-1 can be identified as those who live in suburban areas, have a large family with high vehicle ownership, and are interested in travelling with their family members, especially with their children and vice-versa for class-2. Results suggest that variables across two classes portray heterogeneity, such as, full-time worker portray positive correlation for class-1 and negative to class-2; high annual household income group (more than $200,000) exhibit high propensity to choose BEV in class-2 and vice-versa for class-1. Sustainable travelers emphasize the adverse connection towards regular vehicles, while EV enthusiasts demonstrate a favorable association with embracing any type of EV (BEV, PHEV, HEV). Furthermore, the findings from this analysis provide guidance for policy measures such as offering purchase incentives, expanding charging infrastructure, and implementing tax rebates to promote the uptake of EV among the residents of Halifax.