Prioritizing key attributes influencing electric two-wheeler usage: A multi criteria decision making (MCDM) approach – A case study of Hyderabad, India

Abstract

The rapid urbanization and subsequent growth of Motorized Two-wheelers (M2W) have significant negative implications on the environment through increased pollution levels in India. Replacing M2W with alternative fueled vehicles such as Electric Two-wheelers (E2W) might significantly minimize pollution. In this regard, this study has attempted to identify and prioritize the set of key E2W specific attributes based on the prospective users' perception. Initially, a comprehensive set of E2W specific attributes influencing users' perception towards E2W usage were identified from the literature. A user-perception-based questionnaire on a standard five-point Likert scale was designed to elicit prospective users' perceptions on the identified E2W attributes. Hyderabad, an Indian metropolitan city, was selected as the case study city to demonstrate the methodology. The users' perception data was then evaluated with the Meta Ranking function; it evaluates the aggregated rankings of the attributes based on the rank aggregation of the results obtained from multiple Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods. The results obtained from the analysis have revealed that among the economy-related attributes, purchase cost and operating cost are perceived as the key attributes. Similarly, range and top speed are found to be the key influencing attributes among the vehicle-related attributes. Among the infrastructure-related attributes, the charging infrastructure and the parking infrastructure were important attributes. Finally, among the user-perceived benefits related attributes, health benefits, and reduction in tailpipe emission were perceived to be significantly influencing the users. Results also indicated a significant influence of socio-economic parameters on users' perception towards E2W attributes. Based on research findings, a set of policy interventions are proposed for devising key strategies for making E2W a more attractive mode.