User’s perceptions of electric, hybrid, and fuel-powered vehicles in Iraq and Jordan

Abstract

The shift towards the use of electric vehicles or hybrids has become one of the methods used to reduce the sources of pollution in many countries around the world. This study aims to understand drivers’ perceptions and concerns with regard to electric, hybrid, and fuel-powered vehicles in Iraq and Jordan. An online survey was conducted through emails, social media, and connections to Iraq and Jordan. The study included 1352 participants, 662 (49%) from Iraq and 690 (51%) from Jordan. The chi-square homogeneity test was used to analyze the data. The majority of participants from Iraq reported that they do not have electric or hybrid vehicles because of the lack of charging stations. Participants from Jordan reported that they do not have electric or hybrid vehicles because they feel that electric or hybrid vehicles are unreliable. An additional logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine significant predictors that influence the person’s choice of having friendly environmental fuel sources (electric or hybrid). Significant variables were found, such as country of region (Jordan and Iraq), gender, age group, car ownership, vehicle emissions, and climate change-related issues. The study identified regional, cost, performance, reliability, and environmental issues that affect people’s perceptions and concerns about diversifying fuel sources used for vehicles. Raising public awareness of the benefits and actively changing society’s perception, in the long run, requires an initiative that can be sustained constantly in society.