Creating a qualitative typology of electric vehicle driving: EV journey-making mapped in a chronological framework. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alkhalisi, Andrea Farah
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 69(2020)
• Page Start: 159
• Page End: 186
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Digital media -- Social media -- Behaviour change -- Practices -- Task analysis -- Taxonomy; Automobile drivers -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Automobile driving -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 629.283019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2020.01.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-8478

Abstract

Highlights: There are spatio-temporal and affective elements specific to EV driving. Drivers describe habits, practices, routines and dynamic behavioural adaptations. Digital media tools are deployed through the stages of journey-making in an EV. The typology outlines interactions with energy supply systems and infrastructure. Understanding from the typology could inform solutions to dispel 'range anxiety'. Abstract: 'Range anxiety' is considered a barrier to market acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs), but perceptions of inadequate recharging infrastructure and limited battery range may be part of a more complex set of consumer concerns; experiences and practices of existing EV drivers – with reference to wider transport and energy systems – need to be understood in greater detail. Qualitative material from semi-structured interviews [n = 88] is used to formulate a chronological Typology of Electric Vehicle Driving which synthesises drivers' decisions, actions and dynamic considerations before, during and after a journey. The typology outlines and tabulates spatio-temporal elements specific to driving an EV; describes adaptations and compromises in household routines and travel habits; draws out how or when drivers engage with external digital information sources – i.e. smartphone apps, social media – during journey-making; plots their intervention in behavioural changes; and could inform development of infrastructure, tools or services, policy or interventions to support EV uptake.