Electric vehicle attitudes and purchase intention: a Flemish case study

Why are electric vehicles not yet visible in our streets? Several studies focus on the consumer and his perception. It is only recently researchers are taking into account whether the consumer actually drove an EV. A living lab forms the ideal environment to question test users about their perception after a 10 weeks EV testing trial. Overall, the respondents had a moderate positive attitude towards electric mobility. They confirm that the low cost per kilometre, environmental friendliness and home charging are important advantages. Consumers with a more positive attitude experience the environmental character as a bigger advantage. The limited electric range still remains the main disadvantage, followed by the high purchase price. Surprisingly, consumers with a more positive attitude attached more importance to the higher purchase price. The willingness to purchase an EV is in some way related to someone's attitude: the more positive, the sooner one is willing to purchase an EV.