A recent study published in Energy and Climate Change highlights how factors such as housing and income significantly influence the perspectives and preferences of potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers. This research, a collaboration between the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) under the U.S. Department of Energy, is one of the first to analyze both the adoption of EVs and the charging infrastructure through the lens of equity, utilizing advanced original survey data.
Identifying the obstacles to widespread EV adoption is vital for granting equitable access to transportation that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels. Benjamin K. Sovacool, IGS Director, co-authored this study which was spearheaded by NREL, aiming to promote a fair transition to clean energy.
“Currently, high-income homeowners make up a significant portion of the electric vehicle market. However, we must ensure that all communities can benefit from vehicle electrification, including improved air quality,” stated Sovacool. “As we rapidly innovate to address the climate crisis, understanding the needs and limitations of those who utilize these new solutions in their everyday lives is crucial. This awareness will support broader and more sustainable changes in decarbonizing passenger transport.”
A comprehensive national survey
Sovacool and his colleagues conducted a detailed online survey involving over 7,000 adults in the U.S. to explore how socioeconomic and demographic factors affect EV adoption. The survey collected extensive information regarding vehicle purchasing history and preferences, preferred charging locations, perceived benefits and barriers to EV adoption, homeownership status, income levels, demographic characteristics, and more.
“Transforming our transportation systems to electric is a key part of the transition to cleaner energy,” noted Adam Warren, who heads the Accelerated Deployment and Decision Support Center at NREL and is a senior fellow at IGS. “As this research has revealed, current policies and incentives for EV adoption have not been distributed equally among communities. We hope that this analysis, along with the complete survey tools, will assist planners focusing on energy justice during the transition.”
Enhancing buying and charging options
The study found that EV adoption and charging are closely linked to housing and daily life factors. By analyzing these elements together, the authors identified significant trends and proposed strategies for improving access.
- Increased variety: There is a noted need for more diverse EV options. Respondents from lower-income backgrounds showed a preference for used sedans, vans, or pickups. The authors suggest that manufacturers should offer a broader range of EV models and that policymakers should bolster the used EV market.
- Accessible and dependable charging: Many respondents with lower incomes were renters in multi-family homes, many of whom cannot install charging equipment. The study pointed out crucial equity issues in the current EV charging model, which primarily focuses on residential and workplace locations. To enhance equity in charging access, the authors recommend targeted policies such as financial incentives and updated building regulations, as well as installing charging stations in convenient locations like grocery stores, commercial areas, and gas stations.
Additionally, a significant number of individuals and families in the U.S. do not own cars. The authors stress the value of e-bikes, electric buses, and shared EV programs in helping more people experience the advantages of vehicle electrification.
Swift and effective electrification
Electrifying vehicles is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation contributes approximately 28% of total emissions in the United States, with over half of these emissions coming from cars and light-duty vehicles.
Improving access to EVs and the necessary charging infrastructure will likely boost demand, expand the market, and generate stronger support for related investments and policies. All of these components are critical for rapidly developing a successful electrified transportation system.
“To design effective strategies and policies that meet the diverse needs of different households, we must first gain a clear understanding of these needs,” said Sovacool. “By prioritizing justice and equity, we are better equipped to support both people and the environment.”
