Knowledge, Information or Configuration - An Analysis of Consumer Powertrain Choice in Germany
Type
working paper
Date Issued
2024-05-08
Author(s)
Abstract
The uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is among the measures to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the global transport sector. However, the overall demand for BEVs is limited. Insufficient research has focused on the influence of BEV knowledge on consumer powertrain choice and how information on BEVs affects consumer decisions. Furthermore, research examining the influence of BEV knowledge and information on product configuration is scarce. This article examines these issues through a survey of 746 participants in Germany who were interested in buying a new car within the next 3 years. The results suggested that with increasing consumer knowledge of BEVs, the importance of certain product attributes increases. In addition, having BEV-related information does not necessarily promote BEV uptake, as also partly reflected in product configuration. Instead, emotions and habits appear to play important roles in powertrain choice. To minimise GHG emissions from the transport sector by accelerating the uptake of BEVs, manufacturers and policymakers should therefore proactively address consumers' experiences, habits and emotions regarding internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs).
Keywords
battery electric vehicles
knowledge
information
powertrain choice
car purchase
BEV uptake
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open.access
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240506_Alexandria_Collet_Linke.pdf
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