Multivariate Perceptions of Post-Purchase EV Ownership Issues

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine how electric vehicle (EV) owners perceive a range of post-purchase issues that are relevant to EV adoption. Using a nationwide sample of 1,794 Australian EV owners, we analyse the importance assigned to seven post-acquisition concerns: range anxiety, public charging availability, charging duration, upfront price and value for money, model availability and consumer choice, trust of new technologies, and battery fire safety. The empirical findings suggest that there exist differences across EV users in terms of socio-economic factors, home charging infrastructure factors and vehicle characteristics with respect to the seven rating dimensions. Further, post-purchase concerns appear to be highly positive interdependent, particularly regarding charging infrastructure, technological trust and safety, and financial aspects. Finally, simulation results show that public charging infrastructure remains highly important, even if all respondents are assumed to have access to solar panels for EV charging activities.