The association between automobility engagement and electric vehicle preferences among car buyers

Abstract

Today’s societies are characterized by a reliance on privately-owned vehicles, or “automobility”. In this context, electric vehicles (EVs) are essential to achieve global climate targets, but few studies investigate the relationship between EVs and incumbent automobility. This study examines if automobility shapes consumer preferences for EVs by analyzing a survey and stated choice experiment applied with 2,555 Canadian new car buyers. We implement a scale exploring consumer engagement with automobility and identify seven constructs through factor analysis. Using regression analysis and a latent class model, we find significant associations between automobility engagement and EV preferences. For example, “Driving Enjoyment” and “Environmental Concern about Car Use” are associated with a preference for EVs, while “Car Empowerment” is associated with a preference for conventional vehicles. We conclude that EVs have a reformist relationship with automobility, potentially continuing certain aspects of automobility at a consumer level while being perceived to lower automobility impacts.