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Table 4 Reviewed experimental studies

From: Private household demand for vehicles on alternative fuels and drive trains: a review

Study

Scope

Experimental setting

Findings

Location

Urban et al. [90]

EV

Multi-media workshop placing consumers in a virtual buying environment.

Although EVs were rated highly in terms of environmental attributes, environmental concern was the lowest rated issue when purchasing a vehicle.

California (US)

Kurani et al. [54]

EV

Interactive interview based on week-long travel diaries

Perceived driving range is smaller than expected. Viable market for EVs with 60 to 100 miles driving range.

California (US)

Kurani et al. [55]

EV

Experiment-oriented interviews

Although environmental awareness may not lead to the purchase of an EV, it may encourage households to seek out and evaluate EVs for purchase considerations. Home recharging is the most highly valued attribute, whereas environmentalism is the least valued.

California (US)

Innovative mail survey with:

- video of EV use and recharging

- 3-day trip diary

- map of activity locations

Vehicle choice experiments.

Gould and Golob [39]

EV

Personal vehicle trials with:

Although opinions about environmental efficacy showed improvement after the trial, participants would choose an EV on the basis of other factors (e.g., low running costs) than the environmental benefit.

California (US)

- inboard travel logger

- a fill-in travel diary

- pre- and post-trial survey

Golob and Gould [38]

EV

Personal vehicle trials with:

Experience with EV did not change the perception of the desired range (i.e., similar to that of a gasoline car).

California (US)

- inboard travel logger

- a fill-in travel diary

- pre- and post-trial survey

Martin et al. [61]

HFCV

Real-driving and refuelling experience, pre- and post- clinic surveys.

Short-term exposure improved the respondent’s overall impression of HFCV. A driving range of 480 km is found to be acceptable for 90 % of the respondents.

California (US)

Axsen and Kurani [9]

PHEV

Attitudinal survey, travel and parking diaries, design games.

More new vehicle buyers might be adapted for vehicle recharging than generally assumed. Home recharging is the key determinant for an early PHEV market.

California (US)

Axsen et al. [11]

PHEV

Attitudinal survey, travel and parking diaries and design games.

The performance requirements of batteries might be closer to commercially viable PHEVs than expected.

California (US)