01624224

Component

The demand for electric vehicles (EV) is accelerating and is projected to be a significant method of personal transportation. The gradual divestment of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles compounds the growth of battery based propulsion. The intent of this research is to explore if and how the usage of EVs could impact a commuter’s travel behavior and encourage drivers to maximize energy efficiency (eco-driving). A travel survey was conducted over a three month period which includes questions regarding a traveler’s daily driving habits, preferences of route choices, and opinions of recently introduced vehicle technologies. Through comparing these driving habits of EV and ICE drivers, it is shown that EV drivers are more likely to identify as ecologically conscious (eco-spirited). The research team tested the theory that EV usage could encourage lower travel speeds and less aggressive accelerating/decelerating events. The data suggests that EV drivers identify environmental and gamification techniques as significant eco-driving motivators. Perhaps the most noteworthy finding is the average EV commuter’s willingness to increase daily travel times for greater energy efficiency. The increase in travel time was even more pronounced when a fully autonomous mode of travel was suggested for daily use. The eco-spirited qualities of EV drivers have other positive ecological benefits that further differentiate them from the conventional petroleum based mode of personal transportation.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ADC20 Standing Committee on Transportation and Air Quality.

01618707

17-03897

English

13p

2017

Transportation Research Board 96th Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; References; Tables

Commuters; Demand; Drivers; Ecodriving; Electric vehicles; Travel behavior

Environment; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2017 Paper #17-03897

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Dec 8 2016 11:29AM