Acceptance of Electric Vehicles and New Mobility Behavior: The Example of Rhine-Main Region: Fid-Bau Portal

Acceptance of Electric Vehicles and New Mobility Behavior: The Example of Rhine-Main Region

Schaefer, Petra K. / Schmidt, Kathrin / Knese, Dennis

To sustainably introduce electromobility in Germany research concerning the acceptance of this new form of mobility within the general public is a necessity. Thus, the Department New Mobility of the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences has conducted two different research projects on that matter: “Elektrolöwe 2010” determined the potential electric car user in Hesse, using available mobility data on traffic behaviour. The studies were conducted for three different areas which are typical for the state of Hesse: a monocentric (Kassel), a polycentric (Frankfurt), and a rural region (Lauterbach). One main result was that less than 10 % of all respondents in all areas stated that they travel 80 km or less per day. Considering that an average electric car has a range of at least 100 km before the battery needs to be recharged, the often discussed range issue is not a problem for most people on an average day. From this point of view, there is a great potential for electric vehicles in Hesse. Within the Model Region Electromobility Rhine-Main social-scientific accompanying research has been conducted. Through quantitative surveys it was possible to gain detailed information about the users’ acceptance and the mobility behaviour before and after the introduction of electric vehicles.Survey results show that, in general, users were highly motivated. Even though the respondents have a similar background and form a rather homogenous group as far as age and gender are concerned, it is still possible to draw overall conclusions: electric cars are especially suitable for thedaily commute to work. Only 2 % of all users within the survey have journeys of more than 100 km to get to work, and could easily use an electric car for their daily commute. Electric vehicles do not only replace regular cars but also bikes and pedestrian traffic. Public transport is not affected by electric vehicles, especially not for commuting. For short distances of 10 km or less Pedelecs are an alternative to non electric motorized vehicles. Even though most respondents have an overall positive attitude towards electromobility, only a few would consider buying an electric car due to the high costs of purchase. However, certain incentives, such as tax reduction and free parking, would change peoples’ minds.