Impact of Consumer Demographic Characteristics on Adoption Rate of Electric Transportation

Abstract

This study sought to contribute additional research to advancing electric transportation through identifying correlations between demographic characteristics and a consumer's interest in adopting electric transportation. While the electric vehicle (EV) market is relatively small, it has steadily expanded since 2010 and is forecasted for exponential growth in the coming decades if the United States follows suit behind other developed countries. This paper utilized customer survey results from a mid-sized electric utility in Northeastern Minnesota. Quantitative analysis was used to explore the relationship between demographic characteristics and interest in ownership of an EV. Results did not show a statistical significance between any of the demographic variables and interest in electric vehicles, but demonstrate a need for further research on this topic and the ways that the U.S. has been able to incentivize adoption of EVs.