A Bigger Driver of Electric Car Adoption: Fiscal Stimulus or Technological Innovation

Abstract

Although the low EV uptake depends on both demand and supply factors, this paper focuses on the demand side and more specifically on the drivers’ preferences for EVs. We designed and administered stated preference interviews at national level, collecting data from a sample of 996 respondents. We explore the main determinants of consumer preferences such as gender, age, education, family income, car ownership, garage availability, BEV knowledge, and attitude towards the environment. To this aim, we estimate a multinomial logit (MNL) and a random parameter logit (RPL) model including as variables such as purchase price, fuel economy, driving range, charging time, fast charging density and free parking. We estimate the models also in the Willingness To Pay (WTP) space, and compare the results with previous Italian and international studies. Finally, we perform a scenario analysis comparing the impact of financial policies vs. technological improvements.